Strawberries, Sunflower Fields, Pumpkins, and so much more make up the local Chattanooga farm of Aubie Smith Farms.
Aubie Smith Farms, formerly Smith Perry Berries, is a local Chattanooga farm located in Ooltewah, TN. The farm is ever growing as they offer seasonal produce and activities. Currently, they are best known for their strawberries, sunflowers, and pumpkins. But there’s so much more than this that makes up this amazing, local farm. Keep reading to learn everything Aubie Smith Farms has to offer.
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Don’t have time to read? Here’s all the important details up front:
When: check their Facebook page to make sure it’s a good time to go for the season you are interested in visiting for
Where: Aubie Smith Farms in Ooltewah, TN
Cost: Mostly Free (entry fee for Tulip season) plus cost of picking, activities, produce, etc.
Fee for professional photography with paying clientele
Spring Time:
Tulip fields in March
Pre-picked strawberries in April/May
Summer Time:
Sunflower fields in July
Fall Time:
Pumpkin patch in September/October
The Story Behind This Local Chattanooga Farm
How It Started
The sunflower farm started over 10 years ago when the generational owner of the farmland, Aubie Smith, was approached by a dove hunting club. The club asked if he would be willing to plant numerous acres of sunflowers for their annual dove hunts. He agreed but had no idea what would come of this venture.
People driving by were in awe of the tall, yellow flowers and wanted to take photos and even pick them. Because they were for the dove hunting club, Aubie told them that they couldn’t pick them. But people would sneak in to pick a few anyways. This problem grew over time until dozens of people would show up all at once wanting to enjoy this unique countryside experience.
Aubie’s response to this was not that of anger and frustration, but rather “how can I make these people happy?” So, together with his friend Bill Perry, they decided to plant extra sunflower fields for the public to enjoy while keeping the main fields for the dove hunting club. It was a win-win for everyone! And little did they know how popular and big this destination would soon become.
Birth of Smith Perry Berries
Over the coming years, people really showed interest in the farm and the crowds grew. Eventually Aubie and Bill decided to try adding other crops to the farm for the public to enjoy. From strawberries in the spring to pumpkins in the fall, there’s something new to enjoy every season on the Smith Perry Berries Farm.
The Growth of Aubie Smith Farms
Eventually, Bill left to pursue other endeavors. Even though you’ll still see the traditional name of Smith Perry Berries, you’ll find the new farm name showing up here and there. Today Aubie Smith Farms continues to grow every year to the delight of the Smith family and friends. They feel blessed that so many people want to come out and enjoy their farm. The main purpose is to support the local community however they can and at the same time take care of the land and animals that call this place home.
What to Expect at Aubie Smith Farms
Spring Time at Aubie Smith Farms
Early spring brings tulips, a new flower attraction for this local Chattanooga farm. You can come and take photos with the tulips and even pick some to take home. Tulips bloom in March, so as the date approaches, be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook Page for the specific dates and times to plan your visit. Note, as of now, this is the only attraction that they charge farm admission for. Simply because tulips are expensive to grow so this fee is needed to cover the cost.
April and May is the month of strawberries, one of Aubie Smith Farms’ most popular crop. Every year people come from all over to buy some of their sweet red strawberries. Hence the previous name of Smith Perry Berries. Please note, this is NOT a u-pick farm. As April draws near, be sure to watch their Facebook Page for the exact dates and times that they have the strawberries available for purchase.
Summer Time at Aubie Smith Farms
July is the month of sunflowers. And Aubie Smith Farms has fields full of them! It’s the perfect place for a sunflower photoshoot, and you can even pick some to take home. Again, keep an eye on their Facebook Page for the dates and times of this fun July flower. Sunflower season lasts only a short two weeks!
Fall Time at Aubie Smith Farms
October is the month of pumpkins. Not only does Aubie Smith Farms plant and pick over 50 varieties of pumpkins during the month of October, they also have a pumpkin patch where you can pick your own! As always, be sure to check the Facebook Page for all the info you need to plan a visit this fall.
Additional Activities and Fun at Aubie Smith Farms
The seasonal crops are not all that Aubie Smith Farms has available throughout the year. With a passion for children, there are many fun and educational activities for the kids. From the barn slide and cow barrel train to educational posters and wagon rides, there’s something for everyone and every age. Depending on the season, there may even be additional animals for even more fun. Be sure to keep an eye on the Facebook Page so you know what you’ll find and when as this farm is constantly growing.
