| Sunny Souvenirs: Burnside Farms, Haymarket, VA |

If I were to close my eyes and ponder a few of my favorite things, “Sundays” and “Sunflowers” would undoubtedly find themselves on my mental vision board. Well today, I got to frolic in fields of gold with my love as we uncovered yet another NoVa gem, Burnside Farms in Haymarket, Virginia.

Many years ago my sister and I visited ButtonWood Farm in Griswold, Connecticut, a place just 40 minutes or so from my hometown. Every year, the farm grew and opened their sunflower fields to the public, raising funds for Make A Wish Foundation. Although I never picked flowers there, it was a place that I continued to travel to with family and friends for unique photo opportunities.

I was very excited to see then, that Virginia also boasted of a place with a similar backdrop. Found on Instagram, I waited patiently to ensure that all sunflowers were at their peak bloom. (The season had a late start due to a dry Spring & Summer) Today, the weather was perfect, so my husband and I decided to take a ride and see what the place was all about.

The sunflowers were stunning and in peak bloom! We arrived around noon and although the farm opened at 10AM, it was not too crowded at all. We paid $6.00 per person for entry, traded car keys for some cutting shears, and I snagged an adorable complimentary sunflower umbrella and basket for picking and “pic-ing.”

We stayed at the farm for about 45 minutes, wandered the field while admiring all of the different colored blooms. We clipped about 6 sunflowers to take home (sold at $1.50 each) and snapped photos of a hundred others.

While it is definitely a once-per-season activity, I loved being able to pick my own bundle, adored being a part of such a beautiful landscape, and appreciated the other trinkets, local goods, and activities available for children, such as a slide and bounce house.

The season is coming to a close, so pack a picnic lunch or throw a few gardening shears in the car and head to Burnside Farms for some sunny souvenirs! It is a magical place that will surely delight the entire family.