Maybe you like the idea of driving to a North Carolina tree farm and trekking through the Fraser firs to find the perfect tree, but don’t have time or gas money this year for the day trip. A fun alternative lies just down the road at the Country Time Tree Farm at Latta Equestrian Center.

The Latta Plantation Equestrian Center, with its 16 miles of trails meandering amid 1,300 acres of nature preserve bordering Mountain Island Lake, adds a tree-buying area and other activities beginning the day after Thanksgiving each year.

“We put customers on a wagon pulled by Belgian draft horses, we take them on a 15-minute ride around the plantation to where the Christmas trees are, let them pick out a tree, bring them back on the wagon, and load the tree up for them,” says Jerry Connell, a volunteer and former director of the equestrian center. “It’s a unique way for them to get a tree, and we enjoy doing it.”

Tree sales have increased over the past three seasons, with 120 trees sold last year, says Val Pierson, the current director. The primary selection is Fraser firs, with a few Virginia pines in the mix, and all come from a family tree farm in Sparta, N.C. Prices range from about $10 to $100. Volunteers will trim the trees as necessary, bag them and strap them onto customers’ vehicles.

Pierson is originally from Ontario, Canada, but has spent the past 20 years in the Charlotte area. “I’ve had a passion for horses since I could walk,” says Pierson. “I came to Latta about eight years ago, and volunteered almost every weekend, and just fell in love with the place.”

Pierson’s daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Darel Ross, run the equestrian center’s concession sales, and her other daughter-in-law, Helena Brown, pitches in as well. Hot dogs, brats, hamburgers and sandwiches are among the offerings, with apple cider and hot chocolate ready to help take the chill off crisp December evenings.

New this year is a Conestoga-style covered wagon drawn by strapping but friendly Belgian horses. Elegant white carriages are also available. Santa Claus and his elves make an appearance on Saturdays, and kids can have photos made with them in Santa’s sleigh. Children may also ride ponies, and take a trip on a small train known as the “Pony Express.”

“We try to keep it reasonable and affordable, especially now in this day and age,” says Pierson. “It’s not a big money maker – it is just part of the Christmas spirit.”

Want to Go?
Where: Latta Plantation Equestrian Center (Part of Latta Plantation Nature Center and Preserve), 6201 Sample Road, Huntersville, 704-992-1550.

Hours: Horse-drawn wagons and carriages run on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Weekdays, trees can be purchased 10 a.m.-6 p.m. using a tractor-drawn hayride.