Winter Excursion to Sunflower Farm

Where: 1150 Prospect Road
Web: www.sunflowerfarminfo.com
Hours: See website

We wrote about Sunflower Farm many years ago, and they have gone through some programming changes, but it remains a fantastic place to visit. We stopped by this past afternoon with a picnic lunch in hand and took some photos that I wanted to share. How lucky we are as Colorado residents that we get to have a picnic lunch at a lovely farm in the middle of February. (Of course, it could have just as easily been a snowstorm.)

These days the farm is open somewhat erratically so it is best to take a look at the website to find out what their upcoming hours will be. When they are open, you will discover a farm buzzing with energy. Seemingly endless varieties of chickens, peacocks, turkeys, and guinea hens roam freely. Goats, sheep, and llamas beg for a taste of corn. Horses and cows bask in their sunny pens, completely unaware that they have one of the best views in town.

There is a hay maze that kids can climb through or leap around on top (see above), a long zipline, tree swings, horse rides, an extensive tree house, and a lot more. Bring supplies for s'mores and you can join the crowd toasting marshmallows around the campfire!

YA YA Farm & Orchard

Where: 6914 Ute Highway

Web: www.yayafarmandorchard.com

When: 2016 September and October: Sat: 9am-3pm, Sun: 9am-4pm Tues-Fri: 9:30am-4pm

One half of the Longmont 100 team hails from Upstate New York, where cider donuts are a fall tradition. Out here in Colorado, these delicious autumnal treats are harder to come by. But YA YA Farm & Orchard has got ‘em – and they meet our high standards. Of course, there’s plenty more to do out at YA YA, located on an 1896 farm – it’s a wonderful spot for a fall family outing. Apples, obviously, are in abundance: the orchard holds 810 trees with over 120 different varieties, and you can fill a bag with five to seven pounds of apples for the bargain price of $12. If you want to pick your own, call ahead – U-Pick is by reservation only. But if you are willing to let someone else do the work, pre-picked apples are for sale at the YA YA store.

There are also friendly Percheron draft horses who would love to be fed some of those apples, if you’re so inclined, as well as mules, chickens, and turkeys. Throw in a gorgeous view of the Rocky Mountain Front Range, and you’ve got yourself a perfect outdoor adventure.