Christmas is right around the corner! Many families have already begun decorating their homes and putting up Christmas trees and holiday decorations. Whether families go with real or artificial, Christmas trees are always a favorite tradition during the holidays.
A local tree farm in Cutler, Indiana (a half an hour from Walton) has been planting, growing, and providing Christmas trees to the community since 2009. Cruise In Trees has become a family favorite in my house. The friendly staff, complimentary hot chocolate, gift shop, and, of course, the Christmas trees keep us coming back every year. Owners, Ken and Mary Joyner, started Cruise In Trees after a local farmer had to quit farming due to poor soil. According to the Joyners, “Christmas trees seemed like a good crop, and they grew, so I never stopped planting.” Since then, the farm has flourished and welcomed guests from all over Indiana!
When customers arrive at Cruise In Trees, they are greeted by the friendly staff and the Joyners’ beautiful home, decorated in lights and Christmas decor. Visitors can either walk or catch a wagon ride down to the tree farm where they select their next Christmas tree. Cruise In Trees offers a large selection of trees. The Joyners originally started with Scotch Pine, but now they also offer Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, and White Pine. Sophomore, Delaney McLaughlin, said, “There were many trees on the property, and they were all very good quality. We found our tree very quickly and didn’t even make it to the edge of the farm.” After selecting a tree, one of the farm’s employees will cut it down and bring it back to the house to prepare it to go home. While visitors wait for their tree, they can visit Cruise In’s gift shop. Cruise In offers homemade candles, wreaths, ornaments, and so much more. Then, on patrons’ way out, make sure to stop by and receive a complimentary hot chocolate to enjoy while sitting around the fireplace.
This season brings new additions to Cruise In Trees. The farm welcomed Carter’s Dairy Dogs. The brat stand (bratwurst) offers a variety of flavors and toppings. When asked about her thoughts on the new brat stand, Delaney McLaughlin said, “I thought the new brat stand was a very good addition to the farm. It was nice to be able to get a snack while waiting for the tree to be packaged.” This was also Cruise In’s first year offering a wagon as transportation to and from the tree fields. Having a wagon ride has been a great addition to the tree farm and has quickly become a favorite among customers.
Indiana is no stranger to Christmas Tree farms. No matter where you live, there is an abundance of tree farms to choose from. Cosgray Christmas Trees in White County will be open until the third week of December. Another local tree farm, Z & C Farms in Amboy are also still open until this Saturday, December 13. You can find more information on their websites or Facebook pages!
This Christmas season, support your local Christmas Tree Farms. Merry Christmas from the Kings’ Courier!
