The Hall Family Farm on Providence Road West in Charlotte was a berry/pumpkin picking institution for many families. Not only did most CMS, UCPS and LCPS schools go regularly for field trips, but families would spend hours at the farm - from birthday parties to photo sessions to play dates. And when it hosted its final season last October before the COV19 Pandemic hit, many of us were left with a sense of sadness.
Then we learned it wasn't actually goodbye - it was a "see you later" situation: and this year, Hall Family Farm will once again welcome Charlotte-area families back to their NEW farm, located in Lancaster, SC.
We joined Farmer Kevin Hall on the farm for a quick preview of what you can expect Tuesday when they officially open for berry season and I can assure you, you won't be disappointed!
The new farm is settled back, way off of Rebound road - on a dirt driveway flanked with two large boulders. And if you don't know it's there, you'll miss it. As we drove down the long driveway, the first thing that stood out to me was that it is HUGE ~ we're talking like 8 times the size of the old farm, for sure! Also, unlike the old farm: there is SO MUCH PARKING! Oh, and the parking lot and the fun are separated by the driveway and...a FENCE! For so many, especially those with "adventurous kids," that fence will be appreciated.
Once we got onto the property, we saw the familiar firetruck play structure, surrounded by some obstacle course items like balance beams and large tires, the fan-favorite duck water cannon game, the photo-stand, and under a large pergola, the sandbox. (Also, the grass is being mowed this weekend)
Towards the "outside" edge of this sprawling space, you'll find the animals. For now, Kevin shared that they'll have chickens and roosters, and a few pigs. He is working on finding some goats and sheep to join the pack soon. There is also, currently, a few mounds of red dirt that will be available for the kids to dig and play in - so pack a change of clothes or don't dress cute.
In the middle of the property, you'll find some plumbed hand-washing stations, the familiar sales tent (which will soon be replaced by an actual building), and, new to this farm, a full commercial kitchen. YES! That's right - you'll be able to buy traditional "amusement" type food (burgers, corn dogs, funnel cakes, donuts, slushies) from a certified commercial kitchen - making it even easier to spend the day enjoying the outdoors.
Towards the back of the lot, you'll find the fields. This year, the Halls only planted 2 acres of Strawberries, but have the capacity for much more in the future. And believe me, the berries are the sweetest and best we've had yet! And, they'll be ready for you this week.
The farm will not be requiring reservations, as the Halls believe we'll be able to spread out nicely in accordance with CDC spacing guidelines. Further, the farm will be again hosting wagon rides around the incredible new property; those will be ticketed and masks will be required. Over the next several months, the Halls will be adding additional play features and have some fantastic plans for the property including walking trails and other kid-friendly attractions.
For more information about Hall Family Farm, visit them on the web or on Facebook. Always call (704-562-4021) to make sure the fields are open or check online.
