Last weekend, our family had the pleasure of experiencing the Rutledge Family Farm Sunflower Festival, and it was truly a delightful way to kick off the fall season. Open for just two weekends each year, from 9 am to 6 pm, we made sure to arrive bright and early on Saturday morning, a decision that proved to be perfect for enjoying all the farm had to offer.
Rutledge Family Farm Sunflower Festival Entrance
Our adventure began with an exciting tractor ride that transported us from the entrance directly to the heart of the sunflower fields. This tractor ride was an instant hit, especially with our youngest, who declared it the highlight of the entire visit! The anticipation built as we rumbled along, eager to see the floral spectacle that awaited us.
Family enjoying a tractor ride to the sunflower fields at Rutledge Family Farm
Upon arriving at the sunflower fields, we were greeted by an incredible sight – a vast expanse divided into three distinct sections, each showcasing a unique type of sunflower. “The Big Field of Yellow” was a classic display of traditional sunflowers, stretching as far as the eye could see. Next, we wandered into the “Field of Beauty,” a stunning collection of ornamental sunflowers boasting a diverse palette of colors, from pure whites to deep reds. Finally, we explored the “Field of Giants,” where towering sunflowers stood an impressive 9 to 12 feet tall, making us feel wonderfully small in comparison. Walking through these diverse fields was an amazing experience, as none of us had ever witnessed such a variety of sunflowers in one place. I was personally captivated by a striking yellow and red variety, while my daughters were enchanted by the delicate pinkish-white blooms, and, as expected, our youngest was absolutely amazed by the sheer size of the giant sunflowers.
Exploring diverse sunflower varieties at Rutledge Family Farm Sunflower Festival
Each ticket to the Rutledge Family Farm Sunflower Festival includes not only the fun tractor ride but also the opportunity to cut your own sunflower bloom from any of the fields. For those wanting to take more of this beauty home, additional sunflowers are available for purchase. You can find detailed ticket information and pricing here. We couldn’t resist selecting several extra sunflowers, choosing a few from each field to create a vibrant bouquet to brighten our home.
Cutting fresh sunflowers at Rutledge Family Farm Sunflower Festival
As we wandered through the fields, we discovered thoughtfully placed photo opportunities scattered throughout. The Rutledge Family Farm Sunflower Festival is undeniably a picturesque location, perfect for capturing memorable photos. For those serious about photography, they even offer dedicated photographer sessions at specific times to take advantage of the best light and fewer crowds.
Photo opportunity amidst sunflowers at Rutledge Family Farm
After we had our fill of sunflower picking and picture taking, we hopped back on the tractor for a ride to the designated area to return our shears and pay for the extra flowers we selected. Nearby, we found a charming picnic area complete with swings, where a band was in the process of setting up for live music. The arrival of food trucks further enhanced the atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy lunch after our exploration of the sunflower fields.
Relaxing at the picnic area with live music at Rutledge Family Farm Sunflower Festival
Before heading home, we made a stop at the farm’s produce stand, a must-do before leaving Rutledge Family Farm. We purchased some fresh corn and a juicy watermelon, both of which turned out to be absolutely delicious and a perfect taste of farm-fresh goodness to extend our visit.
Fresh produce stand at Rutledge Family Farm offering corn and watermelon
Our visit to the Rutledge Family Farm Sunflower Festival was a fantastic way to spend a weekend morning. We spent around two hours at the festival, but you could easily extend your visit to three hours or more if you plan to picnic and linger longer. One helpful tip for anyone planning a visit: wear appropriate footwear! The fields are quite dusty, and our shoes were definitely coated in dust by the end of our trip. It’s not a problem with the right shoes, but sandals are probably not the best choice. Overall, our family highly recommends Rutledge Family Farm’s Sunflower Festival. It’s a truly worthwhile experience if you are in the area and looking for a fun, family-friendly outdoor activity.
Family leaving Rutledge Family Farm Sunflower Festival after a fun day
We extend our sincere thanks to Rutledge Family Farm for gifting our family tickets to their wonderful Sunflower Festival. We are already looking forward to visiting again next year!
