Hilltop Farms of Willow Springs

Owned by Fred Miller and his wife Virginia Rowland Miller (who was born and raised on the land), Hilltop Farms of Willow Springs started out as a 44 acre Tobacco Farm in the 1750’s. Since Fred and his wife took over her family-owned farm, they reshaped the 44 acres into a tasteful 44 acre Organic Produce Farm. What makes Hilltop Farms different and unique from other local farms? The answer is all in the way they farm. First certified in 2004 to grow Certified Organic Produce and being the ONLY USDA Certified Organic Produce Farm in Wake County, they still hold that title today! Continuing to expand their knowledge and finding innovative ways to farm more organic produce for the community. You can find their fresh products at any of THESE fine stores and restaurants! Priding themselves to growing organic products such as herbs, fruits, flowers, and vegetables of all sorts, protecting not only their soil but the community they feed. They use NO chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or fertilizers on their crops along with their use of NON-GMO seeds. Although on our end we aren’t too sure of what some of these “icides” are, we know that we do NOT want them in our produce so knowing we have local Farmers ridding these chemicals from their crops makes us pride them for doing so. Their Farm-stand recently opened to the public this past Saturday, February 12, 2022. Winter hours are 1pm – 4pm on the second and fourth Saturday’s of the month through March. Currently you can find fresh greens, Hilltop honey, eggs, Carolina mushrooms, and veggies! Interested in Organic Farming? Looking to help better the quality of produce? Look no further than the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program Hilltop Farms offers on their farm. Farmer Fred explains it like this:
“A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a farm membership program that relies on its members to join prior to the start of the harvest season to provide the farm with “seed money” to purchase actual seed, fertilizer and so on for planting the new crop. In return for their support, members receive a weekly or bi-weekly delivery/pick-up of fresh, chemical-free vegetables grown on our farm! Please, check out our Harvest Schedule on the Join page that shows you what we intend to grow this year and what month to expect it’s harvest and find it in your weekly box!”
Want to join the team and learn more on how to sign up? There is still time to do so! Click HERE to learn all about how to sign up for the program, learn more about what you will be doing, the months worked, and so much more!

What can you find throughout the months of operation?

Arugula, Snap Beans, Blueberries, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Collards, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Kale, Lots of Lettuces, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Onions, Okra, Pac Choi, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Radishes, Spinach, Squash, Strawberries, Sweet Potatoes, Tatsoi, Lots of Tomatoes, Turnips, Watermelons and Winter Squash!

Head over to their website to find some yummy recipes straight out of the families cookbook! Here is my personal favorite —–> Chinese Salad

Naylor Roadside Market

Nestled right outside of Fuquay-Varina’s city limits heading towards Lillington, you will find Naylor Roadside Market and right next-door is family fun zone Naylor Family Farm & GIANT Corn Maze. The Naylor’s started off with the Farm & Corn Maze back in 2011 and since have added a Farm Market Barn including a concession stand, produce stand, indoor/outdoor picnic area, and restrooms. The Market consists of goodies throughout all seasons. In the spring/summer you will find a beautiful array of flowers and delicious juicy watermelon. In the fall time, pumpkins for miles and produce to match the season! They sell locally made NC products including jams & jellies, candles, salsas, honey, and so SO much more! When the sun is shining in the spring and summer months, Naylor Roadside Market offers a variety of food trucks for you to enjoy! Be sure to follow their social media pages to keep up to date with all the family fun to be had at both Naylor Roadside Market and Naylor Family Farm & Corn Maze.