Sunflowers seem like the happiest flowers, don’t they? It definitely makes me smile to wander in a field of these towering beauties. Sunflower season runs mid-summer to early fall in the Southeast, and if you’re in North Georgia, you have to stop by Fausett Farms in Dawsonville. Their fields are like being in a sea of sunflowers! They’re open to the public mid-September to mid-October.
Location
11336 Highway 136 W, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Dates: exact date varies but mid-September to mid-October, daily
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost: $6 per person, cash or card
What to Expect at Fausett Farms
Fausett Farms has been family-owned for over 60 years and a sunflower farm for over a decade. They offer 30 acres of sunflowers (or over 900,000 flowers!). The sunflower fields stretch as far as the eye can see and there are plenty of photo opportunities. There’s a stand to buy fresh cut flowers from, or you can cut your own for an additional fee. They also have porta-potties.
We went near the end of the season and the grasshoppers had gone hard on the leaves but the towering flowers were still amazing to walk through. I’m not a huge fan of the lubbers but I loved spotting the butterflies and this mantis!
Fun Facts About Sunflowers
- History: Sunflowers are believed to have originated in what is now the eastern United States and Mexico by indigenous peoples as early as 3000 BC. They were later introduced to Europe by explorers in the 16th century.
- Heliotropism: Young sunflowers literally follow the sun, turning their bright heads east to west as the sun moves across the sky. Once they mature, they typically settle facing east to greet the rising sun.
- Symbolism: In the Victorian language of flowers, sunflowers represented adoration, loyalty and longevity. In more contemporary contexts, sunflowers represent happiness and positivity, fertility and harvest. In 2022, the sunflower became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance and hope.
- Seeds! Sunflower seeds are both a beloved snack and packed with nutrition. The seeds and oil extracted from them are a great source of antioxidant vitamin E.
Want More Sunflowers?
I always pull over for a sunflower field! Just keep your eyes peeled for those cheerful yellow petals late June though early October. Here are a couple I stopped for in Dublin and Alto, Georgia.
Additionally, I went to a flower picking event at Bold Spring Blooms in Danielsville, Georgia where guests could see the sunflowers during golden hour. Copper Creek Farm in Calhoun has an annual Sunflower Festival. Smithgall Woods has a “Sunflowers & Selfies” weekend in August. Let me know if you know of any other sunflower events in the area!
What’s Nearby?
Fausett Farms/Dawsonville puts you right in the mountains. Round out your day by visiting one of these natural attractions.
- Amicalola Falls State Park: Just a short drive away, Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia,
- Burt’s Pumpkin Farm: Located nearby, this charming pumpkin patch is the perfect spot to pick your future jack-o-lantern
- Fort Mountain State Park: Explore the history and mystery at one of North Georgia’s most beautiful state parks. Read my post on Fort Mountain here!
Until next year, Fausett Farms!
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