As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to explore your local farms and experience the beauty of rural life. Agritourism is a fantastic way to support small farms while creating unforgettable memories with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend adventure, here are some agritourism activities to consider this spring and summer.
1. U-Pick Farms and Orchards
One of the best agritourism activities is visiting a u-pick farm or orchard. Many farms offer the chance to pick your own strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and other fruits as they come into season. It’s a hands-on experience that’s fun for all ages, and you get to taste the freshest fruits possible. Plus, you’ll be supporting farmers directly.
Starting in July, Justus Orchard in Hendersonville, North Carolina, offers u-pick thornless blackberries!
2. Farm Tours and Animal Encounters
Many small farms open their doors to visitors for agritourism activities like tours and animal encounters. Whether it’s meeting dairy cows, feeding goats, or learning about beekeeping, these experiences provide a glimpse into farm life and help you appreciate the hard work that goes into producing your food.
Wyld Dream Farms in Exeter, Maine, offers farm education and lets you interact with the animals!
Intrepid Acres in Clyde, North Carolina, offers farm tours! You get to spend the day on a peaceful farm while meeting mini cows, lambs, goats, and chickens.
3. Farm-to-Table Dinners and Events
As the farm-to-table movement grows, many farms are hosting dinners right on their property as part of their agritourism activities. These events often feature fresh, seasonal ingredients and offer a unique dining experience. It’s a chance to connect with local chefs, meet the farmers who grew your food, and enjoy a beautiful outdoor setting.
4. Farmers Markets and Pop-Up Events
Local farmers markets are a great way to discover fresh produce, handmade goods, and unique farm products. Many markets also host pop-up events, live music, and cooking demonstrations, making them a lively spot to spend a weekend morning. These are excellent agritourism activities for those who want to stay connected to their local food system.
5. Farm Stays and Agritourism Lodging
For a more immersive experience, consider booking a stay at a working farm. From rustic cabins to luxury glamping setups, these agritourism activities offer a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life while letting you experience farm life up close.
6. Corn Mazes and Sunflower Fields
As summer turns to fall, many farms transform their fields into corn mazes, sunflower trails, and pumpkin patches. These agritourism activities are perfect for family outings, photo ops, and getting lost in nature.
7. Workshops and Classes
Interested in learning how to make cheese, can vegetables, or grow your own garden? Many farms offer workshops that teach these skills, often using ingredients grown right on the farm. It’s a great way to pick up a new hobby and support your local agriculture community through agritourism activities.
Why Agritourism Matters
Agritourism is more than just a fun day out. It’s a way to support local farms, strengthen rural economies, and connect with your food in a meaningful way. By choosing to spend your time and money at local farms, you’re helping preserve farmland, reduce your carbon footprint, and support a more sustainable food system.
So this spring and summer, make it a point to visit a farm near you. Whether you’re picking fresh strawberries, petting baby goats, or enjoying a sunset dinner in a field, you’ll be creating memories that last a lifetime while supporting the farmers who feed us.
