With autumn comes crisp air, cozy sweaters, and—best of all—harvest time! This is the perfect time of year to get out and explore local farms. Visiting local farms at harvest time is a budget-friendly way to spend the day with the whole family.
Not only is it a great way to support your community, but you’ll also have the chance to enjoy seasonal produce at its peak. There are plenty of activities to enjoy including hayrides, corn mazes, apple picking and petting zoos, and more. Some farms often have festivals that include live music and delicious foods. Many of these small family farms pull out all the stops to ensure that your family has a great time and learns a lot about farming, too.
What to Expect When You Visit a Farm
One of the best things about visiting a farm is that you can talk to the people who actually grow the food you’re eating. This is your chance to learn about how they got into farming, what kind of crops they grow, and how they care for their animals. Most farmers are happy to answer any questions you have, so don’t be afraid to ask away!
In addition to getting some insights into the hard work that goes into growing food, you’ll also get to enjoy all the amazing fall flavours that local farms have to offer. From fresh-pressed apple cider and warm apple pies to locally-grown squash and pumpkins, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to bring along some cash so you can stock up on all your favourite fall goodies!
And of course, no trip to a farm would be complete without taking a stroll through the fields or going for a hayride. These are great ways to take in all the sights and sounds of harvest season while getting some exercise at the same time. Just be sure to dress warmly—it can get chilly out in the fields!
Fresh, seasonal produce
One of the best things about harvest time is the abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. At local farms, you can find everything from apples and pumpkins to squash and sweet potatoes. And since these fruits and vegetables are picked at their peak ripeness, they’re sure to be tastier and more nutritious than the ones you’ll find at the grocery store.
Pick your own produce
What could be more fun than heading out to a farm, filling up a basket with fresh-picked apples or pumpkins, and then taking them home to bake pies or carve jack-o-lanterns? Many local farms offer pick-your-own days, so be sure to check their websites or give them a call ahead of time to find out when they’ll be open.
A chance to connect with nature
Spending time outdoors is always good for your health, but it can be especially beneficial during harvest season. The colder weather means that you’ll likely spend more time indoors as winter approaches, so take advantage of the opportunity to get outside while you can. Local farms offer a chance to connect with nature and breathe in some fresh air—something we could all use a little more of these days.
Support your local community
When you buy from local farms, you’re supporting your community in a very real way. Small businesses are the backbone of any strong economy, so by patronizing them, you’re helping to ensure that your town or city thrives. What’s more, you can rest assured that your money is going directly to those who need it most—the hardworking farmers who grow our food.
Take a Hayride
One of the best things about fall is taking a leisurely hayride through the countryside admiring all the changing leaves. Many farms offer hayrides as part of their fall festivities, so be sure to check if they’re available before you go. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even try your hand at driving a tractor!
Search the Net
You can find farms in your area by going to the website, localharvest.org. They provide a drop-down menu that includes the type of farm you are looking for u-pick farms (farms where you get to pick your own harvest) or farmers’ markets.
All you need to do is click the option from the drop-down menu, add your city and state and a map will generate with all the options available to you. A simple Google Search will also do the trick, yielding local farms and all that they offer. If you know where your local farmers’ market is, you can even take a trip there to ask some farmers if they have any events or know of some, while you shop for more produce.
Plan Ahead
It is always a good idea to plan before you make a trip to the farm, especially if you are bringing the whole family. First, find out what kind of events they have to offer. Will there be a lot of running around and will you be petting and feeding a lot of animals? That way you can be prepared in advance for dirty hands, dirty clothes, or other issues.
Knowing what happens in advance helps you pick appropriate clothing and supplies like hand wipes if your kids get too dirty. With all the running around they will be doing chances are they will get a little dirty so make sure they wear something that isn’t too valuable and a good pair of shoes. Bring extra so they can change if needed.
Consider What You’ll Eat
Find out if the farm will have any food prepared. That way if your whole family is hungry when they get there you can enjoy all the delicious fresh food and treats. If they don’t offer options ensure that you all eat or bring a picnic lunch with you, so no one gets moody.
Think About Storage
Chances are you will be bringing a lot of apples, pumpkins, or other goodies back with you as well. So, make sure you have plenty of space in your car for the trip back. The same goes for your kitchen. You will not want to miss out on all the fresh apples and pumpkins. If you do, then you won’t get to take the fun home with you. Who doesn’t like a fresh pumpkin pie or some homemade applesauce?
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a delicious way to support your local community or simply want an excuse to enjoy all the amazing flavours of fall, visiting a farm during harvest season is a great idea. With so many different activities and treats to enjoy, there’s something for everyone at the farm. So what are you waiting for? Grab your coat and head on out!
Leave a Reply