Most fruit in Charlotte comes wrapped in plastic and stacked under bright store lights. On the east side of the city, though, there is a small farm where figs come straight off the tree and into your basket.
Figs are a rare U-pick find in North Carolina, which makes this spot feel like a local secret worth sharing. The farm also grows blueberries and fields of cut flowers, hosts weekly vendors, and even runs evening events.
Better still, the people running it love to teach, so you may leave knowing how to care for a fig tree of your own. Keep reading to find out where it is, what to expect, and how to plan a weekend trip.
A Fig Orchard Hiding in East Charlotte
Not every farm adventure requires a long drive into the mountains. McLawland Farms sits at 8632 Reedy Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215, on the eastern edge of North Carolina’s biggest city.
That address surprises plenty of people. The property feels tucked away from busy roads, yet it stays close enough for an easy afternoon trip from most Charlotte neighborhoods.
So what exactly is this place? It is a working farm best known for U-pick flowers, with seasonal blueberries and figs adding to the fun.
The farm has earned a perfect five-star standing from around 200 guests, which is no small feat. People keep coming back for the picking, the friendly hosts, and the relaxed pace.
Families with babies, grandparents with grandkids, couples on dates, and solo plant lovers all seem to find their place here. The fields are big enough to offer plenty of choice, but small enough that bringing a little one does not feel like a mistake.
Some folks first found the farm through TikTok, and others simply follow it on social media for months before finally stopping by. Either way, the first visit rarely stays the last one.
Larry, Jason, and the Heart of the Farm
Every farm has a story, and this one is told mostly through two names. Larry and Jason are the owners, and their welcome sets the tone for the whole experience.
Larry is often called the heart of the farm. He is a former teacher, and that background shows whenever he walks a group through the orchard or berry rows.
Jason handles plenty of the flower side of things. He has a knack for helping guests build bouquets, and he patiently answers questions from kids and adults alike.
A staff member named Wendy also steps in to help, especially when parents have their hands full. Extra flowers get picked, leaves get stripped, and arrangements come together nicely.
Guests regularly describe the team as kind, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they have built. The owners even reply personally to nearly every comment people leave online.
That kind of attention is rare. It turns a simple picking trip into something that feels more like visiting friends who happen to grow a lot of fruit and flowers.
Of course, the real star for many guests grows on a tree, and it deserves its own spotlight.
Figs, Straight From the Branch
Figs are a unique and rare U-pick offering, and that alone makes this farm stand out in North Carolina. The owners openly call figs their current love.
Fig season runs in the late summer, with September visits still turning up fruit in past years. The website lists season dates, but it never hurts to check in, since the owners have welcomed guests even when the posted season seemed finished.
Picking here comes with guidance. Larry shares tips on spotting perfectly ripe figs, so nobody walks away with a basket of fruit that is not ready.
Many people leave with big plans for their haul. Jam, baking, drying, and freezing are all popular ways to stretch the harvest into the colder months.
Guests describe the fig experience as well worth the expense. The tour feels educational without turning into a lecture, which suits curious kids and serious home cooks equally.
Fig fans have a fun bonus too. Larry has helped guests choose young trees to plant at home based on tastings in the orchard, so your fig story may continue in your own backyard.
A Master Class Among the Fig Trees
Got a fig tree at home that refuses to cooperate? The orchard here may be the most useful classroom in Charlotte.
Larry’s teaching roots come through during fig picking. Guests describe his care and education as a master class in fig production.
Hands-on instruction covers practical topics like how to properly prune and care for fig trees. He uses real examples right there in the orchard, so the lessons are easy to follow.
That generosity with time is part of what makes the visit feel bigger than a typical pick-your-own outing. People leave with fruit, sure, but also with confidence.
The tone stays relaxed rather than formal. Jason helps out too, answering questions and making sure everyone finds good fruit.
For gardeners, this might be the best part of the trip. For everyone else, it simply adds a deeper appreciation for how much work goes into each fig.
Plenty of guests say the atmosphere felt like a little adventure. That mix of learning and fun is exactly why so many fig pickers mark their calendars for the next season before they even reach the parking lot.
Blueberry Rows Made for Snacking
Here is a rule kids will love. At this farm, tasting while you pick is actually encouraged.
