On the outskirts of Fayetteville, North Carolina, there are a handful of farms that specialize in giving their visitors a unique, pick-your-own experience. Fayetteville is most commonly known for the home of the United States military installation, Fort Bragg. Stripping back the hardened layers of military life, the average citizen can discover a rich history in agricultural farming. For a few dollars, anyone can visit these farms, purchase produce and even, in some cases, ride a pony or hayrack.
Before visiting these farms, call ahead to confirm their hours of operation. Many farms are only open during the prime picking season, usually the summer months.
Auman Vineyards
910-867-9689, 1300 71 st School Road
For over 35 years, Loyd and Louise Auman have grown scuppernong and muscadine grapes. For 13 years now, they have grown their grapes organically. When visiting the farm, you will be warmly greeted by Loyd and Louise who will gladly show you the honey bees and give a brief history of the vineyards. For a fair and reasonable fee, you are able to pick-your-own grapes or purchase pre-picked items.
Bullard Farms
910-303-3795, 2280 Cedar Creek Road, Stedman
Bullard Farms, established in 1855, is now run by Collins Bullard, his father and mother, his wife Alison and their two sons. The family manages 1,500 acres of corn, wheat, soybeans, hay, and watermelons. They also produce 180,000 tom turkeys annually. Visit the farm during the summer months, June through August, and pick-your-own watermelons.
Bunce Brothers Farm, Inc
910-483-5007, 6267 Blake Road, Stedman
The Bunce Brothers Farm is open all year. Plan a visit to pick-your own-strawberries. Pre-picked produce is also available in season: pumpkins, greens, tomatoes, watermelons, and cantaloupes.
Carter Blueberry Farm
910-483-1670, 4140 Clinton Road
Established in 1970, Carter Blueberry Farm is run by Mr. and Mrs. Buck Carter. With over six acres of Rabbiteye Tiffblue blueberries, the Carter's strive to provide a unique and memorable pick-your-own blueberry experience. Plan your visit in the summer months, July through August.
Gillis Hill Farm
910-867-2350, 2701 Gills Hill Road
For eight generations, the Gills family has farmed on the outskirts of Fayetteville. When you visit, you will have the opportunity to tour the farm for a few dollars. On the tour you will get a taste of what farm life is like, how a real working farm operates and how technology has effected farming over the years. For a few more dollars, children can ride the ponies. When you finish with the tour, make sure you stop in and try their famous homemade butter pecan ice cream. It won't disappoint.
McNeill Farms
910-425-7354, Chicken Foot Road, Hope Mills
McNeill Farms is open from April to November and offer a variety of produce for the picking: asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, corn, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and sweet potatoes.
Stedman Blueberry Orchard
910-531-3110, 5991 Sidney Bullard Road, Stedman
Pick-your-own blueberries in June and July.
West Produce
910-497-7443, 2026 Hayes Road, Spring Lake
West Produce is a family owned and operated farm in its third generation. The owners, Tommy and Jean West, strive to educate its customers on vegetable production and American agricultural methods. The farm is available for educational tours, birthday parties and hayrides; call ahead to schedule. West Produce is open from April to October for a variety of produce: corn, squash, cucumbers, peas, tomatoes, melons, okra, potatoes, collards, beets, turnips, greens, onions, cabbage, apples, beans, blueberries, strawberries, jams, jellies, peppers and pumpkins.
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