5 Ways to Absorb Agri-Tourism
Tobacco and dairy farming were the agricultural backbone of Madison County for many years, but now many of those farms have re-invented themselves and open their properties for visitors. Whether it’s picking berries in the summer or choosing a Christmas tree in the winter, the agri-tourism industry abounds in our mountains. If you want to spend the night at a farm to immerse yourself in the experience or just spend a few hours visiting a farm, those opportunities are also available. And, of course, we have farmers’ markets on the weekends where you can purchase local produce and other goods.
Pick Fresh Berries
One of the eating joys of summertime is the fresh fruit. And, to increase the joy you can actually enjoy the taste of a berry straight from the vine. Madison County offers the opportunity for a family outing to pick berries at a local farm. Drive through country roads alongside flowing creeks with wonderful views of the mountains to reach an expansive farm with rows of berry bush. Grab a bucket and start picking. There is nothing to compare with the taste of fruit coming right from the tree or plant. But, remember to save some to take home for enjoyment later.
Tour a Local Farm
Madison County has attracted people who want to grow a wide variety of crops and raise an equally wide variety of livestock. They have merged with local residents who have worked their farms for generations. And, many of them are happy to share their love of their vocation by offering tours of their properties. Tours can be formal or just a casual visit. Beekeepers are anxious to show off their hives; ranchers to introduce you to their cattle, goats, sheep or chickens; or farmers to point out the pride of their recent crops of vegetables. There are also dairy farmers who have some of the best cheese in the area and artisan bakers whose pride in their wood-fired brick oven is well-deserved. And, don’t forget to look up the herb farmers who are experts in the use of herbs for medicinal purposes.
Spend the Night at a Farm
City living is the only type of experience that the majority of young children have. So, how about introducing them to the rural life? Maybe it will be a first for the parents, too! Some of the cabins in Madison County not only offer secluded settings and beautiful views, but also the opportunity to get close to farm animals and walk among fields. Spend the night at a farm and teach your kids that the produce that they buy in a grocery store starts out as a plant on a farm. Or, instead of a petting zoo at a wildlife location, have the pleasure of petting a goat or watching a chicken in its natural environment.
Buy Local Produce at a Farmers Market
If you are staying for a weekend or longer at one of the local cabins, make it a point to stop by one of the Tailgate Markets and buy some local produce or their yummy baked goods for one of your meals. There is a wide variety to choose from including fresh eggs, vegetables, fruit that will enhance your recipes with their freshness. If you make it back to where you are staying before devouring the delicious baked goods, you will have a great complement to a dinner meal or a tasty pastry for breakfast. But, the name has evolved to a “Tailgate” Market so that local craftspeople can showcase their artistic talents. There might even be some local musicians to provide a different type of local flavor.
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Drive through country roads back into the mountains to find a Christmas tree farm and make a memory to last a lifetime. Western North Carolina provides a climate which can produce Fraser Firs that are shipped all over the area and beyond. But, you can visit one of the tree farms and cut your own Christmas tree. Nothing can compare to the freshness of a tree that is only hours old when you bring it home.
