If you’re looking for a fun, fresh‑air outing near Wilmington, NC, you’re in for a treat. Whether you love pumpkin patches, sunflower fields, or just want to know where your food (and flowers!) comes from, local farms offer a charming way to spend the day. Inspired by a great article in StarNews Online (“Farms to Visit in Wilmington NC include Trask Family Farms, Greenlands,” 2025), here are some of the top farms to visit—with tips, history, and what makes each one special. A big thanks to the original author and StarNews for spotlighting these gems.
🌻 Trask Family Farms: A Wilmington Favorite
Location: Castle Hayne, NC (just outside Wilmington)
History & Legacy: Family owned and operated for generations, the Trask family has farmed this land since the 1930s. Today, under newer leadership, they blend tradition with fresh ideas. Trask Family Farms +2 Trask Family Farms
What to Do There
- Corn Maze: Over 4 miles of winding paths, with different difficulty levels. Great for families or groups looking for a challenge. Trask Family Farms+1
- Sunflower Maze & Festival: Huge fields of sunflowers, photo opportunities, plus games, live music, food, and craft vendors. Usually open during early summer. Trask Family Farms+1
- Pick‑Your‑Own & Produce: Fresh seasonal produce. Maybe you want tomatoes, corn, pumpkins, or even flowers to take home. Trask Family Farms+2Trask Family Farms+2
- Events & Community Ties: Local festivals, hayrides, farm store goodies, and more. It’s about connecting people with agriculture and the land. WWAYTV3+2Trask Family Farms+2
Tips for Visiting
- Check the seasonal schedule: Some attractions, like the sunflower maze, are only open a few weeks. Timing matters. Trask Family Farms+2https://www.wect.com+2
- Expect varying ground conditions (mud/dust) depending on recent weather. Dress appropriately. Trask Family Farms+1
- Bring a camera! These farms are photogenic—flower fields, rustic farm buildings, colorful produce… Trask Family Farms+1
🌿 Greenlands Farm & Other Local Picks
Another farm that gets frequent mention is Greenlands Farm in Bolivia, NC. While the original StarNews article provides more details on various farms, here’s what makes Greenlands special:
- Educational and community‑focused: They offer open farm days, guided tours, and even mobile programs for schools. WilmingtonBiz
- Unique experiences: “Cow cuddling,” yoga on the farm, and a self‑service farm stand on weekends. These are the sorts of things that make visiting memorable, especially for families or folks wanting something beyond just “see and pick.” WilmingtonBiz
- Event venue: Greenlands also serves as a venue for weddings and other gatherings. So if you love farm scenery, it may be more than just a day visit. WilmingtonBiz
🌼 Why Visiting Local Farms Matters
- Connects you to your food & flowers. Rather than seeing produce in plastic at the store, you get to see how it grows, why seasonality matters, and the work that goes into it.
- Supports the local community. Farm‑owners, seasonal workers, vendors—all benefit. You contribute to preserving farmland and rural traditions.
- Offers unique experiences. Farms are dynamic: they change with the seasons. A pumpkin patch in autumn, fresh flowers in summer, creative festivals in between.
✅ What to Know Before You Go
| Thing to Check | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Opening dates & hours | Activities are seasonal. Mazes, festivals, etc., are often only open certain days. |
| Ticketing or fees | Some farms have admission or event fees; others charge per flower or ride. |
| Weather & clothing | Boots for mud, sunscreen, water bottles—plan for the outdoors. |
| Amenities | Restrooms, food vendors, shade—some farms are better equipped than others. |
| Accessibility & pets | Many farms allow pets on leash; check each farm’s policy. Also consider walking distances, terrain. |
Final Thoughts
If you’re anywhere near Wilmington and want a day out that’s fun, educational, and fresh, Trask Family Farms and Greenlands Farm are must‑visits. They combine the nostalgia of farms with modern, thoughtful touches—events, festivals, art, nature. Thanks again to StarNews Online for bringing attention to these local treasures.