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Every summer, I make a point to drop by Flying Cloud Farm in Fairview, NC, and spend an afternoon wandering their glorious u-pick flower field. 

It's cheaper than therapy and simply good for the soul. 

The rows of flowers range from bright, tiny crimson clover to lush, flashy dahlias and giant cheerful sunflowers, so there's something for everyone, and opportunities for creativity abound. Last year we took my sister's three kids, and they went wild over the experience. 

As you wander the field with your clippers in hand, you can't help but marvel at the variety and beauty of each bloom and lose yourself in the hum of the pollinators, busy at work. 

The field rests at the base of the mountains, so the views are amazing. The air is crisp, and the roadside traffic is sparse. As you arrange your bouquet, trying to inevitably squeeze in just one more perfect flower, you're bound to wonder why you ever chose to live in a city and if they happen to be hiring on the farm (or maybe that's just me).

My annual trip to Flying Cloud Farm's u-pick flower field is partially a nostalgic gesture since we picked our own wedding flowers here for our "Covid wedding," but it's also an exercise in mindfulness. As your sneakers sink into the dirt, your ears fill with the buzzing of bees, and you breathe in a deep breath of fresh air, you can't help but remember that this is what actually living feels like. 

It's also a beautiful way to support a wonderful small farm. Flying Cloud Farm grows their vegetables, berries, and flowers using sustainable methods. They don't use chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides on any of their produce or flowers. 

Flying Cloud Farm operates on an honor system, and you're welcome to drop by their farm stand and flower field at 1860 Charlotte Highway at your leisure. The pricing structure for u-pick flowers is currently based on the size of your bouquet. You'll find in-depth instructions, compostable to-go cups for small bouquets, and self-proclaimed "cheap clippers" at the field. 

Drop by and stay a while. You'll leave with so much more than just flowers. 

What to bring:

• Reusable water bottles (one for you, one filled to pour into your flower containers for maximum freshness)

• Sharp gardening clippers

• Straw shade hat

• Reef-safe, organic sunscreen

• Close-toed shoes

• Comfortable clothing

Have you done u-pick flowers at Flying Cloud Farm? Do you have a favorite u-pick farm? Drop it in the comments below!