Getting Ready
Woke up super early last Saturday buzzing to finally visit High Five Farms. Heard so much about the cute animals and flower fields. Pulled up the map on my phone while chewing toast. Figured out it’s way out past the suburbs, kinda near those old hills everyone talks about.
First step was booking tickets online like everybody does these days. Bought the tickets quick on my phone app – just punched in next Saturday’s date for me and my niece. Total lifesaver avoiding those looong ticket lines! Grabbed my keys, a giant water bottle (July heat’s no joke), and charged my phone to 100%.
The Drive Out
Hopped in the car around 8 AM sharp. Put “High Five Farms” into the maps app and hit go. Took Highway 7 straight for like 20 miles – easy peasy. Exited at Oak Ridge like the signs all said. Here’s where it got tricky:
- The country roads narrowed BIG time after the exit
- Missed the dang turn onto Rustic Lane cause the sign was half-covered by vines
- Ended up circling some random goat farm for 10 mins feeling stupid
Stopped at a dusty little gas station. Asked the lady at the counter where Rustic Lane was. She pointed her Coke bottle: “Back the way ya came, left after the crooked pine tree.” Shoulda asked locals first! Followed her advice and spotted that gnarly old pine leaning sideways like a drunk uncle.
Arriving at Last!
The pine tree trick worked perfect. Turned left and bam – saw the hand-painted “High Five Farms” sign with sunflowers. Road got bumpy as heck for the last stretch, gravel kicking up everywhere. Parked in the giant dirt lot bursting with cars at 9:45 AM.
Pulled out my phone again – the online tickets scan FAST at the entrance. Didn’t even queue! Saw kids petting fuzzy sheep right away. Spent hours there:
- Fed stubborn goats that tried eating my shirt buttons
- Took a hayride kicking up dust clouds through pumpkin patches
- Got lost in a giant sunflower maze sweating buckets before noon
Heading Back Tired & Happy
By 3 PM, feet felt like bricks and the sun was cooking us. Bought strawberry popsicles from the farm stand – sweet relief! Remembered the drive back: just reversed the morning route.
- Took Rustic Lane out to the main road
- Turned RIGHT at the crooked pine (opposite this time)
- Hopped back on Highway 7 heading toward the city
Pro tip: Screenshot those country road turns before leaving. Phone service dies quick out there! Glad I wore boots – fields were muddy near the cow barn. Already planning another trip come autumn for those apple cider donuts everyone raves about.