This North Carolina Farm Makes Blueberry Basil Ice Cream, With Alpacas Waiting Outside
Blueberry and basil on one cone sounds odd until that first bite proves it wrong. People plan entire weekends around this exact combination.
Soft serve gets blended fresh the second an order comes in. Real fruit and herbs go into the mix.
North Carolina keeps surprises waiting in this corner of the state. Alpacas rush the fence the instant a basket appears.
A llama tags along, taller and just as eager for snacks. Goats voice loud opinions while chickens roam free.
A market packed with jams, pottery, and plants sits only steps from a nursery full of green finds. Fire pits wait for cool nights, and coffee waits for warm ones.
This corner of North Carolina rewards anyone ready to slow down and stay.
A Centennial Farm With Roots In 1878
Old land, new chapter.
The property traces back to 1878, making it a centennial farm by any measure.
Generations shaped the fields long before ice cream and market shelves arrived.
A revitalization began in 2020, turning the historic property into the welcoming stop it is today.
That short public history explains why some areas still feel fresh and evolving.
Seating, shade, and parking have all been adjusted as visitor numbers grew.
The setting sits between White Deer Park and Lake Benson Park.
Rolling ground and open sky give the place a calm backdrop.
Views from the upper deck stretch toward the lake and park land.
Visitors who like history can appreciate how the working farm keeps producing.
Hydroponic greens and seasonal plants grow alongside the guest areas.
Nothing about it feels staged for tourists.
Expect gravel, grass, and uneven ground in places.
Comfortable shoes make the walk easier, especially after rain.
Plan for an hour or two if the goal is a relaxed look around.
Goats And Chickens Round Out The Barnyard
Goats have opinions, and they share them loudly.
They press against the rail whenever a feed basket appears.
Chickens roam the grounds and add background clucking to the whole visit.
A free-roaming rooster tends to make an impression on first-time guests.
Feeding is free, which removes the pressure of extra costs for families with several kids.
Stools and low seating near the pens let adults rest while children linger.
The animal areas stay busiest in the middle of the day.
Early arrivals get more space and shorter waits at the feed bins.
Keep fingers flat when offering grass to the goats.
Small hands sometimes need a bit of coaching first.
The barnyard is compact enough that nobody gets lost.
Parents can watch from a few steps away and still see everything.
Hot days call for hats, since shade near the pens is limited.
Water bottles help too, especially in summer.
Cooler months make the whole animal area far more comfortable.
Blueberry Basil Soft Serve Steals The Show
Fruit and herbs in one cone? It works better than most people expect.
Blueberry basil is the flavor that put Holl & Stone Farms on many weekend lists.
The farm serves New Zealand-style soft serve, sometimes called real fruit ice cream.
Staff blend creamy vanilla with frozen fruit right when the order is placed.
Fresh herbs, some grown on the property, get folded into the mix.
The result tastes bright rather than heavy, which suits a warm Carolina afternoon.
Flavors rotate, so the featured combination can change from one weekend to the next.
Past options have included pineapple and strawberry mint.
Hand-scooped flavors are also available, which helps lines move faster than they did early on.
Alpaca-shaped pops show up too, and kids tend to spot them immediately.
Arriving earlier in the day gives a better chance at the soft-serve feature.
Later visitors sometimes find it sold out, especially on busy weekends.
Order at the ice cream stand, then carry the cone to a shaded picnic table nearby.
The farm sits at 920 Buffaloe Rd, Garner, NC 27529.
The Farm Market Holds Small Treasures
Shelves here reward slow browsing.
The Farm Market mixes home goods, gifts, and seasonal finds under one roof.
Pottery, books, jewelry, and jams sit alongside farm-grown produce.
Honey and sauces appear regularly, though stock shifts with the season.
Alpaca-themed keepsakes are a favorite, including soft items made with real alpaca fiber.
Prices span a wide range, so small souvenirs are possible.
Hydroponic greens grown on site are sold here too.
Bibb lettuce, tatsoi, and arugula have all been part of the harvest.
Fresh cuts are typically available on the weekend market days.
The space stays cool, which makes it a welcome break from the sun.
Aisles can feel tight during busy afternoons.
Visiting the market first or last helps avoid the crush.
Maker’s markets bring local artisans out on select dates.
Those days give the shelves a different feel entirely.
Checking what is in stock before planning gifts is a smart move, since inventory changes.
Alpacas Greet Guests Near The Fence Line
Alpacas know exactly when snacks arrive.
They gather along the fence as soon as someone reaches toward a hay bin.
Feed is provided in baskets and bins at no charge, which keeps the experience simple for families.
Kids can hold out a handful of grass and watch soft mouths lean in.
