When you’re looking for some fresh-air fun off the beaten path, visiting local agritourism farms in the Pee Dee Region is just the ticket.
Our region’s farms range from u-pick, floriculture, and demonstration farms, to pumpkin patches, vineyards and wineries, and more. Each farm brings something unique to the table and offers an array of “agritainment” for all ages.
Take a look at the farm fun waiting for you in the Pee Dee and add some stops to your trip itinerary.
Family Farms in the Pee Dee
Almost all of the farms in the Pee Dee are family-owned and run, with some of them being handed down for generations. A number of them offer u-pick opportunities and farm-fresh pickin’s, while others offer hands-on experiences with farm animals.
Frolic in the fresh air
Nestled in a grove of old pecan trees and surrounded by beautiful fields and pastures, PIM Farms in Darlington offers scenic sights perfect for a wedding or special event. But there’s far more to do at this panoramic property than celebrate life’s big milestones! Other top activities include playing disc golf, birdwatching, riding wagons, seeing cows, and running through the fairy tales maze.
Horse around
A short distance away in Hartsville, Joyful Noise Riding Academy is a must-do for visitors looking for a horseback riding experience. Owner and instructor Jennifer Durham offers lessons in both English and Western-style riding for ages 5 and up.
Become a farmer for a day
You’ll get a firsthand look at farm life with a visit to Rough Cut Ranch in Nichols and Langston Ranch in Coward. Both ranches offer different educational activities—like making cheese and food, gardening, milking cows and goats, and edible landscaping—and opportunities to pick your own produce and hang out with the animals on their farms. They each also have special seasonal events that are fun for the whole family, so be sure to follow them on social media for updates!
At Philipps Elderberry Farm, you can learn all about small homesteading, growing elderberries, and becoming a beekeeper. They offer farm tours, farm work and gardening experiences, animal displays/demonstrations, and they have a gift shop on site where you can purchase homemade elderberry goods, including syrup, tinctures, and DIY kits to make your own at home.
Have a pickin’ party
Fill your baskets and bellies with the freshly harvested South Carolina produce and homemade fare from PNC Farms (Bishopville), Atkinson Farms (Mullins), Cottle Strawberry Farm (Florence), and McArthur Farms (Bennettsville).
PNC Farms specializes in a variety of fruits and veggies, as well as fresh eggs. You can also call and schedule a private tour of the farm.
Strawberries are the main attraction at Atkinson Farms and Cottle Strawberry Farm, but they also grow and sell other fresh fruit and veggies. Cottle Strawberry Farm sweetens the farm fun with seasonal events and festivals—and more than 30 family-friendly attractions, including yard games, a huge 10-acre corn maze to get lost in, photo props, and more.
And McArthur Farms—a Certified South Carolina Grown farm and roadside market—offers the full gamut of produce, farm-to-table meals from their on-site market, and a number of special events throughout the year featuring live music, food, and an array of activities (e.g., face painting, pumpkin picking, hay rides, corn mazes, etc.).
Wildlife Encounters
The animal lover in your crew will love a visit to Black Creek Wildlife Center, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that harbors non-releasable native and exotic species. Some of the critters that call the center home include different species of foxes, raccoons, bobcats, owls, hawks, snakes, porcupines, and so much more.
Other fun activities to enjoy at the center include birdwatching, hiking, educational seminars, summer camps, u-pick gardening, guided tours, and local crafts.
Sweet Pee Dee Wines
Timmonsville is home to the Pee Dee’s only vineyard and winery, Cartersville Country Winery, an 18-acre vineyard which also features a cozy bed and breakfast and beautiful event space for weddings and other special occasions.
Book your stay at this charming Florence County locale and savor the flavors of the dozen sweet homegrown wines, including blueberry, strawberry, pomegranate, cranberry, and a few special blends.
Gorgeous Gardens and Lush Forests
In addition to traditional farms and ranches, the Pee Dee also has a few floriculture farms and forest nurseries.
Beautiful blooms galore can be found at Kalmia Gardens at Coker College in Hartsville and Moore Farms Botanical Garden in Lake City.
Kalmia Gardens’ 35-acre property holds countless floral species that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. The estate also features nature trails and access to Black Creek, a scenic waterway that connects to the lovely Lake Prestwood.
Spanning 65 acres, Moore Farms Botanical Garden is a treasure trove of not only breathtaking flowers and plants but also creative garden art installations. The botanical garden is not open to the public on a daily basis, but they offer scheduled tours and regularly host special events throughout the year, as well as a variety of classes and camps for both youth and adults.
Forests
Visitors looking for a quiet retreat will enjoy exploring the pine forest at Lynchburg Savanna Heritage Preserve. You’ll hear the sweet sounds of sparrows during your trek through the woods, and you’ll encounter carnivorous vegetation along the way, like pitcher plants and sundew. The preserve is open from dusk to dawn every day.
You can learn all about forestry and tree farming at Baronda, LTD, a 38-acre Loblolly pine forest. The trees are cut for timber when they reach 15 to 18 years of age, and the pine needles are collected and sold as mulch.
When you’re not learning the ins and outs of tree cultivation, there’s plenty to do on the scenic property. You’ll find on-site artisans, a large swimming pool, a play area, picnic area, buildings for special and community events, and more.
Agricultural Museums and Farmers Markets
You can learn more about the rich agricultural history of the Pee Dee at local museums like the Hartsville Museum, the South Carolina Cotton Museum, and the South Carolina Tobacco Museum.
If you don’t have time to spend time on the farm and pick your own goodies, you can always stop by the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, which is open daily year-round.
A number of towns in the Pee Dee host farmers markets seasonally on select dates, too. Some markets to check out during your visit include:
- Marion Farmers Market — first & third Saturday 10am-1pm
- Kingstree Farmers Market — second Saturday 9am-12pm
- Bay Branch Farm (Timmonsville) — call for info: (843) 621-8654
- Dillon County Pop-Up Farmers Market — Every second Monday
- City Center Farmers Market (Florence) — Saturdays 9am-1pm
- Lake City Farmers Market — every Thursday from 12-6 p.m. in the late spring through late November
- Darlington Farmers Market — every Thursday from 3-7pm at 103 Pearl St., Darlington
The Pee Dee’s agritourism farms and agricultural museums and markets are a testament to the long history of farming in our region and offer visitors a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and engage in farm activities. Come enjoy an immersive farm experience during your visit to the area! Find the perfect place to stay and start crafting your custom trip itinerary.