The Battle To Be North Carolina’s Sexiest Collard Farmer

I've lived in the Tar Heel State since 2006. I've been coming to North Carolina to visit relatives my whole life before that. I didn't think there was anything I hadn't seen or heard of here. I was loud wrong. WHO KNEW there was such a "title" as "North Carolina's Sexiest Collard Farmer"

Meet Lee Berry. He's the reigning, defending title holder and was 100% convinced he was a lock to retain the honor this year. You see, he took a certain photo that he felt NO ONE could resist. According to The Telegraph, Berry is described as wearing a crown to show off his status as the reigning champion and with five of the vegetable’s dark green leaves strategically placed to cover his modesty. You can click that link to see the picture as well.

And the picture is the problem. You see, the winner of North Carolina's Sexiest Collard Farmer is determined by picture likes on the organizers Facebook page. And wouldn't you know it, Berry's photo has apparently run afoul of Meta's community guidelines for decency.

You're kidding me, right? This is all for fun. And Berry's not the only contestant whose picture may disqualify them. David Correll posed in a bathtub surrounded by collard plants hiding all that needed to be hidden. However, it's "indecent" as well.

In an effort to ward this kind of thing off next year, the organizer of the competition (who wishes to remain anonymous) promises to make sure the competitors will be made aware of required "PG" submissions.

If you're anything like me the warmer weather has you craving some fresh air and maybe some fresh produce. Why make a run to the grocery store when you could go straight to the source? Plus that Instagram picture is much better from a farm instead of the produce aisle. And your kids? They can run around and it's completely fine! Luckily for us, Charlotte North Carolina and the surrounding area are home to a number of farms that would make for a perfect spring outing!

And the best part? You can go back each season for a different experience at most of these locations. All while supporting local and family-owned businesses. So add these to your spring bucket list and they will sure to become must-do's every year. While none of these farms are in the Charlotte city limits they are all a short drive in multiple directions. This includes York, Monroe, and Mooresville. So North and South Carolina farms! Have a spot you love that we didn't include? Lets us know!

Here are 7 Charlotte area farms where you can visit and pick your own produce:

1800 Black Highway, York, SC

1650 Filbert Hwy, York, SC

Bush-n-Vine offers pick-your-own strawberries in the spring, blueberries, blackberries, and peaches in the summer, and pumpkins in the fall. Other crops are available for purchase as well.

1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC

A 5th generation family-owned farm, Carrigan Farms specializes in growing quality fruits and vegetables. From asparagus to zucchini and everything in between, they are just a BIG garden. Currently, you can pick Asparagus with Strawberry season beginning April 30th. During the summer enjoy a swim in the quarry and stop by to pick apples and pumpkins in the fall.

445 West Rebound Road, Lancaster, SC 29720

906 Dallas Stanley Hwy, Dallas

Lineberger's is a family farm 90 years in the making! They have a farm store and offer pick your own strawberries, blackberries, peaches, pumpkins, and muscadines. There are also have playgrounds and picnic shelters for a fun family outing!

1595 Colony Road, Rock Hill, SC

Rivers' Blueberry Farm is a hidden gem in Rock Hill, SC. Come pick organic blueberries during the month of July.