Editor’s notice: That is a part of The Know’s sequence, Workers Favorites. Every week, we provide our opinions on the very best that Colorado has to supply for eating, procuring, leisure, out of doors actions and extra. (We’ll additionally allow you to in on some hidden gems).
Drivers touring on the stretch of U.S. 50 between Delta and Montrose don’t have many causes to drag over. However in the summertime, one family-owned farm boasts an eye-popping roadside attraction that’s nicely value a pitstop.
DeVries Produce in Olathe vegetation 10 to 50 acres of sunflowers every year and permits the general public to come back snap a shot among the many blooms. When on the sting of the plots, the sunflowers tower tall and seemingly prolong perpetually into the horizon. Sure, they’re simply dying to be in your Instagram.
Farmer Randy Buddy stated the attraction began accidentally eight years in the past when he first planted sunflowers to offer hen seed to an area coop. However as a result of they generally develop proper on the freeway – Buddy rotates crops all through farm plots – individuals couldn’t assist however discover.
Now the sunflowers are a advertising device for the DeVries Produce roadside stand, which sells homegrown fruits and veggies alongside Colorado favorites like Palisade peaches and regionally made cheeses, jams and honey. The household has operated the store for the reason that Nineteen Forties.
“We develop (sunflowers) for a lot of causes, however primarily as an attraction to our roadside retailer,” Buddy stated. “Nothing is free to develop, so we have now to get artistic to stay worthwhile.”
Plus, it’s a enjoyable addition to the farm’s lineup of group occasions, corresponding to its fall pumpkin patch and corn maze, he added.
Buddy stated the blooms often final about three weeks, till early September. Guests are suggested to test in on the produce stand earlier than heading west off U.S. 50 to the place the sunflowers are rising this yr.
Anybody excited about doing an expert picture shoot might be required to pay a $25 payment. However should you simply have your cellphone, entry is free. Simply make sure to buy a bag of produce in your approach out as a thanks and to make sure the farm — and its sunflower fields — may be sustained for years to come back.
DeVries Produce is positioned at 60542 Gunnison Street in Olathe. The stand is open day by day from 9 a.m. to five p.m. For extra info, name 970-323-6559 or go to devriesproduce.com.
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