As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, summer beckons us to step outside and explore the world around us. Luckily, you don’t have to travel far for unforgettable experiences. Davie County is bursting with local farms, fresh produce, and family-friendly agritourism activities that are perfect for making the most of your summer.
Whether you’re picking sunflowers, shopping for just-harvested vegetables, or exploring the world of honeybees and heirloom tomatoes, there’s a summer adventure waiting right in your backyard.
Fresh & Flavorful: Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are the heartbeat of local food in summer. Each week, you can find juicy peaches, ripe tomatoes, fresh corn, pasture-raised meats, baked goods, and more directly from Davie County farms.
Mocksville Farmer’s Market
Wednesdays 3:00-6:00 p.m. | May–October
317 Sanford Ave, Mocksville
Bermuda Run Farmer’s Market
Fridays 3:30-6:30 p.m. | April–October
190 NC Hwy 801 South, Advance
Advance Farmer’s Market
Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | April–October
1938 NC Hwy 801 South, Advance
Come meet the farmers, taste seasonal flavors, and enjoy shopping in the open air. These markets are more than places to shop; they’re places to gather, taste, and celebrate the bounty of our local land. Whether you’re shopping for a weekend cookout or simply enjoying a stroll with a cup of local coffee, you’re helping to strengthen our local agricultural community.
Visit a Davie County Farm
Beyond the markets, many of Davie County’s farms invite visitors to stop by and experience the magic of the land up close. Each one offers its own blend of fresh food, warm hospitality, and the simple joy of being surrounded by nature.
Kennedy Family Farms is a beloved destination where shopping feels like a visit with family and friends. Located on Ijames Church Road in Mocksville, the market offers eggs, milk, home decor, and handmade goods. Their monthly Maker’s Market is a great opportunity to connect with artisans and discover one-of-a-kind treasures.
Cherry Hill Farm offers a strong focus on wholesome, sustainably raised food, with summer produce that includes heirloom tomatoes, strawberries, melons, squash, beans, and more. Similarly, Hoover Family Produce Market, located on Woodward Road, combines affordability and abundance, offering a wide variety of seasonal produce alongside country ham, dried beans, and other Southern staples that reflect generations of family farming knowledge.
Keep an eye on Koren Farms, too. Their calendar is full of engaging community events, vendor markets, and unique farm experiences. Whether it’s alpaca feedings or hayrides, there’s always something fun around the corner.
Host the Perfect Backyard BBQ
Davie County has all the ingredients for an unforgettable backyard barbecue. Start with locally raised meats that bring quality and flavor to the table.
Brantley Farms, Weatherman Farms, and Granite Ridge Farms all offer pasture-raised beef and sausage that make for a standout centerpiece on the grill. If you’re planning pork ribs or chops, Jerry Foster’s Farm Fresh Pork and Farmington Meat Processing provide trusted, local options. For those looking for halal meat, Mousavi Farm offers a thoughtfully curated selection, along with fresh herbs and eggs.
Of course, no summer meal is complete without a spread of seasonal produce. Dew Drop Farms supplies a colorful variety of vegetables, ideal for roasting, slicing, or tossing into a fresh salad. Yellow Bell Farms complements any cookout with additional produce and baked goods that bring comfort and flavor to the plate.
Mushrooms are another flavorful addition to your summer spread. In addition to taking your burgers to the next level, mushrooms offer a variety of health benefits and can be grilled, sautéed, or skewered. Look for locally grown mushrooms at Cedar House Farms and Hillcrest Farms.
Pick-Your-Own FUN
For a true farm-to-table experience, head out to one of Davie County’s pick-your-own destinations. These interactive farms allow you to gather fruits or flowers directly from the source, offering fresh air and fun for the whole family.
Hall’s Berry Farm in Advance is a local favorite for organic blueberries. Harvest typically starts in mid-to-late June, so plan a visit and get your hands on nature’s sweetest summer treat.
If flowers are more your thing, plan a visit to The Fields at Sunflower Trail. This seasonal sunflower and wildflower maze is as much about the experience as it is the bouquet you bring home. With bursts of color, photo ops around every turn, and affordable flowers for picking, it’s a delightful way to spend a summer afternoon.
Since bloom and harvest times can vary, it’s a good idea to check their social media pages for the latest updates before planning your visit.
Sip & Savor the Season
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a glass of wine on a warm summer afternoon, especially when that wine is made right here in Davie County. From bold reds to crisp whites and creative blends, our local wineries offer relaxing settings and distinctive flavors to explore.
