Shan Bailey — NOLA Weekend: With just a short road trip to North Hancock County, you can bask in the stunning outdoor escape while social distancing.
Bright fields of sunflowers are now blooming at Coastal Ridge Farm. With just a short road trip to North Hancock County, you can bask in the stunning outdoor escape while social distancing.
Located in Picayune, Miss., the 15-acre, cut flower farm nears its peak season where visitors will find thousands of tall sunflowers, and guests can even pick their own to take home.
Coastal Ridge Farm recently launched its spring you-pick season where the public can wander the fields and cut a bunch of flowers off their stalks, for a small fee. Guests are allowed to pick 10 to 15 stems for their buckets.
Owner Terri Doyle told Gulf Coast Weekend that the smiling sunflower fields often provide a sense of relaxation for visitors.
“We have many people who come out,” Doyle said. “And when they’re finished cutting and walking around, they’ll come back and tell you they were just relaxed looking at the flowers.”
Doyle said guests can bring supplies like garden shears and a clean, water-tight container to hold flowers like a bucket or empty gallon water jug. Visitors also may want to wear garden gloves and closed toe-study shoes. Other suggested items are bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and sunglasses.
Guests can also take photos while wandering the cheerful, yellow fields.
According to the website, the farm is offering limited ticket sales throughout the day to help with social distancing. Online tickets are available for purchase to help limit contact with customers.
Admission is $12, plus booking fees for ages 12 and older. Kids age 11 and under can entor for free with a paid adult.
For daily hours of operation, check the farm’s website or Facebook page for updates. Weather or other factors can interfere with opening.
The Coastal Ridge Farm located at 27075 Road 221 in Picayune, Miss.
For more information, visit the Coastal Ridge Farm website.
