You Can Pet Goats, Pick Pumpkins, And Eat Fresh Ice Cream At This Family Farm In Fayetteville

• Attraction: Gillis Hill Farm
• Location: 2701 Gillis Hill Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28306
• Industry: Agritourism Farm
• Website: https://www.gillishillfarm.com/

Picture stepping onto land that has been lovingly tended by the same family for over 200 years, where Highland Scottish roots run as deep as the strawberry fields that stretch across rolling Carolina hills.

Gillis Hill Farm represents eight generations of agricultural heritage, transforming from tobacco and timber to become one of Fayetteville’s most cherished agritourism destinations. What started as a necessity to diversify after the 2005 tobacco buyout has blossomed into a place where families reconnect with farm life while savoring some of the region’s most celebrated homemade ice cream.

This family-run operation welcomes visitors year-round with seasonal activities that change with North Carolina’s agricultural calendar.

From spring strawberry picking to fall pumpkin patches, every season brings new reasons to visit this working farm where education meets pure enjoyment in a park-like setting that feels worlds away from city life.

Farm Fresh Experiences

Strawberry Season Magic: The spring strawberry fields are consistently praised as “awesome and very easy to pick in,” with visitors describing the patches as perfectly maintained for families. You’ll find rows upon rows of plump berries that practically beg to be picked, and the experience becomes a treasured annual tradition for many local families who return season after season.

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Seasonal Produce Bounty: Summer brings fresh corn and farm-grown vegetables, while fall delivers the perfect pumpkin patch experience. Visitors rave about the “tons of different size/color pumpkins to choose from” and mention it’s an ideal spot for family photos.

The farm also stocks local honey, pickled okra, and their own Gillis Farm canned goods that make perfect souvenirs.

Farm Animal Encounters: The farm houses an endearing collection of animals including chickens, rabbits, goats, cows, a beautiful white horse, and a famous huge pig named Bertha. You can get up close and pet most of the animals, making it an interactive experience that delights children and adults alike.

Walking Tours & Wagon Rides: The farm offers tours and wagon rides in their park-like setting, and visitors often get a free walking tour with their ice cream purchase. The tour includes learning about the farm’s history and provides both fun and educational value, perfect for school groups and families wanting to understand farm life.

The Star Attraction: Homemade Ice Cream

Artisan Quality: Within the greater Fayetteville area, this is probably the only location that produces homemade ice cream. Reviewers consistently praise flavors like vanilla, chocolate, mint chocolate, mocha, and cookies and cream, with many noting the ice cream is “so creamy”.

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Signature Flavors: The banana ice cream stands out as a local favorite, made fresh daily with real bananas rather than artificial flavoring. Popular choices include strawberry with chocolate syrup, cookies and cream, and mint chocolate chip. Don’t miss their homemade waffle cones, described as “the best I’ve had” by regular customers.

Sweet Additions: Beyond ice cream, the shop offers homemade pound cake and cookies to complement your frozen treat experience.

Atmosphere & Setting

Historic Farmhouse Charm: The ice cream shop is housed in an old farmhouse that sits prominently on a fairly busy road, giving it that authentic rural appeal that draws visitors from across the region.

Relaxing Porch Experience: The rocking chairs on the porch are a beloved feature, with many preferring the screened back porch for a more secluded experience. There’s something magical about enjoying fresh ice cream while gently rocking and watching farm life unfold around you.

Spacious Outdoor Areas: The farm provides tons of outdoor seating and even includes an area where kids can play and ride bikes. While some visitors wished for more seating options, the overall layout accommodates families well with picnic tables scattered throughout the property.

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Scenic Walking Paths: Visitors can take their ice cream and stroll around the farm to check on the animals, and there’s a beautiful quiet pond with an old mill at the end of the walking path that provides picture-perfect moments.

Other Considerations

Family-Friendly Pricing: Multiple reviews mention “good prices” and “great prices”, though some find the ice cream “a little over priced” compared to commercial options. Scoop sizes are described as fair, and when you consider the artisan quality and farm experience, most visitors find excellent value for their money.

Seasonal Operations: The farm operates Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM, closed Sundays and Mondays. They’re closed on Sundays for worship and family time, which many visitors respect as part of their traditional values.

Educational Value: The farm offers school tours and educational programs that help urban families reconnect with agriculture. The owners are passionate about educating people about farm life and what farms provide to communities.

Parking & Accessibility: The farm provides adequate parking, and you can easily spot it from Google Earth thanks to the giant US flag on the barn across the street.

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Best Times to Visit: Spring offers strawberry picking, summer brings fresh vegetables and corn, fall features pumpkin patches, and winter provides Christmas tree sales. Each season offers unique experiences, making this a destination worth visiting multiple times throughout the year.

Gillis Hill Farm
📍 2701 Gillis Hill Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28306