A llama shares the space too, adding a taller silhouette to the group.
The animals are calm and used to visitors, though supervision still matters with small children.
Dogs are welcome in the Farm Market area only.
They must stay away from the alpacas and llama for everyone’s safety.
Weekdays feel quieter, and the animals are easier to reach without crowds pressing in.
Weekend afternoons bring more people and more waiting near the pens.
Wash hands afterward if possible, and bring hand sanitizer just in case.
Photos come out best when the light softens later in the day.
Standing quietly usually works better than reaching quickly.
The animals come closer when visitors slow down.
That pace sets the tone for the rest of the visit.
Plants, Pots, And Year-Round Hydroponics
Green thumbs find plenty to study.
The plant nursery stocks seasonal selections, ornamentals, succulents, and pots in many sizes.
Beginners and experienced gardeners can both find something workable.
Flowering plants shift with the calendar, so spring and fall visits look different.
Staff keep displays tidy and grouped, which makes browsing straightforward.
Carrying a plant back to the car is easy from most parking spots.
Behind the retail side sits a hydroponic growing system.
It allows greens to grow year-round without depending on field weather.
Radish greens and lettuces have come from that setup.
Harvests reach the market shelves during open days.
Freshness is the obvious draw, since travel time is close to zero.
The method also shows a practical side of modern small farming.
Ask about care instructions before buying anything unfamiliar.
A quick question saves trouble later at home.
Bringing a box or tote helps keep pots upright on the drive back.
Fire Pits Make Evenings Linger
Cooler weather changes everything here.
Fire pits sit scattered around the grounds with seating pulled close.
Groups gather, kids settle, and the pace drops noticeably.
S’mores kits are sold inside the farm market for anyone who wants to roast.
The pits are generally open to visitors without a fee.
Private experiences can be reserved separately if a group wants its own space.
Fall and winter afternoons suit this part of the farm best.
Summer heat makes the fire less appealing, though the seating still works.
Bring a light jacket in the shoulder seasons.
Open ground can get breezy once the sun drops.
Marshmallow duty tends to keep children busy for a while.
Adults get a rare chance to sit still.
Availability can vary with weather and how busy the day is.
Checking at the market first avoids disappointment.
Ending a visit at a fire pit gives the day a natural close.
Coffee And Bites At The Farm Bar
Coffee tastes better outdoors.
The Farm Bar pours hot coffee for anyone needing a pause between stops.
Light bites such as cheese and crackers have been part of the offering.
The bar was built into a shipping container, which gives it a compact, tidy look.
An upper mezzanine above it holds tables, chairs, and softer seating.
Views from that level reach toward Lake Benson and the surrounding park land.
Food trucks visit on weekend days, adding hot meals to the mix.
Options have included tacos and wood-fired pizza, though the lineup rotates.
Checking what is scheduled before arriving helps with meal planning.
Seating spreads across multiple patios and covered areas.
Umbrellas and tented spots have been added over time.
Finding a table is usually possible even when the lot looks full.
Midweek visits feel calmer for anyone wanting a quiet cup.
Weekends bring more energy and more noise.
Both work, depending on the mood of the day.
Weddings And Gatherings On Open Ground
Celebrations fit naturally into this landscape.
The farm hosts private events, showers, and weddings across its outdoor spaces.
Rolling ground, greenery, and animals nearby give gatherings a distinct backdrop.
Setup details and pricing vary, so direct inquiry is the only reliable route.
Availability shifts with the season and with regular public hours.
Planning ahead matters, especially for spring and fall dates.
Farm dinners and community events also appear on the calendar.
Some include farm tours or live music.
Those evenings offer a different view of the property than a daytime visit.
Weather planning deserves real thought here.
Outdoor space means rain plans and shade need discussion in advance.
Tented areas have been part of past setups.
Guests attending an event should expect grass and uneven ground.
Flat shoes make the walk easier for everyone.
Timing, Parking, And Getting There Comfortably
Fifteen minutes from downtown Raleigh, and the scenery changes completely.
The drive out to Garner is short and simple.
General visits require no entry fee and no reservation.
Open days run Friday through Sunday, roughly from late morning to early evening.
Hours can shift with the season, so confirming before leaving is wise.
Weekday visits, when offered, feel far less crowded.
Parking has been the main challenge on busy weekends.
The lot fills quickly during peak afternoon hours.
Arriving earlier or later usually makes the search easier.
Shade is limited in some seating areas, though umbrellas and tents have been added.
Hats and sunscreen help during warmer months.
Cooler weather removes most of that concern.
Lake Benson Park sits nearby with trails and open space.
Pairing the two makes a fuller day out.
Allow enough time to feed the animals, browse the market, and finish with ice cream before heading home.