Less than three miles from downtown Holly Springs wait the idyllic pastures of The Family Farm on Avent Ferry. From October through December the farm opens to the community with seasonal sales of pumpkins and mums, followed by Christmas trees for your family’s holiday delight.
History:
June: At its largest, the farm was about 200 acres. The primary income was tobacco and egg production and raising black angus beef cattle. The land extended to where Holly Grove schools are now.
Tim: The farm has been in the family for six generations. Outside of the 8-week holiday season, we raise cattle. We have 32 cows, three donkeys, two horses, nine chickens, four yard cats and a 95-pound golden retriever. It’s quite a menagerie.
Family Ties*:
Keith: I didn’t grow up on the farm, but June did. Tim and I came to it through marriage. The most important skill I’ve gained is fence work. You’ve got to keep the animals in!
*Keith is married to June. Tim’s late wife Faye is June’s aunt.
Christmas Season:
Tim: We sold our first pumpkin in 2012 and sold 125 Christmas trees that first year. Now we sell over 1,000 Christmas trees. Everything we sell is grown in North Carolina. We take extra steps to ensure our trees are fresh.
Keith: We want to make it a memorable night out with the family. A lot of people come year after year. There’s a bonfire; you can make s’mores around the fire pit. We have hot cider available. The barn is decorated with greenery and lights. Santa even visits once a year. (December 8!)
Tim: We built a sled out of plywood for families to take pictures in. It’s become very popular. We wanted a spot where families could take pictures to send to loved ones who don’t live here.
June: It’s pretty special to help other families make memories and traditions. We love that we get to help create the magic of the season.
Legacy:
Tim: Everything is developing all around us. There is constant pressure to sell or develop the land. What I hope is that 20 years from now, you can drive down Avent Ferry road and see the farm as it is today.
June: I’m so thankful that Faye and Tim found a way to share the farm with the community as well as support the farm. Here, we can give people a sense of the rural experience, of what I grew up with.
The Family Farm on Avent Ferry
1719 Avent Ferry Road, Holly Springs
(919) 624-8172
thefamilyfarmonaventferry.com
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