Bloom Where You Are Planted : Gillis Hill Farm

When my family moved back to North Carolina in 2013, there were several things we were looking forward to. One of those things was a local roadside stand where I would buy fresh veggies during the summer. To our surprise that veggie stand expanded greatly in the 7 years that we were away. There was now a huge roadside stand and separate from it, Gillis Hill Farm where they sell homemade ice cream. Who can resist ice cream? Certainly not my family. Once we visited we were hooked on this hidden treasure in our own backyard.

I have mentioned the produce that I have picked up at Gillis Hill Road Produce, along with their local honey multiple times. It is my hands down, favorite produce stand. Driving a short distance down the road, you will discover another local treasure, Gillis Hill Farm.  The farm is owned by the Gillis family that has been in the Sandhills region for 9 generations and it is a working farm. They grow a variety of things but their homemade ice cream is a local favorite.

It’s easy to find, just look for the American Flag on the barn. It is right across the street.

Gillis Hill Farm is a separate business from Gillis Hill Road Produce and some of the things that drive locals there is their homemade ice cream, baked goods, local beef, and fresh eggs.  Then there is always exploring the farm.

When you arrive on the farm your first stop is their ice cream shop to get some of their delicious homemade ice cream. They have a variety of flavors including their flavor of the month that you can have in a homemade waffle cone or a cup.

As a note gluten is used in the shop, there are signs everywhere stating this. While a flavor of ice cream may be gluten free cross contamination is possible. Yes, I take the risk a few times a summer and have been ok so far taking basic precautions, knock on wood.

Once you have your ice cream you have a couple options. You can do some from porch sittin’  in their rocking chairs while eating your ice cream.

Another option is to go around back for some back porch sitting or in their picnic area.

The last option is my families favorite. With every ice cream purchase, you get a free walking tour of the farm so we walk and explore the farm.

Walking around the farm you start around their garden and take your choice of paths, passing different farm animals and displays to an area with a small pond.

The pond area has ample seating and even an outdoor amphitheater for your budding artists.

There is also a grist mill that sometimes is open to the public.

The pond is a great place to enjoy your ice cream. Just watch out for the ducks. They like ice cream cones too and will come running for a bite.

If I was a duck I’d probably prefer homemade waffle cones to soggy bread too.

Eventually, my kids and I make our way back to the front of the farm but not without checking out the different displays and visiting the animals again.
We love all of the old tractors, the truck, and different machinery.

It can make you wonder what life was once like.

If you love animals, you will love Gillis Hill Farm’s animals.

The goats are incredibly friendly. They will stick their heads through their fence to get your attention.

I think it is a ploy though. They just want people to feed them the long grass outside of their pens that they can’t reach.

Somedays you can get lucky while visiting the farm and the cows and their calves will be out in the pasture. Yes, they come right up to the fence line too!

While my daughter loves all animals, for her a trip to the farm is not complete without visiting the horses.

Being able to pet the horse is definately a highlight of her day.

Before we know it we are passing the chicken coop and saying hello to all of the cool chicks that are hanging out.

As we near the ice cream shop, our time at the farm is coming to end, well, unless we buy another ice cream cone. That sounds like a good idea to me. I wouldn’t mind relaxing and spending some more time at Gillis Hill Farm.

Are you ready to go visit the Gillis Hill Farm? Check out the info below so you can plan your own visit.

Gillis Hill Farm is located at:

2701 Gillis Hill Road in Fayetteville, Noth Carolina

Learn more about visiting the farm by visiting their website HERE.