Hubb’s Farm is a premier agritourism destination located in Clinton, N.C.. While the farm is best known for its expansive autumn corn maze, it also boasts year-round activities for families to enjoy. 

Tammy and John Peterson opened Hubb’s Farm 19 years ago as a fall festival destination for the greater Fayetteville community. Tammy named the business as a tribute to her father, James Hubbard. She grew up on the land now known as Hubb’s Farm, where she tended to her family’s produce and swine farming operations.

When the Petersons opened Hubb’s Farm in 2008, agritourism was not a popular industry for farmers to break into. The Petersons, however, had the foresight to notice that consumer preferences were gradually changing. Farm owners needed to find a way to keep their local communities engaged and informed. Thus, Hubb’s Farm opened to serve as a bridge between customers and the farmers who feed them. 

“It was another diversification in ag,” Tammy shared. “I guess you could call us agricultural entrepreneurs. There is a need for farming families to continue to diversify in order to be able to work on their farm.” 

The opening of Hubb’s Farm introduced a new opportunity for sustainable income to farmers in the Sampson County community. 

Across North Carolina, farmland is rapidly being developed into residential neighborhoods and cities. While this development is evidence of a growing economy, the inhabitants of those neighborhoods are becoming increasingly disconnected from the farmers who sustain them. The Petersons use the attractions at Hubb’s Farm to draw people into rural Sampson County and teach visitors about common farming practices. 

For example, the swine industry has a massive presence in Sampson County. Hubb’s Farm features hog houses, cleverly named the “Taj Mahog” houses, that were once operational but now serve as educational tools. Customers can tour the facilities and read informational signage to learn exactly how a modern hog operation works. 

As the years have passed, the Petersons have gradually expanded their attractions to keep customers coming back season after season. What started as a seasonal corn maze has evolved into a year-round operation. The spring, summer and autumn seasons all bring unique activities for families. This summer, Hubb’s Farm is offering “Summer Play Days” from May 26 to July 30. These Play Days utilize daily passes for visitors to enjoy attractions that include nature trails, rope mountains, a giant sandbox, Toddler Town, human foosball and more. 

Hubb’s Farm is also available as an event rental space for birthday parties and corporate gatherings. Clients can rent out the pavilion shelter, bring in their own food options and utilize the giant jump pillow, tire mountain, Animal Acres or any of the other features on the property. 

During the springtime, Hubb’s Farm hosts fun, educational school field trips. Students are guided through educational tours where they get up-close looks at farming equipment in a safe environment. Hubb’s Farm also hosts an annual Easter celebration during the spring. However, the fall season is when Hubb’s Farm truly shines. 

From Sept. 19 through Nov. 7, the farm is fully staffed to operate homemade food stands, hayrides, a mini zipline course and more. Families frequently visit the pumpkin patch and flower fields for photo opportunities. The Petersons have a few new surprise attractions planned for the upcoming fall season that they believe will be major hits. 

When planning new farm features, Tammy draws inspiration from her own parenting experiences. For example, Toddler Town came about because Tammy recognized a need for parents of toddlers to have a place to rest while their young children safely roamed free. The “Baby Hub” was created for nursing mothers who need a cool, private area to feed their babies and change diapers. 

“Anytime we go anywhere, customer service is something that I’m always looking at,” Tammy said. “What do they do to help their customers feel like they want to go back there? How can Hubb’s Farm meet the needs of our visitors?”

Tammy describes farming as a passion, and she is excited to share that passion with college students participating in a program funded by Smithfield Foods called S.E.E.D. this summer. 

S.E.E.D. stands for Southeastern Education and Economic Development, and it is a program hosted by several community colleges throughout North Carolina. Students can receive up to 15 college credits and earn up to $15 per hour by participating in this program on partnering farms. Hubb’s Farm will host multiple students this summer, providing them with valuable training in the agritourism business.

For more information on the S.E.E.D. program, visit ncbce.org. If you would like to learn more about Hubb’s Farm or schedule a tour, visit their website at hubbsfarmnc.com.