Lazy Elm Vineyard & Winery specializes in dry red wines made in small batches. Their process results in rich, smooth reds that are easy to sip and full of character. For something different, try one of their fortified dessert wines like Selfish or Lazycello, both made with their own distillation equipment. The peaceful location and welcoming atmosphere make it a great spot to unwind.
In Mocksville, Dove Vine Beverage brings a modern twist to local wine and cider. This small-batch winery and taproom features a rotating lineup of wines, meads, and ciders. Guests can even take home their favorite drink in a can, filled and sealed on the spot. The space is casual and community-focused, perfect for trying something new with friends.
Rayson Vineyard & Winery, formerly RayLen, continues a legacy of quality while adding fresh energy. Now under new ownership, Rayson focuses on wines that reflect the unique character of the region. Their estate offers a beautiful backdrop for tastings, weekend outings, and events, with a wide selection of well-crafted varietals. Adding to the experience is their full-scale restaurant, Bistro Europa. Open Thursday through Sunday, the bistro offers a seasonal menu served in scenic outdoor seating areas, from high-top tables on the covered patio to picnic spots on the lawn. Be sure to make a reservation in advance to ensure you don’t miss the chance to enjoy their delicious menu.
Whether you’re looking to explore new flavors or enjoy a glass with a view, these local wineries offer a perfect way to savor the season.
From Bees to Bouquets
There’s something about a home filled with fresh flowers that lifts the spirit and brings nature indoors. Whether you’re arranging a bouquet for your kitchen table or planting pollinator-friendly blooms in your garden, local farms in Davie County offer countless ways to celebrate the natural beauty of the season while supporting the hardworking pollinators that help it thrive.
Hillcrest Farms in Mocksville is a wonderful resource for all things floral. Known for their vibrant seasonal arrangements, quirky succulents, and herb and vegetable starters, they offer both in-store selections and convenient plant delivery services. Whether you’re sprucing up your porch with a cheerful potted plant or sending flowers to a friend, Hillcrest blends quality with ease.
Cedar House Farms delivers both fresh produce and vibrant, hand-tied bouquets that bring a splash of color to any home. Their floral subscription service offers a convenient and beautiful way to enjoy seasonal blooms, such as sunflowers, snapdragons, zinnias, lisianthus, and dianthus throughout the summer.
Ruby Ridge Farm also offers a floral subscription, with bouquet pickup available either at their farm or during the Bermuda Run Farmers Market. Their arrangements feature a colorful mix of summer favorites, including lisianthus, zinnias, sunflowers, cosmos, celosia, cockscomb, and dahlias. Both farms provide a creative and colorful way to brighten your space with fresh, local flowers.
For a taste of something sweet, Johnson Apiaries & Farm offers fresh, local honey alongside their homegrown produce and eggs. Their honey reflects the region’s rich floral diversity and brings a delicious touch of nature into your kitchen.
Those interested in the beekeeping process itself can turn to Dyson Apiaries, a trusted local source for queen bees, nucleus colonies, and beeswax products. Whether you’re an experienced beekeeper or just curious about the process, Dyson’s offerings make it easy to get started and learn more about supporting healthy pollinator populations.
These farms and apiaries remind us that beauty, flavor, and environmental stewardship are often intertwined. By supporting local growers and beekeepers, you help protect pollinators, preserve natural landscapes, and bring a little more joy to your everyday surroundings.
Grow Local: Garden & Landscape Essentials
Summer is the season of growth, and Davie County’s locally owned businesses are ready to help your yard and garden thrive. If you’re planning to refresh your yard this summer, Davie County’s locally owned businesses offer everything you need. Steelman’s Ace Hardware in Advance and Heritage True Value in Cooleemee provide a wide range of garden tools, seeds, and starter plants for both beginner and seasoned gardeners. For those seeking unique or heirloom varieties, Terranova Farm in Mocksville specializes in organically grown vegetables, while Davie Farm Service – Southern States has long been a reliable source for garden and farm supplies.
For larger projects, Mulch-N-More offers a variety of materials, including mulch, sand, soil, and stone, along with delivery options and expert advice. And if you’d rather leave the planning to professionals, Wind Chime Nursery in Farmington offers design services alongside a broad selection of trees, shrubs, and plants grown in their on-site greenhouses.
Support Local, Stay Local
This summer, trade long drives and busy crowds for fresh food, wide-open skies, and the friendly faces of Davie County. Whether you’re planting tomatoes, sipping local wine, or picking wildflowers with the kids, these local farms and businesses make it easy to enjoy a full season of adventures right in your backyard.For a full list of farms, download the Visit NC Farms app or contact the Davie County Cooperative Extension for guidance, growing tips, and local updates.
