Plan a visit to one of Chattanooga’s largest sunflower farms this July and bring the family for even more fun.
Have you ever visited a sunflower field before? Having the opportunity to be amidst a sea of hundreds of thousands of sunflowers is absolutely breathtaking. And that opportunity can be found for two weeks in July at Smith Perry Berries Farm in Ooltewah, TN.
Don’t have time to read? Here’s all the important details up front:
When: 2 weeks in July (check their Facebook page to make sure it’s a good time to go)
Where: Smith Perry Berries Farm in Ooltewah, TN
Cost: Free unless you want to pick or you’re a professional photographer with paying clientele
Smith Perry Berries
The sunflower farm started over 10 years ago when the 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.
Growth 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.
And they’re not done yet! The farm continues to grow every year to the delight of Aubie and Bill. 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 animals that call this place home.
Photos at Smith Perry Berries
When you visit Smith Perry Berries 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 Smith Perry Berries Facebook page. If you’re just wanting to take a few photos yourself just for fun, entry is free of charge. The best fields to take photos in are across the street from the produce shack.
Picking Sunflowers
The fields near the produce shack are the ones you are allowed to pick in. Prices are per stem or per bucket. Pricing can also be found on the Smith Perry Berries Facebook page. Picking starts in one acre and after that field has been heavily picked they will rotate picking to the next acre. Obey the signs and only pick in designated fields. Across the street is typically off limits for picking. This is to keep the flowers cycling through their lifespan so that the fields are ready for the dove hunting club at the end of season.
What to Expect at Smith Perry Berries
Besides enjoying the sunflowers, there’s other things to see and do at Smith Perry Berries. When you arrive, parking can be found near the produce shack. Depending on the season, you might find local produce that was grown either at Smith Perry Berries or on another local farm available for purchase. During sunflower season other local vendors will be set up nearby with snacks. Last year, they had another local farm help them make strawberry ice cream made with their very own strawberries from the farm. The ice cream was a hit and is still available this year too. On special occasion 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. Porta-potties are available for use on site.
Keep an eye out on the Smith Perry Berries Facebook page to know when to visit. This is where you’ll find all the up to date info about special events and opening times of the farm. It’s easy to locate the farm using Google Maps. The summer sunflower season only lasts a couple weeks so be sure to catch the yellow blooms while you can!
T-Shirts and the Story Behind The 2021 Design
Smith Perry Berries sells two different t-shirt designs every year. One designed for the summer sunflower season and one designed for the fall pumpkin season. The shirts are designed by Bill’s son Will and all have personal meanings tied to the families and farm. Will also creates the “barn art” which you can see for yourself when you visit.
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. How fitting for Smith Perry Berries, right?
Tips for Your Visit to the Sunflower Fields
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, since it’s July, it’s very hot out in the sunflower fields. There’s no shade in the fields and the direct sunlight gets hot quick. Dress appropriately and don’t forget to stay hydrated. If possible, try to visit late in the evening for cooler temps and possibly a beautiful sunset.
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 every July.
When you visit, 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
Smith Perry Berries 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. If you visit the farm during the evening hours, chances are you’ll run into Aubie or Bill or both! 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 another “Behind the Business Chatt” episode. We had a great chatt which you can enjoy by watching on YouTube.
I can’t wait to go back in the fall and experience that season at Smith Perry Berries. 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!
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