As the summer heat begins to wane, there’s still an opportunity to embark on a flower-picking adventure before local farms shift to their fall offerings. Here are seven pick-your-own flower farms, all within a two-hour drive from Charlotte, arranged by their proximity to Uptown.
McLawland Farms
Located in northeast Charlotte, McLawland Farms offers a u-pick flower experience from April until the first frost, typically in early November. Visitors can choose from various jar sizes to take home their flowers: a milk jar for $12.50, a pint jar for $18.50, a premium quart for $24.50, or a VIP quart for $36.50. The farm also hosts tours, events, and overnight stays in its two on-site Airbnbs throughout the year.
If you go: Appointments are necessary and can be made for Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Distance from Uptown: 25 minutes
Location: 8632 Reedy Creek Road, Charlotte
Wise Acres
This Indian Trail farm offers u-pick flowers year-round, with pumpkin picking available from September 14 to November 3. For $17.50, visitors can pick 20 stems and take them home in a farmhouse jar.
If you go: Reservations are required.
Distance from Uptown: 30 minutes
Location: 4701 Hartis Road, Indian Trail
Aurora Flora
Near Lake Norman, Aurora Flora provides a cut-your-own bouquet experience most weekends from May to September. The farm’s 1/4-acre field is filled with hundreds of blooms. Prices are $25 for an individual cup and $75 for a bulk bucket.
If you go: Reservations are required.
Distance from Uptown: 30-45 minutes
Location: 169 Judas Road, Mooresville
Curiosity Farm Flowers
Just minutes from downtown Concord, Curiosity Farm offers u-pick flowers every Thursday and Saturday in August from 6 PM until sunset. Expect to find zinnias, sunflowers, marigolds, celosia, and dahlias. The cost is $20 for a large mason jar (included) or $30 for a French flower bucket (bring your own pitcher).
If you go: The farm is open on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Distance from Uptown: 35 minutes
Location: 520 Crestmont Dr SE, Concord
Pocket of Poppies
This Unionville farm allows visitors to pick their own flowers until the first frost of the season. U-pick hours are announced on Sundays for the upcoming week. Prices are $25 for a pitcher (30-40 stems), $65 for a bucket, and $13 for kids to fill a vase. Be sure to bring your own container, as the vessels provided cannot be taken home.
If you go: Check the farm’s schedule on Sundays for the week’s u-pick hours.
Distance from Uptown: 45 minutes
Location: 6515 Love Mill Rd, Unionville
Thompson Family Farm
Located in South Carolina, this family farm features a sunflower maze, a u-pick flower garden, and a pumpkin patch. Sunflowers are $1 per stem, while access to the flower garden costs $25 plus admission, which includes a cup for collecting flowers.
If you go: The fall season starts on August 28, with the farm open from Wednesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM.
Distance from Uptown: About two hours
Location: 13830 SC-11, Campobello, S.C.
Stepps Hillcrest Orchard
At this family-owned orchard, visitors can pick from over 10 varieties of sunflowers and zinnias across an 8-acre field. The farm also offers u-pick apples, pumpkins, grapes, and tulips depending on the season.
If you go: The orchard is open Monday-Thursday from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Friday-Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Distance from Uptown: About two hours
Location: 170 Stepp Orchard Dr, Hendersonville
For those looking to enjoy the last of summer’s blooms, these farms offer a range of options close to Charlotte.