Why say goodbye to summer with a frown when you can do it surrounded by a sea of golden smiles?
As the summer days begin to wane, there’s no better way to celebrate the season’s end than with a stroll through stunning sunflower fields around Upstate New York.
Many of the farms also offer wagon rides, food, petting zoos and U-pick flowers offering a full day of late summer fun before back-to-school season hits.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or simply someone looking to soak up the last rays of summer, Upstate New York’s sunflower fields promise an unforgettable experience.
The season is in swing now and will end towards early to mid-September.
Here are eight places to get your sunflower fix:
Bailiwick Market and Cafe
Bailiwick Market and Cafe in Central New York is open to the public for sunflower filled strolls from Friday to Sunday each weekend the flowers are still in bloom. Visitors will be able to cut their own blooms at $1 a stem. Pets are not permitted and the cafe encourages parents to leave the stroller at home and put little ones who can’t walk yet in a backpack carrier.
The market also has a full menu as well as their own ice cream, making for a full afternoon of enjoyment.
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday until blooms disappear
Where: 441 Rte. 5, Elbridge, just west of Syracuse
Cost: Adults $6, children ages 5 through 12 $4, age 4 and under are free
Precious Sunflowers Farm
This sunflower patch in Oswego County is open to all to enjoy. Precious Sunflowers Farm grows several varieties of blooms and picking from the back of the field is allowed for free.
When: Open anytime
Where: 320 County Line Road, Phoenix, NY
Cost: Free
Abbott Farms
Popular in fall for apple picking and pumpkins, Abbott Farms in Baldwinsville will end their summer with a bounty of blooms in their sunflower fields. The farm offers the chance to pick your own bucket or bouquet of flowers in addition to strolling the farm. There will also be a Sunflower Festival on August 24 and a Sunset Sunflower Stroll on Sept. 6. The farm also has animals to visit, tractor rides, playground and market.
When: Friday - Sunday, hours may vary, check their Facebook page for the most up to date information
Where: 3275 Cold Springs Rd, Baldwinsville, NY
Cost: $10 per person, U-pick Flowers $20 per bucket or $10 per sleeve
Wickham Farms
There are a million blooms waiting for you at Wickham Farms in the Finger Lakes. The annual Sunflower Spectacular features 30 varieties to adore. Visitors can pick their own bouquets from Wickham’s fields or “flower bar”. The farm also offers food for hungry visitors and activities for kids.
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Aug. 8 to Sept. 2; closed Wednesdays
Where: 1315 Sweets Corners Road in Penfield, 10 minutes east of Rochester
Cost: $14.95 online on weekdays; $17.95 online on weekends and Labor Day, tickets available online
Sunflowers of Sanborn
Niagara County’s Sunflower of Sanborn offers over 8 acres of sunflowers for visitors. Snip flowers from one of the farm’s U-pick fields, shoot an apple cannon, compete in a duck race or get lost in their corn maze while you are there. The Western NY farm also hosts events like a yoga festival, hot air balloon rides, craft festivals and more.
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to Monday from Aug. 1 through mid September
Where: 3311 Saunders Settlement Road in Sanborn, 20 minutes east of Niagara Falls
Cost: Admission is free
Country Dreams Farm
This family farm in Northern New York opens their sunflower fields in the fall to visitors. Country Dreams Farm in Plattsburgh will keep your family busy with their petting zoo, corn maze, wagon rides, gift shop and more. Though strolling through the flowers is free, there is a fee for picking blooms yourself.
When: Launching in September, check Facebook page for updates
Where: 260 Pellerin Rd, Plattsburgh, NY
Cost: Admission is free
Herringtons Pumpkins
About a 40 minute drive from Saratoga Springs or Albany, over 150,000 sunflower blossoms await you at Herringtons Pumpkins. A handful of props will be available for those looking for the perfect sunflower field photo. Come Labor Day, they return to their namesake of selling one of the largest selection of pumpkins in the Capital Region.
When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday thru Monday until the blooms are gone
Where: 768 Lee’s Crossing Rd, Johnsonville NY 12094
Cost: $5 per person which includes 3 stems to take home
Kelder’s Farm
This award-winning farm in the Hudson Valley is also home to the World’s Largest Garden Gnome and fields of tall, sunny blooms. Kelder’s Farm boasts over 30 attractions ranging from a giant jumping pillow to combine slides. After traipsing through rows of their Sunflower Spectacular, make sure to grab a Sunflower Gnomie Shake from the cafe.
When: Aug. 3 to Sept. 2
Where: 5755 Route 209, Kerhonkson
Cost: Prices vary; visit the farm’s website
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