Farm Country Fun: A Day (and Night!) in Thomson

Where fresh air, friendly farms, and funky flair come together

Ready to trade traffic for tractor paths and screens for wide-open skies? Welcome to Farm Country, where McDuffie County invites you to slow down, sip something warm, and experience life where agriculture meets creativity. This stay-for-a-day (with a very fun overnight option) blends hands-on farm experiences, local flavors, and a little unexpected disco. Let’s go!

Morning Kickoff at Camellia City Cafe

Start your farm-country adventure the best way possible—with coffee. Swing by Camellia City Cafe in downtown Thomson for a locally roasted brew and a tempting spread of pastries. It’s cozy, charming, and the kind of place where mornings feel unhurried and conversations flow as easily as the coffee.

Modern Farming at Hillcrest Farm

Next, head to Hillcrest Farm for a behind-the-scenes look at the future of dairy. With an appointment booked in advance, you’ll witness robotic milking in action and learn how technology and sustainability work together to keep cows comfortable and healthy. It’s fascinating, eye-opening, and a great reminder that farming is both an art and a science.

Lavender Dreams at White Hills Farm

Now it’s time to breathe deep and relax at White Hills Farm, a picturesque boutique farm where lavender steals the show. Wander through fields featuring 14 varieties of lavender, explore fragrant herbs, and soak in the beauty of a historic farmhouse backdrop. Educational tours, demonstrations, and seasonal classes make this stop equal parts peaceful and inspiring.

Classic Southern Lunch at Ivery’s Restaurant

All that fresh air builds an appetite! Head to Ivery’s Restaurant, a beloved local spot famous for its crispy fried chicken, comforting sides, and must-save-room-for peach cobbler. This is Southern cooking at its most satisfying—no frills, all flavor.

Art on the Road: McTell’s 12-String Strut & Murals

After lunch, mix in a little culture by following McTell’s 12-String Strut, a collection of colorful guitar sculptures honoring blues legend Blind Willie McTell. Along the way, check out murals that tell Thomson’s story, from McTell’s musical legacy to the town’s railroad roots. It’s part art walk, part history lesson, and all fun.

Fresh Finds at Local Markets

Before heading back to the countryside, stock up on local goodness. Stop by The Market at Palmer Farm for fresh produce and meats, or swing into B & B Produce for everything from fresh shrimp to boiled peanuts. These stops are perfect for edible souvenirs—and snacks for later.

Highland Cattle & Hospitality at Crawford’s Double O Farm

Wrap up your day with a visit to Crawford’s Double O Farm, home to their famously fluffy Scottish Highland cattle. This family-run farm offers a warm welcome and a chance to learn about their operation while getting up close with some seriously photogenic farm residents.

Overnight Option: The Shaggy Sheep Yurt

Not ready to head home? Good choice. Stay the night at the unforgettable Shaggy Sheep Yurt at Crawford’s Double O Farm. This isn’t your average farm stay—think retro disco vibes, cozy lounging beneath indoor cherry blossoms, and vintage tunes setting the mood. Outside, friendly sheep, alpacas, and those iconic Highland cows complete the experience. It’s funky, fun, and totally unforgettable.

Wrap-Up

Farm Country in Thomson and McDuffie County is anything but ordinary. From robotic dairy tech to lavender fields, soulful art to disco yurts, this itinerary proves that rural adventures can be both relaxing and wildly unique. Come curious, leave refreshed—and maybe a little in love with farm life.