Former Tobacco Farm Grows into North Carolina Family Destination

Smith’s Farm Market now draws visitors with produce, flowers, and homemade ice cream.

BENSON, N.C. (RFD News) — A former tobacco farm in North Carolina has grown into a thriving destination centered around local food, flowers and family activities.

Smith’s Farm Market offers fresh produce, seasonal U-pick berries, a garden center, homemade soft-serve ice cream and family attractions that draw visitors from across the region.

The operation also includes 12 acres of nursery plants currently in production for both wholesale and retail sales, along with pottery and handmade soaps.

Arlene Smith says one of the things she enjoys most is that no two days are ever the same.

“I love it. No day is the same. Every day is a little bit different, and you’re right here. You get to work outside, you’re around beautiful plants, and people are here because they want to be here.”

Smith’s Farm Market says its busiest season runs through Mother’s Day, but strawberries and field trips continue to bring in visitors from across the area.

Related Stories
Strong demand persists despite short-term price pressure.
Kubota Tractor Company President and Army National Guard Veteran Alex Woods discusses the company’s Military Appreciation Month initiatives and long-term support programs for veterans in agriculture.
Campustown Showdown Founder Christian Calliham shared a sneak peek, explaining how the upcoming Iowa stock show evolved from its sister event, the Aggieville Showdown in Kansas.
Shells from restaurants are collected, cleaned, and returned to the water, where they can support new growth.
Event focuses on helping communities grow through local business

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Overstreet family’s cattle operation combines conservation practices with decades of resilience.
UT Institute of Agriculture reporter Charles Denney visited a class at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, where students in the School of Natural Resources traded traditional classrooms for hands-on outdoor learning.
Industry leaders gather in Mexico City to strengthen trade and showcase product quality.
The annual event brings together vintage equipment, live demos and thousands of visitors.
Accessing land is one of the biggest challenges facing the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
The behind-the-scenes role helps guide jump crews as they protect rural communities.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
RFD-TV’s newest music series, “On the Record,” presented by John Deere, takes viewers on a journey through the heart of country music. Hosted by renowned broadcaster, Suzanne Alexander, the show features long-form interviews with today’s biggest artists and the veterans who inspired them. “On the Record” also gives viewers a front row seat to intimate performances and exclusive music video releases, highlighting the broad scope of Nashville’s talent.