When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
LL Urban Farms
Why LL Urban Farms is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
LL Urban Farms, located at 8225 Holly Springs Rd. in South Raleigh, North Carolina, is a pioneering hydroponic farm and farm stand that offers a unique and sustainable place for friends to meet and enjoy fresh, locally grown produce year-round. Founded by two families united by a shared vision for urban sustainable farming, LL Urban Farms has successfully cultivated bibb lettuce and other vegetables using state-of-the-art hydroponic techniques within a greenhouse setting. This innovative method eliminates the need for soil, enabling vibrant plant growth regardless of season, ensuring fresh salad greens and produce are always available. The farm stand also stocks a variety of local fruits, cheese, seafood, and other farmers market staples, making it a one-stop destination for quality local food. The welcoming farm atmosphere is enhanced by 20 heritage breed chickens and two beehives, adding charm and biodiversity to the environment. Visitors can also find seasonal items such as pumpkins, Christmas trees, and turkeys, making LL Urban Farms a great year-round community hub for friends and families. Its commitment to sustainable urban agriculture and fresh, nutrient-dense food makes it a special place to meet up, learn about innovative farming, and support local food systems.
Here's what people think of LL Urban Farms
As of recent, LL Urban Farms holds a 4.8-star rating based on 47 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise LL Urban Farms for its fresh, high-quality produce and the farm’s commitment to sustainable hydroponic farming practices. Many positive reviews highlight the exceptional sweetness and flavor of the bibb lettuce and heirloom tomatoes grown at the farm—produce that shoppers appreciate for its freshness and ability to be harvested year-round. Users enjoy the farm stand’s diverse selection of local goods, including cheese and seafood, which add variety and convenience to their visits. Additionally, customers appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable staff, the farm’s picturesque and welcoming setting with heritage chickens and bees, and the availability of seasonal products like pumpkins and Christmas trees. On the downside, some reviewers have mentioned occasional limited inventory due to the farm's urban size and production capacity, reflecting the challenges of small-scale urban agriculture. A few noted that product availability varies seasonally, which can sometimes impact visits. Despite these minor complaints, the overall customer experience remains highly positive, with a strong emphasis on quality, sustainability, and community connection. In conclusion, LL Urban Farms is well regarded by its customers as a charming and innovative farm stand that not only produces fresh and delicious hydroponic vegetables year-round but also fosters a strong community spirit in Raleigh's South region.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mackenzie White
LL Urban Farms is one of my favorite local farm stand! New owners are very friendly and great with always having new seafood in stock EVERY WEEK!!! Karma the dog always greets us with a friendly tail wag. Come her for Seafood, produce, dairy, Eggs and other plant products. Homemade everything!!
Lawrence Cole
Exactly what I expected and wanted, a farmer market road stand. Prices were fair. Customer service very good. I called the day before and they got some grapes in just for me.
Heather
I used to love this place. The rebuild is adorable after the original structure burned down. The few times I have been there since the rebuild, I’m not sure if they changed ownership, or what. There are less fresh fruits and veggies out, etc. Not as much stock I guess. Still enjoy supporting local businesses; hoping they come back to their full glory.
Brian C Newman
Friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable counter person. Ample selectionof fruits and vegetables. Rebuilt store that is clean and open. Good place for local hydroponic lettuce.
