Farms become popular before most people feel ready for spring. Florida has one that has become a truly beloved seasonal tradition.
The color spans the rows in a way that photographs fail to capture. Families and photographers show up early and exceed their scheduled time.
The season is short and the lack of top bloom is something people report. Returning visitors arrive with a plan, while first-timers arrive here completely unprepared.
I visited on a weekday and left with more photos than I expected. Florida surprises people who think they already know what this state has to offer.
Get there early and see these series at their absolute best.
How the farm started
Not every great destination starts with a grand plan. Amber Brooke Farms grew out of a genuine love of the land and a desire to share that connection with families across Florida.
This working farm started as a modest agricultural operation before growing into one of the most talked about agritourism destinations in the state.
The farm sits on a generous tract of land in Lake County, surrounded by the kind of quiet countryside that makes you forget your phone is there.
Over time, the owners have steadily invested in new experiences, new cultures and new reasons for guests to return. This commitment to development is visible in every corner of the property.
You can find Amber Brooke Farms in Eustis. What started as rows of strawberries has expanded into a multi-season destination with fields of flowers, a petting zoo, a corn maze and family-friendly activities that keep guests busy from open to close.
The flowers that stole the show
The fields of flowers at 36111 County Rd 44A are the kind of sight that makes you stop in mid-stride to take it all in.
Rows of beautiful colors spread out under the wide Florida sky, and the urge to photograph absolutely everything is completely understandable.
The farm offers U-Pick flowers during the appropriate seasons, meaning you can actually wander the rows and pick your own strains. Sunflowers tower over visitors in some sections, their golden faces tilting towards the sun in an almost theatrical way.
The variety of blooms changes by season, which gives returning visitors something fresh to discover each time they return.
What makes this experience stand out is how accessible it seems. No plush ropes or hand signs.
Festivals that fill the calendar
One of the smartest things Amber Brooke Farms has done is build a calendar that gives people a reason to visit each season.
Rather than relying on a single annual event, the farm hosts a rotating series of themed festivals that keep the experience fresh no matter when you show up.
The Fall Festival, Strawberry Festival, Sunflower Festival, and Blueberry Festival are among the seasonal attractions that draw large crowds to this corner of Florida.
Each festival adds its own layer of programming on top of the regular farm offerings. Food trucks, live entertainment, themed photo opportunities and special activities give each event its own personality.
The Fall Festival, in particular, has become a favorite for families looking for a pumpkin patch experience that goes far beyond a simple photo stop.
Planning your visit around a festival is a smart move, but the farm still offers plenty to do during its regular hours. The farm is open Friday to Sunday, with opening hours from 10am. until 6 p.m. most days.
Activities for kids are so much fun
Keeping the kids entertained for an entire day is no small feat, but Amber Brooke Farms has clearly put some serious thought into their range of activities.
Parents who have visited with toddlers and school-aged children have noted that the range of options covers a surprisingly wide spectrum.
The roster of activities includes a large jump pad, a slide hill, a corn silo, a bubble barn, spider web climbers, a tug-of-war area, a sand pit and a duck fight game, all with general admission.
For kids who want a little more adventure, additional activities such as gem mining, archery and the gel blaster range are available at an additional cost.
The gem mining station has been particularly successful, with bags ranging in size yielding a satisfying mix of gems, arrowheads and fossils.
The play areas are well maintained and designed with safety and accessibility in mind. The farm is pushchair friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it a truly inclusive destination.
A zoo worth the trip alone
Some petting farm zoos feel like an afterthought, a few goats in a pen and a sign that says do not feed the animals.
The animal area at Amber Brooke Farms is a completely different story. It has an array of creatures that really amazes first-time visitors and the level of interaction available makes it top for families with young children.
Visitors had the opportunity to meet everything from goats and donkeys to more exotic animals such as camels and kangaroos, depending on the season and the event.
Pony rides have also been offered during festival periods, adding another layer of excitement for younger visitors. The animals are well cared for and the staff manage the area with a friendly, caring approach that keeps things running smoothly.
Even adults who consider themselves too old to pet zoos tend to linger longer than expected. There’s something really charming about a farm that takes its animal programming seriously.
Food, delicacies and fresh flavors
Hunger has a way of sneaking up on you when you’re busy having fun, and Amber Brooke Farms has clearly anticipated that.
On-site dining options range from a farm-style cafe serving fresh lemonade and hot cider donuts to a rotating lineup of food trucks that offer a wide variety on the menu.
The donuts, in particular, have won rave reviews for being soft, light and downright delicious.
During festival weekends, the food truck section expands to accommodate larger crowds, with options including brisket, ice cream, snow cones and other hearty bites.
Two large gazebos with picnic tables provide shaded seating areas where families can sit, eat and refresh before heading out into the fields again.
The general store also carries jams, marinades and other farm products that are worth browsing. Fresh produce is of course part of the culinary experience here as well.
Strawberry season is pure magic
There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a ripe strawberry straight off the plant and eating it before you even get up.
Here at Amber Brooke Farms Eustis, strawberry picking is one of those experiences that sounds simple but leaves a lasting impression. The berries are plump, deep red and sweet in a way that the grocery store versions just can’t match.
The strawberry fields are well maintained and easy to navigate, even for small children and stroller-equipped parents.
The lines are clear and the farm staff keep things organized so the experience remains enjoyable and not chaotic.
Florida strawberry season typically lasts through the cooler months in this part of Florida, making it the perfect winter and early spring excursion. The farm charges by the pound for what you pick, so you have full control over how much you take home.
Whether you fill a small basket or go completely overboard, the freshness of the fruit makes every ounce worth it.
The Corn Maze And Sunflower Express
Getting lost is usually frustrating, but the Sunn Hemp Maze at Amber Brooke Farms turns that feeling into entertainment.
The maze goes through tall, dense plantations that block your view enough to keep things really challenging.
The Sunflower Express is another crowd pleaser, offering a tractor ride through the sunflowers that allows visitors to enjoy the scale and beauty of the blooms without having to walk the entire length of the property.
The ride is relaxed and scenic, making it a good choice for younger children or anyone wanting a gentler pace after a busy morning of activities.
Together, these two attractions capture something essential about what makes Amber Brooke Farms work so well as a destination. There is a balance between active exploration and passive enjoyment that suits a wide range of visitors.
Practical advice before your visit
A little preparation goes a long way at Amber Brooke Farms and a few simple steps can make the difference between a smooth visit and a stressful one.
It is strongly recommended to buy tickets in advance online, especially during the festival weekends when the crowds increase significantly.
The farm offers timed entry options during peak events, which helps manage flow and keeps the experience enjoyable for everyone on the property.
Wear closed-toe shoes, bring a hat, and consider packing water, especially if you’re visiting in the summer months. The Florida sun is no joke and the farm covers a lot of ground which requires quite a bit of walking.
The property does have shaded gazebos and seating areas scattered throughout, but sun protection remains a smart precaution regardless of the season.
The farm is open Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Friday hours closing at 4 p.m. It is closed from Monday to Thursday.