There may also be local food trucks present to satisfy any hunger or thirst. On special occasions you may find a concert or cruise-in or other fun activities. During special events that really bring in the crowds, additional parking will be found in the field behind the barn. Regular parking is right by the pavilion up front. Porta-potties are available for use on site.
Photos at Aubie Smith Farms
When you visit Aubie Smith Farms you’ll find multiple photoshoot props. From old tractors to the “groovy van.” Most props make an appearance every year, but typically they are put in different locations around the farm to keep it interesting.
If you’re a professional photographer wanting to take photos of your clients, there is a fee. Learn more info about taking professional photos at this location on the Aubie Smith Farms Facebook page. If you’re just wanting to take a few photos yourself just for fun, entry is free of charge (with the exception of tulip season). The best fields to take photos in for sunflowers are across the street from the produce shack.
Aubie Smith Farms T-Shirts
Aubie Smith Farms started selling two different t-shirt designs every year. One designed for the summer sunflower season and one designed for the fall pumpkin season. The shirts have always had a personal meaning tied to the families and farm.
Today they are screen printed locally here in Chattanooga with more designs and colors to choose from throughout the seasons. And they can now be purchased not only at the farm but online too.
The 2021 sunflower shirt showcases Mrs. Smith’s ’57 Bel Air in front of the field of sunflowers. To the right is a dog that is an artistic representation of both the Smith and Perry families’ dogs. By the dog is a watermelon which symbolizes 2021 being the first year that they’ve grown watermelons on the farm. Lastly, 2021 has been chosen as the “year of the sunflower” by the National Garden Bureau.
The 2024 fall shirt showcases both sunflowers and pumpkins, but the main work of art is the barn. This year Aubie Smith Farms was honored to be the only location in Hamilton County chosen by the University of Tennessee for their campaign “Everywhere you look, UT.” Learn more about this campaign, how locals are chosen, what it’s for, and more, on the University of Tennessee website.
Tips for Your Visit to Aubie Smith Farms
When visiting Smith Perry Berries, be aware of the weather. The first time I went, it had rained recently and the fields were extremely muddy. I suggest wearing shoes that you don’t mind getting filthy because the sticky mud can get pretty deep. On the other hand, the fields dry very quickly. I went again two days later and the mud was almost completely gone.
Also, there’s no shade and if it’s a sunny day, you’ll want to be prepared. Dress appropriately, don’t forget sunscreen, and stay hydrated. If it’s summer, prepare for the heat. If it’s during cooler months, bring a jacket. And if it’s raining, bring a rain jacket.
If you have allergies, like me, you should know that sunflowers are high pollen producers. I did not know this before my first visit and I really felt the effects of this the next day. Just prepare beforehand with some extra allergy fighting methods and you should be good to go. Despite the allergies, I still enjoy this place and visit nearly every July.
When you visit in the summer for sunflowers, be on the look out for these special flowers. They’re sunflowers, but they’re no ordinary sunflower. To learn more about what these are, you’ll have to watch the video where I talk with Aubie and Bill about the story behind the farm.
In Closing
Aubie Smith Farms is an ever-evolving farm. You never know what they’ll have next year or even the next season. Their love and support for the local community is outstanding. In fact, they love the people so much, they’re out welcoming and helping visitors whenever they can. When you visit the farm, chances are you’ll run into Aubie or other family and friends. If you do, say hi and tell them that I sent ya.
I want to thank both Aubie and Bill for giving me the opportunity to do a “Behind the Business Chatt” episode. We had a great chatt which you can enjoy by watching on YouTube.
Also be sure to check out my most recent visit for the fall fun on the farm. This twelve minute YouTube video briefly shows you what to expect during the fall at Aubie Smith Farms.
I can’t wait to go back in the spring and experience that season at Aubie Smith Farms. Let me know in the comments below if you’ve been to the farm and what your favorite part is. Until next time, enjoy exploring Chatt!
More Summer Chattanooga Farm Fun
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What date is the sunflower field open for visitors in ooltewah tn?
Typically the sunflower season is two weeks long and they start mid-July until the end of the month. But you’ll have to keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates as anything farm/crop related shifts from year to year: https://m.facebook.com/Smithperryberries
I took my grandchild 3 years ago. It was amazing. So breath taking. Cant wait to visit again.
Yes, I love going every year! So many sunflowers it’s crazy!
How much is it to come look at the sunflowers?
It’s free to simply look and even take photos. Unless you have a paid photographer, there’s a photographer fee.
I would like to know if you will have the corn again .Loved it. An watermelons and other veggies.
I’m not associated with the farm, but you can message them on their facebook page to ask if and when they will have corn. I’m glad to hear you’ve enjoyed their produce in the past!