Activities Planned at Farms in Alamance, Beaufort, Buncombe, Chatham, Cleveland, Columbus, Johnston, Lincoln, Orange, Person, Polk, Randolph, Sampson, Stokes, Union, and Wilkes counties
By Annie Baggett, NCDA&CS
From Easter egg hunts and Mother’s Day events to benefit concerts and farm tours, there are plenty of reasons to visit a North Carolina agritourism farm this spring.
“North Carolina is known for the variety of agritourism farms available year-round,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “From the mountains to the coast, there are plenty of opportunities to visit and learn about agriculture at these farms. Tourists can find Easter egg hunts, wine tastings, open houses and other events this spring.”
Following is a list of selected events by topic area:
Easter Events
- Hubb’s Farm in Clinton (Sampson County) will host Topper’s EGG-ceptional Easter Event on April 8, 2017, from 11am to 4pm. The day includes egg hunts for ages 4-12, farm activities and more.
- Millstone Creek Orchards in Ramseur (Randolph County) will host a spring adventure April 15 and 16, 2017. The weekend includes Easter-themed scavenger hunts, bunny S’mores at the fire pit, hayrides, orchard tours and a birdhouse creation station for children.
- Raised in a Barn Farm in Chocowinity (Beaufort County) will host a spring celebration April 15, 2017, from noon to 4pm. Guests can enjoy hayrides, Easter egg hunts, live music, and photo sessions with the Easter Bunny.
- Smith’s Nursery in Benson (Johnston County) will have an Easter egg hunt for children ages 10 and younger on April 15, 2017. Admission is free; however, guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the West Johnston High School Food Pantry. Fresh strawberries also should be available for picking.
Nurseries/Greenhouses
- Mitchell’s Nursery and Greenhouse in King (Stokes County) is offering tours of its new greenhouse bays and expanded spring crop on March 25, 2017, at 11am. Tour guides will explain the innovations used by the greenhouse to conserve water and energy.
- On April 22, 2017, Mitchell’s also will host its Spring Open House and Plant a Row for the Hungry event. Visitors can enjoy free hot dogs and snacks while they tour the greenhouses and see the assortment of plants grown on-site. Visitors also can sign up to participate in the nursery’s Plant a Row for the Hungry program. Participants will receive a free vegetable plant starter kit while supplies last.
Mother’s Day
- On April 29, 2017, Mitchell’s Nursery and Greenhouse in King will host a mixed container demonstration in time for Mother’s Day. Visitors can get tips on planting a mixed container and make one as a gift for Mother’s Day.
- Good Karma Ranch in Iron Station (Lincoln County) will host an adult-only event with mimosas, breakfast and shopping on May 7, 2017, from 11am to 1pm. The Farm to Finery NC event will feature the farm’s spring- and summer-weight alpaca clothing and accessories.
- Millstone Creek Orchards in Ramseur will offer family-friendly Mother’s Day activities May 13 and 14, 2017. Visitors can enjoy flower pot painting and planting, take a hayride tour of the orchards and decorate cookies. Free admission for mothers and children ages 2 and under.
- Smith’s Nursery in Benson will host its annual Mother’s Day Weekend Festival on May 13, 2017. The all-day event features food vendors, bounce houses, horseback rides, face painting and strawberry picking. Admission is free.
Farm Tours
- On April 22-23, 2017, the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association and Weaver Street Market will host the 22nd annual Piedmont Farm Tour. The self-guided tour includes 35 scenic and sustainable farms in Alamance, Chatham, Orange and Person counties. Advance tickets are $30 per car for all farms, and $35 for day-of registration. Visitors also can visit one farm for $10.
- Cleveland County Farm Bureau will host a tour of four Cleveland County farms on May 20, 2017, from 9am to 3pm. The tour will visit Matt Bell Grain Farm, Proffitt Family Farms, Kildeer Farm and Goforth Farm. Charter buses will depart from the USDA offices in Shelby. The tour costs $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Lunch is included. More information and tickets are available by calling 704.471.0235 x.3.
- Fickle Creek Farm in Efland (Orange County) will host walking farm tours on the first Sunday of each month. Visitors can learn about sustainable food production and purchase meats and eggs raised on the farm. Reservations are required.
- Hunter Farm in Weddington (Union County) will host a series of summer camps to provide an up-close-and-personal look at a working farm. The weeklong, half-day camps are open to children ages 8-12. A special session is held for ages 5-7.
Wineries/Vineyards
- Grapefull Sisters Vineyard in Tabor City (Columbus County) will host its annual fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association on March 25, 2017, from 10am to 6pm. The event features live music, a memorial bike ride and other activities.
- On April 22, 2017, Parker-Binns Vineyard in Mill Spring (Polk County) will host its annual Pig Pickin’ event, featuring a barbecue competition, wine tastings, live music and dancing.
- WoodMill Winery in Vale (Lincoln County) will hold its Muscadine Jubilee on May 20, 2017, from 10am to 5pm. The celebration includes artists and crafters, food and music, and wine tastings.
Others
- On April 30, 2017, Franny’s Farm and Far Out Farmstead in Leicester (Buncombe County) will host Farm Friend Bend, a day of interactive yoga classes with baby goats. The classes are a part of a series planned to connect people with farmers through fun events for adults and children.
- Plum Granny Farm in King (Stokes County) will host an open house and plant sale on April 23 and 30, 2017, 1-5pm. The farm grows heirloom tomatoes, tomatillos, peppers, eggplants, herbs, baby ginger and others.
- Ridenour Ranch in Thurmond (Wilkes County) will host its annual alpaca shearing event on April 21, 2017, from 8am to noon. Guests can learn about shearing and see how the ranch turns fiber into a variety of products.
North Carolina is home to more than 700 agritourism farms. To find a complete listing of farms near you, go to www.visitncfarms.com.
