This past Monday I had the pleasure of visiting the historical, down-home gem, that is: Mike’s Farm. We were invited by a close friend, and while it’s a yearly tradition for them, we had never been and didn’t know what to expect, even after hearing so much about it. I knew it was a farm and that it was famous for its macaroni and cheese!
We are based in Sneads Ferry so our drive wasn’t far at all, which brings me to the first fact I didn’t know: it’s located in Onslow County. We’ve grown so accustomed to driving in the opposite direction, I assumed we were headed towards Wilmington. As we neared our destination, I noticed the increased rural scenery and it reminded me of where my parents reside in Georgia: Hephzibah. Upon arriving, I gasped at how expansive and breathtaking the grounds were. You’re filled with an instant peace.
What to Expect at Mike’s Farm
Dinner begins at 4 and there’s a window you have to eat until about 6, when the hayride through the epic Christmas light show begins. The dining area is something that is so unique it’s actually hard for me to describe. Inside this massive cabin, are individual seating nooks, where each party/family is sat at. Some are intimate 4-seaters with rustic decor; arched booths with foliage; and there’s also large tables for bigger parties. We were seated in a back area around other families and it was very spread out. We were warmly welcomed and given their other famous item: the ham biscuits. Tender, square cut biscuits are filled with salty cuts of ham, placed into a napkin, and set in a basket while still warm. You are then brought unlimited family-style bowls FULL of:
- Fresh, fried chicken
- Tender, buttery corn
- Savory green beans
- Whipped, mashed potatoes
- A very rich version of macaroni and cheese with a butter-crumb topping
- Pork roast
- A finger-lickin’ pork gravy
And YES, there’s dessert! Choose from ANY of their homemade sweets OR you can do what I did and opt for the sampler of:
- Caramel, chocolate, or cherry cheesecake
- Some of the BEST banana pudding I’ve ever had!
- Chocolate peppermint cake
- Even if you choose one, you can ask for more:)
The cherry cheesecake was my FAV!
Lots in STORE!
I made an accidental pit stop into their newest gift store in search of a bathroom, and walked into a jaw-dropping place, filled with unique gifts; amazing customer service; smiling faces; Christmas decor; and various flavors of homemade fudge. We got the red velvet and chocolate peanut butter. They will let you sample any flavor you’re interested in. Beware, it’s addicting! They also have coffee. I tried one of their signature flavored ones, and can’t remember the name. It was delicious!
Mountain-high ceilings and sparkly lights will keep you wandering around for at least a half hour. There’s another store I didn’t even get to venture into! It was built prior to the newest one.
A Night to Remember at Mike’s Farm
I actually had no clue we were taking a hayride post dinner, and that this hayride would lead us down the most spectacular light display I had ever seen. Due to COVID restrictions, Mike’s Farm was nowhere near as packed as it normally is, per my bestie, who said they usually have a long wait for a ride.
We hopped on the spacious ride, with plentiful seating and barrels of hay and off we were! It was about 2 miles of anticipation before we reached the beginning of the display, but when we did it was unbelievable. Mike’s Farm displays their lights with intent and purpose. They tell a story. From snow machines that christened us with a moment of a truly ‘White Christmas,” to a nativity scene where you scratch your head wondering if it’s a real person, then GASP when ‘Mary’ waves…it’s simply enchanting!!! Of course, Santa was present, vintage police cars, a moonshine truck…I’ve never seen such an eclectic, nostalgic show!
Fast Facts:
- We inquired about the length of time and manpower it took to create such an experience. We were told 2 weeks, approximately 6 guys, and that it’s 4 miles of lights.
- What do they do with ALL the leftover food?! I asked if leftovers can be taken from dinner, since we had so much left, and I wondered what they do with ALL this leftover food! I was informed no to-go can be taken and that they feed it to hunting dogs!
Wanna go?! Of course you do!
Facebook: Mike’s Farm- always check for schedule updates!
Instagram: @mikesfarmnc
1600 Haw Branch Rd. Beulaville, NC 28518
(910) 324-3422
SUN-WED- Closed