MAY 7, 2009 ISSUE
Local Farms Featured in NC Agritourism Map
Eleven farms and nurseries from Ashe, Watauga and Avery counties are featured in a new full color, foldout agritourism map published by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS). The agritourism map, titled “Discover North Carolina Maps,” is available at state Welcome Centers, county Cooperative Extension offices, tourism offices and farmers’ markets.
“Tourists and visitors will find these maps an excellent resource to carry with them on their day trips and weekend vacations,” according to the NCDA&CS website.
Agritourism refers to agricultural activities on a farm, ranch or vineyard that provide entertaining and recreational experiences. The agritourism map includes 213 farms and vineyards/wineries from across the state. A color-coded directory indicates which farms offer any of the following recreational opportunities: hayrides/mazes, barnyard animals, groups/tours/food, choose ‘n cut/pick-your-own, lodging/camping, walking/riding trails and slow dining/picnics. The map also indicates which farms are handicap accessible.
Some of the featured farms also offer pond fishing, vacations, weddings, meeting spaces and more.
Included in the map are Big Ridge Tree Farm, Cornett Deal Christmas Tree Farm & Cabin and Norris Tree Farm in Watauga County; Miller’s Century Farm, Mistletoe Meadows Christmas Trees, Old Orchard Creek Farms, Shady Grove Gardens and Nursery, Shady Rest Tree Farm, Top of the Mountain Christmas Trees and Waylands Nursery in Ashe County; and Cartner Christmas Tree Farm in Avery County. Each entry includes the address and contact information, seasonal specifications and directions for each farm.
“The 213 farms on the map are by no means all of the agritourism farms in North Carolina,” said Martha Glass, agritourism manager for NCDA&CS. Glass said her office received more than 700 requests from farms to participate in the map.
Plenty more High Country and North Carolina agritourism farms can be found on the state agritourism marketing website, www.VisitNCFarms.com. An additional source for locating North Carolina farms is available at www.NCFarmFresh.com.
The “Discover North Carolina Farms” map project was supported by a grant from the Tobacco Trust Fund Commission and also received support from the NCDA&CS Marketing Division and the North Carolina Agritourism Networking Association.
To obtain your own copy of the map, contact Glass at 919-733-7887 ext. 276 or by e-mail at martha.glass@ncagr.gov. The free maps can be delivered individually, in packages of 25 or in boxes of 300.
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
