Follow a country road, walk the rows, meet the farmers and get a closer look at where our food comes from during ASAP’s annual Farm Tour, Sept. 19-20, when working farms across Western North Carolina welcome visitors for a weekend of guided tours, demonstrations and tastings. Destination McDowell is a proud sponsor of the tour, which offers a chance to experience the region’s agricultural landscape and the people who keep it growing.
That story is growing right here in McDowell County, too. As farm tours and agritourism grow in popularity, we’re growing our list of local farmers who help feed folks in our foothills and beyond. Why not plan your own mini farm tour of McDowell County? Meet local growers at the Marion Tailgate Market, pick up local honey straight from the farm, visit a barnyard full of animals or make a day of one of the county’s favorite fall farm traditions. Here are a few stops we recommend:
- Stop by Bat Cave Road Farm in Old Fort to visit the animals and browse the farm stand for seasonal produce, eggs, breads, honey, jams and more.
- Head to Sweet Betsy Farm in Marion for locally produced honey from its self-serve farm stand. Limited hive tours are also available by appointment.
- Make plans for fall fun at McKinney Farm in Nebo near Lake James, where the annual Harvest Festival includes a corn maze, petting zoo, haunted trail, games and more.
- Or spend a Saturday morning at the historic Marion Tailgate Market, meeting local farmers, growers and makers and taking a little taste of McDowell County home with you.
- And, learn about the people growing food here at Wild East Farm in Marion.
The ASAP Farm Tour takes place Sept. 19-20 and is family-friendly and open to all. Whether you spend the weekend exploring farms across Western North Carolina or seek out a farm-fresh experience right here in McDowell County, fall is a great time to experience this region from the ground up.
Visit this link to learn more about farms and agritourism in McDowell County.
Learn more about the ASAP Farm Tour at this link.
