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Community Corner

Spring Farm Tour To Include 49 Attractions

The two day, self-guided tour will feature a number of farms, wineries, shops and restaurants

The Loudoun County Spring Farm Tour is scheduled to take place this Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. The self-guided tour will include 49 locations such as farms, wineries, restaurants and stores.

According to Agriculture Development Officer, Kellie Boles, the two day event will serve as an introduction to Loudoun County’s growing season. Visitors will have the opportunity to pick fresh fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers. Flowers and plants will also be available as well as wine tastings and educational tours.  

“The reason that we hold the Spring Farm Tour is to showcase Loudoun County’s agriculture and give the public a good understanding of the products that we grow in Loudoun County, the livestock that we raise and just the diversity of the agricultural sector of Loudoun County,” Boles said. “It’s just a great opportunity to understand where food comes from and the diverse operations that we actually have in Loudoun County.”

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The tour will include 30 farms, 14 wineries and five other venues that will be available for visiting. Suggested stops include Ayrshire Farm, in Upperville, which is only open to the public during the Spring Farm Tour. The 800-acre certified organic and humane farm dates back to 1821 and specializes in rare and endangered livestock breeds and heirloom fruits and vegetables.

One of the other stops that you don’t want to miss is Wegmeyer Farms, Boles added, whose strawberry fields became available for picking on Wednesday.

Leesburg's own Temple Hall Farm, which has participated in the tour for the past four years, will also be open. Park Manager George Tabb said there will be educational tours that will feature their heritage breed animals, a sawmill demonstration, which will show how logs are converted into usable lumber, as well as horse drawn wagon rides. A playground is also available for kids.

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Rural Resources Coordinator Gary Hornbaker said the Spring Farm Tour has been held for at least 15 years and is a great way to showcase all the different aspects and types of agriculture and rural businesses here in Loudoun County.  

“We have so much diversity and it’s an opportunity to see all types of production in so many venues,” Hornbaker said. “Of course we’re noted for wineries and we’re noted for horses in this area. But then there’s also so many other aspects of agriculture. The farm tours are an opportunity for the general public to get into these farms and actually see what’s being produced in their own backyard.”

Hornbaker said the Spring Farm Tour has attracted more than 15,000 visitors from across the country. This year he expects the same.  Brochures, including a map and directions to all participating farms, are available at Loudoun County libraries, community centers, area businesses and .

“I think its enlightening,” Boles said of the tour. “It’s hard to tell when you drive down a country road what happening on the farms. It’s just a good opportunity for families to come out to breathe some fresh air, for the kids to be able to run and play and visit with the animals.”

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