R L
Very friendly staff, exceptional selection of produce,fruit, bread and even Fresh seafood every week! So nice to have a farmers market so close to my home. Would also recommend this place to anyone with kids that love chickens. You can feed the free range chickens in the back(no charge). :::2023UPDATE:::Sadly as of 2023 this location had burnt down and operates with a new setup and I’m unfamiliar with its new vendors so my previous review sadly, has been made redundant
How to reach LL Urban Farms
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Website: None
Why rally at LL Urban Farms with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a memorable meetup is about more than just a location; it’s about sharing an experience that’s refreshing, unique, and engaging for everyone. LL Urban Farms stands out as a remarkable destination to rally your group, offering a blend of nature, local flavor, and educational fun that stimulates conversation and connection. Nestled in South Raleigh, this family-run hydroponic farm and farm stand boasts a robust 4.8-star rating from 47 reviews, reflecting its popularity and quality. The farm's commitment to sustainability and local farming creates a vibrant atmosphere where visitors can enjoy fresh, healthy produce grown right on site alongside a variety of regional delicacies. Imagine your group wandering through greenhouses lush with hydroponic bibb lettuce grown year-round, exploring farm animals like heritage breed chickens and bee hives, and tasting the richness of locally sourced cheeses, seafood, and seasonal treats. This setting naturally sparks camaraderie, promotes healthy living, and nurtures appreciation for responsible agriculture, making it an ideal place to catch up, relax, and celebrate with friends or family in an informal, welcoming environment.
What activities can you enjoy at LL Urban Farms that make it ideal for a group meetup?
LL Urban Farms offers an array of activities perfect for group gatherings that combine education, leisure, and taste exploration. First and foremost, the farm tour itself is an immersive experience where guests can learn about hydroponic farming techniques—a soil-free method of growing plants that conserves water and space. This is not only fascinating for those interested in sustainable agriculture but also provides a serene walk surrounded by flourishing greenery, ideal for relaxed conversation and group photos. Beyond the tours, the farm stand presents a treasure trove of local produce, featuring fresh vegetables, fruits, and sustainably harvested seafood from trusted North Carolina sources. Groups can bond over tasting sessions, sampling unique products like local cheeses or Redneck BBQ Lab Sawse, a flavorful BBQ sauce made in the region. Seasonal events add even more variety: from pumpkin picking in the fall to selecting Christmas trees during winter, the farm's calendar creates reasons for return visits with friends or family. The presence of heritage breed chickens and buzzing bee hives injects playful charm and an educational component for children and adults alike, rounding out the offerings with interaction opportunities that everyone in a group can enjoy.
Why is LL Urban Farms perfect for hosting a group meetup?
LL Urban Farms combines a warm, family-run ambiance with a versatile, year-round offering that adapts perfectly to group meetups. The farm’s friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience by answering questions and guiding visitors, which adds a personal touch that makes every guest feel valued. The setting, located at 8225 Holly Springs Rd in Raleigh, strikes a balance between being accessible and feeling like an escape from the urban hustle. Unlike a conventional restaurant or event hall, the farm encourages active participation and shared discovery, which helps groups forge stronger connections than a typical indoor venue might allow. With ample space around the greenhouse and outdoor areas, groups can comfortably gather without feeling cramped. Whether your friends or family have interests in food, farming, or simply enjoying peaceful outdoors, the variety of locally sourced items available to sample and purchase after touring provides a tangible takeaway and shared memory. These features form the backbone of why LL Urban Farms is not just a visit but a meaningful social occasion where community and conversation flourish.
What unique products can your group find and share at LL Urban Farms?
One of LL Urban Farms’ defining characteristics is its wide selection of locally sourced foods and products that a group can discover and share together. Beyond their own hydroponic bibb lettuce grown throughout the year, the farm stand stocks an impressive variety of vegetables and fruits sourced from trusted local farmers. This array allows your group to taste the diversity of North Carolina's harvest in a single visit. In addition to produce, the farm offers specialty items like artisan cheeses, freshly caught seafood, and handmade condiments such as the popular Redneck BBQ Lab Sawse, adding gourmet flair to the outing. Seasonal selections, including pumpkins in autumn and freshly cut Christmas trees in winter, offer festive touches that transform a casual meet into a holiday tradition. By featuring 20 heritage breed chickens and two bee hives, the farm also produces unique, farm-fresh eggs and local honey that can be purchased to take home or enjoy on-site. Sharing these authentic and responsibly sourced foods turns a simple shopping trip into a communal culinary experience that resonates with anyone passionate about quality and provenance.
