A Bountiful Experience: Exploring the Beauty of RambleRill Farms in Hillsborough, NC
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Hillsborough, North Carolina, RambleRill Farms stands as a beacon of sustainable agriculture and rural charm. Visiting this family-owned gem is not just an excursion; it's a journey into the heart of agrarian practices, where the beauty of the land meets the dedication of those who cultivate it. Join us as we take a closer look at the enriching experience of visiting RambleRill Farms.
Meet Jane and Darrin. After a long career in academia, they began Ramble Rill Farms in 2010. As I drove down the driveway in Hillsborough, NC, I waved at Jane in the field, passed a row of bright yellow daffodils and pulled up to the bright red barn. The two spent about an hour with me, walking me through their operation, on which they are both full-time farming in their retirement.
Their property includes just under 20 acres of wooded trails, 2 acres of fruit, and a vegetable and nut production. We walked through their fruit orchard, filled with 100 blueberry bushes, muscadine and kiwi berry trellises, fig, persimmon, and plum trees. Frick’s Apiaries, a local honey, hosts their beehives on Jane and Darin’s property to pollinate the plants and produce honey. Adjacent to their fruit bounty, was their annual vegetable fields: beds lined with well-established garlic, collards, potatoes, and soon to be lettuces.
In addition to their fruit and vegetable production, they have about 100 laying hens and a few roosters. They rotate their mobile chicken pen every 2-4 weeks to fertilize the land, and provide new ground for the chickens to scratch and scavenge. The eggs are sold at the RambleRill farm stand and sell out almost immediately!
They also support local vendors and their community. Every first Saturday of the month from April through December, the farm hosts Saturday Showdown, a space for families and friends to gather, listen to music, eat food, shop their farm stand and other artist vendors. Not to mention, kids (and adults!) can play with the 10 Nigerian Dwarf goats that live on the farm. They host horticulture therapy and master gardening programs as well.
Visiting RambleRill Farms in Hillsborough, NC, is not just a visit to a farm; it's an immersive experience that engages all your senses. From the vibrant colors of the fields to the rich aromas of freshly harvested produce, every moment spent at RambleRill is a celebration of sustainable living and the beauty of the agrarian lifestyle. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a food lover, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, RambleRill Farms offers a tapestry of experiences that will leave you with cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for the land.
We are excited to be working with RambleRill as a part of Freshspire’s Orange County pilot program, expanding their access to wholesale markets.