DAY TRIP: CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS

By

DISTANCE: VARIES

We’re kicking off our fun, old-fashioned family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols.

While the tidiness and convenience of an artificial tree cannot be denied, there’s just something about a fresh-cut Christmas tree. Okay, so you may have to forgo that whole “frosty majesty of the winter landscape” (it might even be advisable to wear a tank top under your jacket for tree-cutting purposes in the South), but the adventure of choosing a tree, cutting it down yourself and tying it to the top of your station wagon is a memory maker. Even if you’re solidly in the “no watering, no vacuuming needles” artificial tree court (holla!), a trip to the tree farm makes for the perfect family photo Christmas card. There are over 20 Christmas tree farms in metro Atlanta (who knew you didn’t need to drive all the way to North Carolina?!); below are a few we personally DiG!

YULE FOREST CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
3565 HWY 155 NORTH | STOCKBRIDGE
Perfect for the DIYer without the DIY tools, Yule Forest provides everything necessary: a saw, a cart and attendants willing to help you cut, shake and bail, and load your tree onto your vehicle. Yule Forest offers a wide selection of tree species starting at $26; prices are based on height and fullness. After your tree shopping is complete, enjoy hot apple cider, a look through the Old Country Store and a visit to pet the farm animals. They are also an official Toys for Tots drop-off site, so you can get that warm holiday-giving glow AND your tree at the same time!

BERRY’S TREE FARM
70 MT. TABOR ROAD | COVIN
Berry’s is a one-stop-shop for decorating your ENTIRE house for Christmas. In addition to trees, they offer fresh wreaths and garlands, snow flocking services and Santa’s workshop stands. To keep the little ones out of the way of the falling trees, there are train rides, a petting zoo featuring Clyde the camel and opportunities to take photos with Santa. Visit their website for a coupon!

THE KINSEY FAMILY FARM
7170 JOT-EM DOWN ROAD | CUMMING
After you finish your Christmas shopping at the Dawnsonville outlet malls, head south on 400 and grab your tree on the way home! Kinsey Family Farm offers a selection of over 4,000 trees and a multitude of ways to harvest, including choose-and-cut-yourown, pre-cut and living trees in containers. Be sure to check out the Charlie Brown Christmas Trees in the barn—these are the perfect table toppers or holiday additions to children’s rooms (they’re not bad trees; they just need a little love!). Save some time to enjoy a
marshmallow roast, apple cider, a visit with the farm animals, hay
rides, a game of cornhole or a movie in the Kids Barn.