How to Shop the Grey Dog Flowers Farm Stand (First-Timer's Guide)

Ilana Williams
Sep 15
5 min read

How to Shop a Self-Serve Farm Stand in Mills River

Visiting a self-serve farm stand for the first time can feel a little like sneaking into someone’s pantry - “Am I supposed to just… take this?” (Yes. That’s literally the idea.)

This guide will walk you through everything - planning your visit, browsing fresh flowers and local goods, and breezing through self-checkout - so you feel like a regular by the time you leave.

1. Before You Arrive

Before you get in the car, take a few minutes to plan your visit. Knowing what's available at the stand and how much things cost makes the whole experience easier - it's a little like checking out the menu before you visit a restaurant. You can find all of that on the Farm Stand Page.

Use any navigation app to find the stand - there are roadside signs, and the building is clearly marked (dark blue building with giant white writing), so you won’t miss it.

Grey Dog Flowers Farm Stand

110 Grey Haven Dr.

Mills River, NC 28759

Pro Tips:

💡 Plan to visit as early as possible. When it's hot out, the flowers always look happier in the morning. And popular items do sell out early.

💡 If you're visiting in late summer, the Flower U-Pick is open. Everything is provided for you, but plan for the weather - sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, rain coat, etc.

2. When You Arrive

Parking is simple - use the gravel lot next to the stand. The whole experience is designed to be an adventure, not a test. Here are some commonly asked Questions:

How do I know where to start when I get to the farm stand?

Head toward the Little Free Library on the side of the stand. Take a book, leave a book, or both - be a part of sharing a little extra joy with the community.

What’s the flow of the stand - where do I start when I walk up?

There’s a lot to take in, and that’s on purpose. The general flow starts on the left wall, wraps around the stand, and ends in the right corner at checkout. The Welcome Sign has a quick orientation if you need it.

Pro Tips:

💡Take your time - this is meant to feel like a tiny adventure.

💡You’ll find fresh flowers, books, local honey, 3D-printed fidget toys for kids, and seasonal gifts (including winter greenery and wreaths).

Bouquets of zinnias, echinacea, snapdragons, and yarrow wrapped in brown paper.

3. Browsing

This is the best part - flowers, colors, and textures everywhere. Hand lettered signs explain what flowers are in season and share bits of flower farming wisdom. I designed the flower stand as some place I would want to return to again and again (spoiler: I'm in there at least twice a day if not more).

Flower options are displayed front and center, so if you're short on time you can grab-and-go.

Don’t skip the book selection - it’s a rotating collection of gardening guides, houseplant books, flower arranging inspiration, and a few gems that make me laugh (looking at you, Rebel Mama’s Handbook for (Cool) Moms).

Are prices clearly marked on everything?

Yes. Each item has a chalkboard price card. Books are individually priced with a round, white sticker on the back cover and divided into price categories of $10, $15, or $20.

What do I do if something is sold out or I can’t find what I saw online?

Online images are just for reference. Every bouquet is unique - I pick and arrange based on what’s blooming and what’s inspiring me that day. Things do sell out, so early birds get the best selection (not my worms - I will fight you for them). For special occasions or specific requests, order online for pickup or local delivery.

Why are bouquets priced the way they are - what am I paying for?

Fresh, locally grown flowers aren’t the same as grocery store stems - even Trader Joe’s. Each bouquet reflects not just seeds and sunshine, but also infrastructure like fencing and greenhouses, land and labor costs including fair wages, and, yes, this stand you’re standing in. There’s a pie chart sign at the stand that breaks it all down if you’re curious.

Pro Tips:

💡 Take your time - your heart will tell you which bouquet is meant for you.

💡 If it’s your first visit, peek at the Farm Stand page online before you come so you know what’s likely to be in stock.

4. Checkout Experience

Okay, here’s where first timer's get a little nervous. The farm stand is completely honor system checkout - no cashier. That means I'm trusting you and the community to be the good people I know you are. Nine times out of ten, I won't be at the stand. So checkout can feel tricky if it’s your first time.

All payment info is in the right-hand corner near the door. The white cash box is mounted to the left as you exit.

What are the payment options available?

You can pay with cash, Venmo, or use your credit card on the website.

Cash goes in the white box by the door
A Venmo QR code is available at the checkout stand
To pay by credit card, scan the Website QR code at checkout and it will bring up the Farm Stand Products page for you to checkout online.

How do I check out if cell service is poor?

We’ve added a cell booster to help, but it’s still rural Mills River - sometimes it’s stubborn. Bring cash as a backup just in case.

If nothing works, can I pay later?

There’s no official I-O-U system, but people have left me notes with their email, paid what they could in cash and Venmo’d the rest, or emailed me for a card link later.

Like I tell my son: do the right thing even when no one is watching (though yes, there are cameras).

Black chalkboard hand lettered sign "Pay Here" instructions with QR codes. A mason jar filled with dog treats.

Pro Tips:

💡 Snap a photo of the payment sign for easy reference next time.

💡 If service is bad, step a few feet away - there might be a “sweet spot” with better signal.

💡 Leave your email on the clipboard for a 10% off coupon - future you will thank you.

Experience the Flower Farm Stand

The farm stand is meant to be easy, peaceful, and a little magical - whether you’re grabbing a single bouquet or stocking up for the week. Come by anytime during open hours with your used and loved books for the Little Free Library, and bring lunch with you and enjoy the picnic table by the creek.