Dark Leaf Farms

That time of year has arrived. The early days of crisp, misty mornings, sunflowers bending in the breeze, and brilliant fall shades in the end-of-season harvest. It is autumn, and that means all the activities that come with it. A great place to start to get into the spirit of the season is Dark Leaf Farms in Appomatox, Virginia headed by Virginia Tech alumnus and extension agents Bruce and Joanne Jones.

Dark Leaf Farms is a diversified, family-owned, and operated farm that currently raises tobacco, wheat, corn, soybeans, and various other produce. Bruce is the third generation of his family that has farmed this land and has been with the extension agency for more than 20 years. His wife Joanne has been the backbone of management and agrotourism for the farm, and a few years ago also started working with the Charlotte County extension agency.

For the past decade, the farm has opened to the public on weekends for fun-filled, family activities such as hayrides to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch and corn mazes, as well as a bouncy house, pick-your-own sunflowers, and Halloween movies on select Fridays. This weekend, visit the farm for their special event, the Pumpkin Festival, where they will have live music, food trucks, and vendors. You won’t want to miss this full sensory experience.

For all offerings, activities, and prices please visit the Dark Leaf Farms page.

By Darienne Skye Montgomery