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Burnside Farms is a family-friendly experience in Northern Virginia.
These third and fourth-generation farmers have done a remarkable job creating a fun and exciting atmosphere.
So, what’s so special about Burnside Farms that you don’t want to miss it?
Let’s dive in and see!
About Burnside Farms
Leslie and Michael Dawley are a mother-son team and the brains behind Burnside Farms. Guests have been flocking to their farm since they opened the gates in 2012. The Festival of Spring and The Summer of Sunflowers are their biggest draws.
Their farm sits only 40 miles west of Washington, DC. It’s a great place to take a timeout from the city crowds and chaos. If you’re in the area during one of their special events, you’ll want to plan your schedule around attending. You’ll have a phenomenal time and make many memories in the process.
Pro Tip: After a long day walking around the farms, rest in these perfect hot springs while in the Old Dominion State.
What Is There to Do at Burnside Farms
As we mentioned, Burnside Farms has several significant events each year. These are the main draws to the farm. As a result, you’ll want to plan your trip to the area accordingly.
The Festival of Spring
Burnside Farms comes alive with color in the spring. They plant 150 varieties of tulips and over 30 different types of daffodils. These flower fields will leave you thinking you’re standing in a field in Holland. This event takes place for three weeks, spread between March and April. You’ll want to check their event page for exact dates.
During the Festival of Spring, you can pick your own flowers. They’re $1 for each tulip stem, and daffodils are two for $1. Visitors receive five complimentary flowers with their admission ticket.
You’ll pick your flowers by pulling the stem up from the ground and pulling the bulb out. When you finish, they’ll cut off the bulb for you. If you want to keep it and plant it at home, it’s $1 per bulb. However, this can be a great way to start a flower garden at home.
The Summer of Sunflowers
Another popular event at Burnside Farms is their Summer of Sunflowers. This takes place for three to four weeks starting in mid-July. This is your chance to see approximately 70 acres of nothing but sunflowers.
The team plants over 30 types of “cutting” sunflowers and many oil sunflowers. In addition to fields of these gorgeous flowers, they also grow some sunflower mazes. They expect to have at least one sunflower maze each harvest week.
You’ll find several colors and sizes of sunflowers at Burnside Farms. If you think you’ve seen all the types of sunflowers, let these folks prove you wrong. They’ve likely got several that you’ve never seen before.
Their sunflowers are $1.50 per stem. In addition, they sell cosmos and zinnias for $.50 per stem and gladiolus and liatris for $1 per stem. Take your time to enjoy the view, take lots of pictures, and gather as many flowers as you want to bring home.
Holiday Fir Trees
While it may not be a Burnside Farms event, the farm hosts a yearly Christmas tree sale. Bowers Family Holiday Fir Trees are behind the operation that starts the day after Thanksgiving. They offer some of the freshest-cut Virginia Frazier Fir trees you’ll find anywhere.
Each week, they get a fresh shipment of trees to ensure you get the freshest tree possible. Their trees range from three feet to 12 feet, and you can place a special order for a larger tree.
In addition to trees, you can also purchase wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces. They also have cocoa bombs, homemade vanilla, and a variety of other goodies and decorations for you to consider.
If you’re within driving distance and looking for a spot to get a quality tree, consider Burnside Farms. While you’re here, take the time to snap a picture of your whole family in one of their family photo areas.
Other Things to Do Near Burnside Farms
You’ll likely spend a couple of hours at Burnside Farms. You’ll need to find other things to do to fill your time. Here are a few options worth considering.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Northern Virginia has several famous Civil War sites, including Manassas National Battlefield Park. On July 21, 1861, these grounds were where the American Civil War first began.
The 5,000 acres of Manassas National Battlefield Park were some of the bloodiest fighting of the entire war. It can be a humbling experience to walk these hallowed grounds.
While here, you can read informative displays, look at artifacts, and participate in ranger-led programs. The park also has a trail system where you can walk through key events and moments of the battlefield.
During your visit, make sure you conduct yourself respectfully. Do not climb on fences, canons, or other monuments.
Ben Lomond Historic Site
The Ben Lomond Historic Site is another important Civil War-era location near the Burnside Farms. It’s only a 20-minute drive to this gorgeous home built in 1832. Additionally, it’s best known for its use as a makeshift hospital by Confederate forces.
The site is open Friday through Monday from 10 AM to 4 PM for self-guided tours. Guided tours are available from 11 AM to 2 PM. This can be a remarkable experience where you can see the architecture and history of the home.
SplashDown Waterpark
Surprisingly, you can find some more adventurous fun in the middle of all the history in the region. Less than 10 miles from Burnside Farms is SplashDown Waterpark. You can fly down their four-story Pipeline Tower or race through their Tropical Twister. If you want to put your balancing skills to the test, try going across their log walk.
Depending on your height and when you visit, prices range from $13 to $17.25. Each ticket includes access to their waterslides, pools, and lazy river. If you didn’t bring a life vest or inflatable, they have plenty to share.
Spend the Day at Burnside Farms
Burnside Farms is an exciting place to visit. If you’re in this neck of the woods, you don’t want to miss it. On the other hand, their events typically only last a few weeks, making the timing very challenging. Your best bet will be to watch their Facebook page and website as the seasons get closer. They do a fantastic job of keeping their fans updated on these platforms.
