U Pick Blueberries at Southern Hill FarmsWhere 120 acres of blueberries, strawberries, and Southern hospitality come together

Looking for a slice of authentic Florida farm life just minutes from Orlando's hustle and bustle? Meet Southern Hill Farms – Clermont's sprawling 120-acre agritourism destination that's become a beloved tradition for Central Florida families. Whether you're filling baskets with sun-ripened strawberries, cutting armfuls of sunflowers, or letting the kids run wild at the famous Fall Festival, this family-owned farm offers something special that you just can't find at your local grocery store.

Here's the thing: in a region dominated by theme parks and tourist attractions, Southern Hill Farms stands out by offering something refreshingly real. This isn't manufactured fun – it's dirt-under-your-fingernails, juice-on-your-hands, actual farm living. And for those of us living in (or considering a move to) Clermont, it's one of those community treasures that reminds us why we love calling this area home.

What Makes Southern Hill Farms Special?

Southern Hill Farms isn't your typical roadside fruit stand. This is a full-scale working farm that has welcomed visitors since the Hill family planted their first blueberry crop back in 2010. The family's farming roots actually go back even further – they're third-generation farmers who relocated to Clermont's hills in 1999 and have been cultivating this land ever since.

The farm's current footprint is impressive: 40 acres of blueberry bushes, 15 acres of strawberries, 5 acres of peaches, plus seasonal vegetables and those Instagram-famous flower fields. During peak season, you might find yourself parking alongside 100+ other cars (yes, it's that popular) and walking down paved pathways to fields that seem to stretch forever.

The U-Pick Experience: What You Need to Know

What's in Season When?

One of the best things about Southern Hill Farms is that there's almost always something to pick, no matter when you visit. Here's the general seasonal breakdown:

Winter (December-March): Strawberry season is the big draw! February is peak strawberry time, and trust us, there's nothing quite like Florida-grown strawberries picked at their sweetest. You'll also find vegetables like kale, spinach, lettuce, and broccolini during these cooler months.

Spring (April-May): Blueberry season kicks into high gear! With 40 acres of bushes, you'll have plenty of room to spread out and pick to your heart's content. Spring vegetables continue through this season as well.

Summer (June-August): Peach picking time! Florida peaches are underrated gems – they're different from their Georgia cousins but absolutely delicious. This is also when the sunflower and zinnia fields start blooming.

Fall (September-November): The legendary Fall Festival takes over the farm! While u-pick might be more limited during festival weekends, the farm transforms into a full-blown autumn celebration with activities, rides, entertainment, and those picture-perfect flower fields in full bloom.

How It Works

Here's what makes Southern Hill Farms visitor-friendly: for most u-pick events, admission is free! You simply pay for what you pick when you check out at the covered pavilion. Recent pricing has been around $6 per pound for strawberries, with other items varying by season. The farm doesn't accept cash, so bring your cards.

During the Fall Festival (typically late September through late November on select Thursdays and every Friday through Sunday), the model changes – you'll need to purchase tickets in advance online. These tickets (around $27 plus fees) include all the festival activities, making it an all-inclusive experience.

Insider Tips for Your Visit

Come Prepared

Learning from seasoned Southern Hill Farms visitors, here's what you should bring:

  • A wagon: The walk from the parking lot to the fields can be long, and carrying heavy buckets of fruit is no joke. Bring your own wagon or rent one at the farm for around $8. This is especially crucial if you have young kids.
  • Comfortable, sacrificial shoes: The paths are paved, but you'll still get dusty. Wear closed-toe shoes you don't mind getting dirty.
  • Sun protection: We're talking Central Florida sunshine here. Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are non-negotiable.
  • Water bottles: Stay hydrated! There are vendors on-site, but bringing your own water is smart.
  • Cooler for the car: If you're picking a lot of fruit, you'll want to keep it cool on the drive home, especially during warmer months.

Timing Your Visit

Weekends can get crowded (remember those 100+ cars?), so if you prefer a more peaceful experience, try visiting on a weekday morning. The fields are freshest early in the day, and you'll beat both the crowds and the afternoon heat. If you're specifically going for the Fall Festival, expect it to be busy and festive – that's part of the fun!

Beyond U-Pick: What Else is There?

The Farm Market

Can't (or don't want to) pick your own? No problem! The farm market sells pre-picked produce, along with an impressive selection of locally-sourced products. We're talking homemade jams, local honey, artisanal soaps, herbal teas, and unique gifts. It's the perfect place to grab a thoughtful present or stock up on Central Florida specialties.

Food and Treats

After working up an appetite in the fields, head to the covered food pavilion. The farm offers various food options depending on the season, with popular items including blueberry donuts (don't leave without trying them!), strawberry shakes, and other farm-inspired treats. During the Fall Festival, food trucks often join the lineup, offering even more variety.

Family Activities

Southern Hill Farms has evolved beyond just u-pick. There's often live music at the pavilion, creating a fun, festival-like atmosphere even during regular weekends. The Fall Festival kicks things into high gear with attractions like tractor-pulled hayrides, corn mazes, a large carousel, and other amusement-style rides. There's also a petting zoo area during festival season that kids absolutely love.

The Fall Festival: A Central Florida Tradition

Let's talk about what has become one of Clermont's signature seasonal events. The Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival typically runs from late September through late November, operating on select Thursdays and every Friday through Sunday. This isn't your average pumpkin patch visit – it's a full-blown autumn celebration that draws families from across Central Florida.

