Every year people flock to the Rappahannock Couty Farm tour — and guess what, it’s that time again!  Get your jeans and boots on and get ready to have a blast the weekend of September 25th. 

Weekend visitors will experience what sustainable agriculture is all about and what it takes to successfully run a family farm during the Rappahannock County Farm Tour weekend.  Nearly 20 Rappahannock farms, orchards, nurseries, wineries, and a distillery — as well as farm-to-table student programs and environmental organizations — will participate in this countywide, self-guided, family-friendly farm tour.  You’ll meet the farmers who grow fruits and vegetables, raise livestock and make wines.  Engage in other farming activities and learn helpful information that you can apply to your own home gardens!  No matter what your age, this tour will be fun for the entire family. 

Some other activities you’ll find at the farm tour are:
– Student-guided tours farm schools, petting sheep, holding chickens and gathering eggs.
– Presentations on animal and crop rotation for sustainability
– Community supported agriculture farm market, walking tour for adults
– Presentations on farming with nature
– Raising native plants
– Nature crafts program for kids
– Vineyard tours and processes
– Sheep-herding dogs performing
– Cooking grass-fed meats
– Chef cook-off
and much, much more! 

The Rappahannock County Farm Tour is hosted by the Rappahannock County Office of Tourism and the Rappahannock County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension.  Tour proceeds will benefit the Rappahannock Farmland Preservation Program.  The Farm Tour has been designed as a self-guided tour that educates families about the benefits of supporting local agriculture.  Buying local produce strengthens the local economy, helps support small farms, reduces the amount of energy it takes to transport and refrigerate out-of-state or out of country produce, provides fresher and tastier food and helps to protect rural landscapes. 

So come on out to Rappahannock County and enjoy the beautiful weekend of September 25-26.  The Farm Tour will be held from 10am-5pm on Saturday Sept 25 and Sunday Sept 26, rain or shine!  Admission is $5 for ages 16 and older, children are free.  Registration opens at 9am each day and tickets are good for both Saturday and Sunday — what a bonus!!!  Pick up tour maps and program and buy local products at the “All Things Rappahannock” Market at The Link at the Schoolhouse, 12018 Lee Hwy (Rte 211) in Sperryville. 

In addition to the Farm Tour, there will also be a RLEP Barn Dance on that Saturday evening from 7pm to 10pm.  Tickets are $25 and include light refreshments and live music.  The dance will be held at Rappahannock Central at the River District, 3 River Ln in Sperryville.  Proceeds will benefit RLEP’s programs.  For more information on tickets, visit www.rlep.org or call RLEP’s office at 540-317-1449 or email mail@rlep.org

There are also weekend packages available at a number of local inns, cottages and B&B’s.  Perfect for local visitors  or non-local visitors — make the entire weekend about relaxing and enjoying this beautiful land and local flavors!  For more information please visit www.FarmTour.Visitrappahannockva.com or www.visitrappahannockva.com