Blueberry picking has become a summer favorite, and guests describe the bushes as full and the berries as sweet. The farm is organic, which appeals to parents watching what goes into little mouths.
Booking online in advance is the smart move. Families with toddlers and preschoolers have done exactly that and found the experience easy and fun.
Larry often shares information about the farm during blueberry visits too. His passion for the land and for guests’ well-being comes through in every chat.
Many people describe blueberry picking here as nostalgic. It brings back memories of simpler summers for grandparents while creating new ones for the youngest pickers.
Before you leave, look for the organic eggs. Guests have picked up a dozen to take home alongside their berries.
After the berry rows, a lot of families wander over to the flower area for a break in the shade. That short walk leads straight to the attraction that made this farm famous in the first place.
Bouquets You Build Yourself
Flowers came first in this farm’s fame. U-pick flowers are what McLawland Farms is best known for, and they top the list of things guests talk about.
The gardens are well kept, with many flower selections to choose from. Sunflowers are among the blooms that make appearances during the season.
Not sure how to make a bouquet look good? Jason and Wendy will help.
They have assisted guests in pulling off leaves, picking extras, and arranging stems into something worth showing off.
Kids often get swept up in the experience. Toddlers have stood captivated as Jason explains the flowers and the farm.
The price for a day of picking and picture taking gets plenty of praise. That makes it a budget-friendly outing for a family day, a cute date, or a quiet solo afternoon.
Flower picking happens when blooms are in season, so checking the website before heading out is a good idea. The fields will not look the same every week, which is half the fun.
Leave room in the car for your bouquet. You may also want space for a cold drink on the ride home.
Lemonade, Vendors, and Wednesday Markets
A picking trip here rarely ends at the field. Homemade lemonade, including a blueberry version, is one of the farm’s most talked-about extras.
Guests sip it in the shade near the flower area or carry a cup out for the drive home. It pairs nicely with a slow afternoon.
The farm also hosts spring and fall farmers markets on Wednesdays, often with a food truck on hand. Vendors set up every week during market season.
The variety is impressive for a small farm. Shoppers have found plants, breads, eggs, seeds, candles, and mushroom products.
Larry and the team happily help people choose plants. That advice can save a lot of trial and error for anyone starting a garden.
One practical tip is worth remembering. Parking is good, but there is a bit of a walk to the main building, so a wagon or a helper makes hauling plants easier.
Markets give locals a reason to return between picking seasons. They also offer a low-key way to support small growers right here in North Carolina.
Yoga, Evening Events, and a Tiny Home Stay
Daylight picking is only part of the calendar. The farm has grown into a gathering spot with events that bring people out after hours too.
Yoga happens on Saturdays, which makes for a calm start to the weekend. Groups are welcome, so it could be a fun outing with friends or family.
Evening events have drawn strong crowds. A Bubbles and Blooms night and a series called A Friday Night Thing have featured music, food trucks, and a cheerful atmosphere.
A post and beam pavilion now anchors many of these gatherings. Rockers sit under it, inviting guests to slow down for a while.
Want more than a few hours? A tiny home rental on the property, listed on Airbnb, lets guests stay overnight.
That option turns the farm into a short getaway without leaving Charlotte. It suits anyone who wants to escape city noise without a long road trip.
Plenty of parking is available during events. Following the farm on social media is the easiest way to see what is coming up next.
Planning Your Fig Run
A little planning goes a long way at a farm this popular. Start with the website, mclawlandfarms.com, where seasons and booking options are posted.
Booking ahead is wise for blueberry and fig picking. Seasons shift with the weather, and the farm updates availability as fruit ripens.
Hours and prices change by activity and season, so check online before you go rather than guessing. Guests consistently say the experience is worth what they paid.
Bring a cart if you plan to shop the Wednesday market. The walk from parking to the main building can feel longer with full arms.
Little ones fit in well here. The fields are manageable for strollers and short legs, and the staff is patient with curious kids.
So, is it worth the trip? For North Carolinians hunting a nearby outing with real character, the answer seems to be yes.
Fresh figs, sweet berries, handpicked bouquets, and hosts who love to teach make a rare combination. Go once for the figs, and do not be surprised if the flowers, the markets, and the people bring you back next season.
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