What makes it worth the ticket price? The festival includes access to all the farm's activities: u-pick flower fields bursting with zinnias and sunflowers, hayrides through the property, corn mazes, rides and attractions, live entertainment, and that special fall atmosphere that's hard to come by in Florida's typically warm autumn weather. It's become such a popular tradition that tickets often need to be purchased in advance online.

Pro tip: If you're planning to visit during festival season and want to explore some of Clermont's other fall activities, check out Clermont's events and entertainment guide to make a full day or weekend out of your visit.

The Story Behind the Farm: Sustainability and Community

What really sets Southern Hill Farms apart is the Hill family's commitment to both environmental stewardship and community connection. After being displaced by the Lake Apopka Restoration Act, David and Lisa Hill could have walked away from farming altogether. Instead, they doubled down on their passion, purchasing land in Clermont's hills and building something new from the ground up.

The farm has been recognized by Florida Farm Bureau's "This Farm CARES" program for their environmental practices. They use innovative techniques like drip irrigation to conserve water and prevent runoff, and they've implemented separate systems to use reclaimed water while protecting the actual fruit. It's farming done thoughtfully, with an eye toward the future.

The family has also been open about the challenges of farming in Florida – from unpredictable weather to pest invasions to market instability. Yet as they note on their website, there's nothing more satisfying than planting and caring for crops that will nourish people across the world. That dedication shows in every corner of the farm.

Why This Matters for Clermont Residents

If you're considering a move to the Clermont area – or you're already here and still discovering all the gems – Southern Hill Farms represents something important about this community. In an area that could easily be defined solely by its proximity to Orlando's theme parks and attractions, Clermont has maintained its own identity.

The "Choice of Champions" (as Clermont is known, thanks to its reputation as a training ground for Olympic athletes) isn't just about sports. It's about a community that values authentic experiences, supports local businesses, and maintains connections to Florida's agricultural heritage. Southern Hill Farms embodies all of that.

For families moving to neighborhoods like Greater Groves, Wellness Ridge, or any of the growing communities in western Clermont, having a destination like Southern Hill Farms nearby adds real quality-of-life value. It's the kind of place where you'll make memories – whether that's your toddler's first strawberry picking experience or your teenager reluctantly admitting that the Fall Festival is actually pretty fun.

Planning Your Visit

Getting There

Southern Hill Farms is located at 16651 Schofield Road in Clermont, tucked into the rolling hills of western Lake County. From most Clermont neighborhoods, you're looking at a 10-20 minute drive. From Winter Garden, it's about 15 minutes. From downtown Orlando, plan for about 35-40 minutes depending on traffic.

The farm is well-signed, and there's plenty of unpaved parking (free). Just remember that after rain, the lot can be a bit muddy, so plan accordingly.

Hours and Seasons

Hours vary significantly by season and event. During u-pick seasons, the farm might be open limited days per week. During the Fall Festival, hours are more extensive. Your best bet is to check their website or social media before heading out – they're very good about posting current hours, what's available to pick, and any special events coming up.

You can also text them at (407) 986-5806 to join their text list and get notifications about season openings and special events. Their newsletter is another great way to stay informed.

What to Do Nearby

Make a full day of it! After your farm visit, Clermont offers plenty of other activities:

If you're exploring the broader area, Things to Do in Clermont provides a comprehensive guide to entertainment and activities throughout the area.

Practical Considerations

What to Expect to Spend

For a regular u-pick visit, budget around $50-100 for a family, depending on how much you pick. U-pick prices typically range from $3-6 per pound for most items. If you're visiting during the Fall Festival, tickets run around $27 per person (ages 2 and up typically require tickets).

Accessibility

The main pathways to the fields are paved, which is a huge plus. However, keep in mind that you'll be walking on farm terrain, and some areas may be more challenging for wheelchairs or strollers. The farm is working to be accessible, but it's still a working farm environment. If you have specific accessibility needs, calling ahead is recommended.

Groups and Events

Southern Hill Farms has become a popular venue for special events. They have a beautiful climate-controlled enclosed barn available for private events, making it a unique option for birthday parties, family reunions, or corporate gatherings. If you're interested in hosting an event at the farm, reach out to them directly.

The Bottom Line

Is Southern Hill Farms worth the trip? Absolutely. Whether you're a longtime Clermont resident or someone considering a move to the area, this farm offers something increasingly rare in modern life – authentic, hands-on experiences that connect us to where our food comes from and create lasting family memories.

Sure, you could buy strawberries at the grocery store. But there's something magical about watching your kids discover that berries grow on plants, not in plastic containers. There's something satisfying about cutting your own bouquet of sunflowers and knowing they're truly farm-fresh. And there's something genuinely fun about spending a fall Saturday getting lost in a corn maze and eating a blueberry donut while listening to live music.

For those researching the Clermont area as a potential place to call home, attractions like Southern Hill Farms are part of what makes this community special. It's not just about the excellent parks or the quality schools (though those matter too). It's about living in a place that values community, celebrates local agriculture, and offers experiences you won't find anywhere else.

Southern Hill Farms isn't trying to be Disney World, and that's exactly what makes it wonderful. It's authentic Florida farm life, accessible to everyone, and waiting for you just off Schofield Road in Clermont.

For more information about visiting hours, current u-pick availability, Fall Festival tickets, and special events, visit the official Southern Hill Farms website or follow them on social media.

Ready to explore Clermont and find your perfect home near attractions like Southern Hill Farms? Browse our Clermont homes for sale or contact us for personalized assistance finding your dream home in Central Florida!