How does LL Urban Farms support an educational and interactive group experience?
LL Urban Farms not only serves as a place for food and fun but also provides a rich educational experience that can captivate groups of all ages and backgrounds. The farm’s use of hydroponics offers a real-world lesson in innovative agriculture techniques that contribute to sustainability. Visitors can observe firsthand how lettuce and other greens are grown without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions, a practice that conserves resources and reduces environmental impact. Informative tours guided by knowledgeable staff explain the complexities of these systems, making it engaging for both children and adults to understand modern farming challenges and solutions. Additionally, the heritage breed chickens and bee hives provide live examples of biodiversity and farm ecosystem balance, fostering curiosity and appreciation for animal husbandry and pollination. These interactive elements allow group members to ask questions, take photos, and participate in hands-on learning moments, making the meetup not only enjoyable but also enriching. This educational value sets LL Urban Farms apart as a venue where friends and families don’t just gather—they gain new insights and share meaningful experiences together.
What seasonal events and community opportunities does LL Urban Farms offer for groups?
LL Urban Farms extends its appeal throughout the year with a variety of seasonal events and opportunities that encourage groups to come together regularly. The farm's calendar includes pumpkin sales during the fall season, perfect for families and friends to pick out pumpkins for carving or decoration, turning a simple outing into a creative tradition. During winter, the availability of Christmas trees invites groups to embrace holiday spirit while supporting local agriculture. These seasonal offerings are not mere sales but festive occasions where the farm’s atmosphere fosters community spirit and shared excitement. Additionally, LL Urban Farms participates in local farmers markets and food events throughout the year, opening the door for groups to connect beyond the farm directly, expanding social bonds through culinary and cultural experiences. This cycle of seasonal activities ensures that every visit feels fresh and relevant, providing ample reasons for return visits and sustained engagement. For groups seeking regular meetups with a purpose and ambiance that nurtures both fun and connection, LL Urban Farms stands out as a year-round destination.
How accessible and welcoming is LL Urban Farms for diverse groups?
The accessibility and welcoming nature of LL Urban Farms are central to its reputation as a beloved local destination. Situated conveniently in South Raleigh, the farm is easy to reach via major roads, making it suitable for friends and families traveling from various parts of the city or nearby areas. Upon arrival, visitors comment on the warmth and expertise of the staff, who go out of their way to ensure everyone’s questions are answered, creating an inviting and inclusive environment. The farm's layout accommodates groups comfortably, with outdoor and greenhouse spaces designed for easy movement and social interaction. Whether your group includes children, seniors, or individuals with limited mobility, the farm's thoughtful design and friendly personnel make everyone feel welcome and cared for. This commitment to hospitality underscores why many reviews highlight not just the quality of products but also the quality of experience and service. LL Urban Farms invites diverse groups to connect through shared values of sustainability, fresh food, and community spirit in a place that feels like a second home.
Why choose LL Urban Farms over other venues for your next friends or family gathering?
Choosing LL Urban Farms for your next gathering means selecting a venue that offers far more than just space; it offers a living experience centered on health, sustainability, and community connection. Unlike standard event spaces or restaurants, LL Urban Farms immerses your group in a vibrant agricultural environment where fresh food and nature are integral to the visit. The hands-on experiences with hydroponic farming, farm animals, and seasonal produce provide unique conversation starters and bonding moments that conventional venues rarely offer. The farm’s excellent reputation, demonstrated by a robust 4.8-star rating from local visitors, speaks to its consistent quality, friendly atmosphere, and engaging offerings. This venue encourages guests to slow down, savor the moment, and walk away with not only fresh food but also meaningful memories. If your goal is to host a meetup that combines education, enjoyment, and exceptional local flavors in an undeniably charming setting, LL Urban Farms stands as an ideal choice that your friends and family will appreciate and want to revisit.