RALEIGH — From pumpkin patches and hayrides to apple picking and corn mazes, agritourism farms across the state are offering a bounty of fall fun for the whole family.
“Agritourism is a fun way for people to learn more about agriculture, and it is a great way to help North Carolina farmers add value to their operations,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With nearly 700 agritourism farms across the state, it’s easy to visit a local farm near you.”
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers an online directory for individuals looking for agritourism experiences at www.visitncfarms.com. The directory is organized by county with categorical listings for types of farm operations, seasonal products and activities offered. Families can find farm activities down the street, or plan a trip to a different region of the state.
During the fall, many farms offer pumpkin patches and pick-your-own apples, as well as hayrides, crop mazes and farm-to-table dinners. Following are some of the activities planned this fall:
• Oct. 11 – Cleveland County Farm Tour (http://www.foothillsfarmersmarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/FarmTourFlyer-7.pdf)
• Oct. 11 – Cycle to Farm Sandy Mush at Addison Farms Vineyard, Leicester (http://cycletofarm.org/sandymush/)
• Oct. 18 – Third Annual Fall Fest at Good Karma Ranch, Iron Station (http://goodkarmaranch.com/media–events.html)
• Oct 25 – Homestead Heritage Day at Fair Meadow Bakes, Mount Pleasant (https://www.facebook.com/events/771868009553700/?ref=22)
• Through November – Apple Picking at Apple Hill Orchard, Morganton (http://applehillorchard.com/)
• Through Nov. 1 – Pumpkin Patch at Iseley Farms, Burlington (http://iseleyfarms.com/index.html)
• Through Nov. 1 – 2014 Pumpkin Fest at Green Dell Farm, Thomasville (http://www.greendellfarm.com/index_files/Page352.htm)
• Through Nov. 1 – Maze Craze at Galloway’s Farm, Hallsboro (http://www.ncmazecraze.com/Home.php)
• Through Nov. 8 – Hubb’s Corn Maze, Clinton (http://www.hubbscornmaze.com/)
For additional events and more information about agritourism, go to www.visitncfarms.com.