Summary: Agritourism farms and farmers markets across the state are planning family friendly activities around the holidays, so if you are looking to finish up some last-minute shopping or just looking for something fun to do to get out of the house, look for local events near you. You can find them on the VisitNCFarms app or by going to the Got to Be NC website and searching for agritourism farms. There is also a list of activities on the NCDA&CS home page.
- I feel like my grandkids are pretty lucky. When they come to visit us, they can run around and enjoy the outdoors and things on the farm.
- We’ve got lots of nearby fields, trees, a pond, a fire pit, and old barns and buildings to explore. It’s the kind of place where a kids’ imagination can run free.
- Not every kid, or adult for that matter, is so lucky, and I think that is why we have seen greater interest in agritourism farms and activities.
- People are looking for space, for engaging activities, and/or quiet restful getaways, and, and farms across the state are coming up with creative ways to engage the public and add a revenue stream to their farming operations at the same time.
- As the holidays approach many of our state’s agritourism farms and farmers markets have planned special holiday-themed events to help make lasting memories for your family.
- Those activities run the gamut from offering choose-and-cut Christmas trees; special holiday shopping events featuring handmade crafts and canned goods; wine tastings; hayrides; visits with Santa; Christmas lights; tractor displays; music; trail walks; weekend getaways, and more.
- I think listeners get the idea that there are lots to do on the farm.
- We have put together a list of upcoming agritourism activities and events that you can find on our home page at www.ncagr.gov.
- You can also download the VisitNCFarms app at www.visitncfarmstoday.com. It will help you plan an itinerary if you want to check out several places on your travels.
- So many people reached out to farms and farmer markets throughout the pandemic to source locally grown and raised products. I hope that continues this holiday season, because shopping local helps North Carolina farmers and our rural communities.
- North Carolina is the fourth most agriculturally diverse state in the country, so there’s not much they cannot grow. You will find locally sourced ingredients in many products offered at farmers markets, in special North Carolina sections at grocery stores, and at farms.
- I invite you to include local products in your holiday meals and as holiday gifts. I think your family will be grateful and you won’t have to worry about our gifts being on back order.
- I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and enjoys this special time together with family and friends.