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Published: 2022-07-06 10:00:00 Updated: 2022-07-06 10:00:00
Posted July 6, 2022 10:00 a.m. EDT
By Tara Lynn, WRAL contributor
Raleigh, N.C. — Just an hour outside of Raleigh sits a quiet slice of idyllic farm living and fresh fruit pickin'. There's something to enjoy nearly year-round at Millstrone Creek Orchards.
Chances are that if you have driven to the North Carolina Zoo by way of Highway 64, you have passed by Millstone Creek Orchards. It sits about a mile off of the highway. I finally had a chance to go and enjoy it with my kids in late June.
The Orchards run a special story time from March through November. Each week has a different theme based on what is in season. We were able to go during blackberry and blueberry picking.
Here's what you need to know if you plan to head out for this fun adventure:
Where: Millstone Creek Orchards is just outside of Siler City off Highway 64. There is a shop with farm-made goodies, local desserts and fresh apple cider. The farm has large open orchards for pick-your own berries, peaches, apples, pumpkins and more depending on the time of year. There is a large playground with all sorts of wooden structures and old tires. There is also a bathroom and pond.
What: The story time was truly a treat and so much more than I expected! We met under a nice shaded pavilion (with fans too!) for a look at how fruit grows and enjoyed a special story book. Next, we loaded up on three tractors for a hay-ride to the berry patch! It was late June in North Carolina, so it was hot! We started with the blackberries and then moved over to the blueberries.
Each child had a pint-sized container to fill up as much as they could. We could also eat as much fresh off the vine as we wanted. OMG! The berries had so much flavor!
We were then able to see the peaches that should be ready this week. We also saw there they had started the pumpkin patch!
We headed back to the pavilion for the farm's famous apple cider slushie. The kids also had a chance to choose a special blueberries slushie too!
All-in-all, we were there for about an hour and a half and could have stayed longer. It really was so much fun!
What to bring: In the summer, pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a bottle of ice water. I would suggest ditching the stroller and use a baby carrier if you do have a baby with you. Definitely have the kids wear closed-toe shoes.
You could easily pack a picnic with you to enjoy lunch afterwards and the kids can play on the playground. Story time starts at 11 a.m.
Cost: $15 per child (includes one adult chaperone)
Reserve your spot online: https://www.millstonecreekorchards.com/fruity-picking-storytime
There is plenty of parking in front of the shop and there is a shelter for bathrooms my kids were easily able to use themselves (ages 5 to 8).
Who: Byrd and Diane Ipsom first started the farm with a few rows of apple trees in 2001. Since then, it has grown fruit by fruit, field by field. It is a family-run farm where you feel right at home when you visit.
More: The Orchards are open most of the year for u-pick opportunities. They offer peaches, apples, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, pecans, pumpkins and gourds. They also have various markets as well as special events and even deluxe picnics. They are famous for their fresh apple cider and apple cider donuts in the fall!
Learn more on their website: https://www.millstonecreekorchards.com/
Tara Lynn is a former WRAL reporter and anchor. She lends her 15-plus years in journalism to tell visual stories through love-filled photography for families of all kinds. The mother of three little humans and one senior rescue dog believes in celebrating magic in the little things, the big loves, and the imperfect moments that make the most remarkable memories. Her vision is to help families celebrate and share their love through photography and curated album artwork that become timeless keepsakes connecting multiple generations...because moments often pass in the blink of an eye, and the photographs we take connect us to our memories and our great loves, forever.
You can find Tara Lynn on Instagram at @TaraLynn_andCo and TaraLynnAndCo.com. Learn more about her photography at TaraLynnAndCoPhoto.com.
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