Rutherford County, NC, Western North Carolina, News,arrests, RC Catalyst, Judicial District 29A Local farms open for spring events – Foothills Catalyst

Local farms open for spring events

RALEIGH – Residents and visitors looking for farms that offer outdoor experiences and local food will have plenty of options this spring as farms across the state open their gates to welcome guests.

There are a variety of activities to choose from including workshops, Easter egg hunts, strawberry and flower picking, Mother’s Day events, farm stands and farmers markets. Following is a selection of experiences offered at North Carolina farms through Memorial Day.

Visitors can find farm experiences across the state by downloading the Visit NC Farms app with nearly 2,000 farms, fisheries and agriculture destinations nearby and across the state. The free app is available at www.visitncfarmstoday.com and by downloading from the app store on mobile devices. The app allows users to customize itineraries complete with driving directions. Or, online at www.gottobenc.com, by clicking on the agritourism listing under the Find Local link.

Visitors should verify event dates, ticket requirements and operational hours before going.

Western North Carolina

  • Sandy Mush Herb Nursery of Leicester is open for visitors Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for garden walks, greenhouse walks, self-guided spring hikes. Online at https://sandymushherbs.com/
  • Mark your calendars for Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend in Henderson County. April 22-24. This action-packed weekend features artisan hard cider, award-winning wines, food, educational programs, live music, facility tours and more. Learn more at https://visithendersonvillenc.org/cider-wine-dine-weekend.
  • Mountain Brook Vineyards offers award-winning wines paired with memorable hospitality. The vineyard hosts several events in March, including wine tastings, daily tours, wine dinners, sip & shop craft market, movies and barrel tastings. Find online at https://www.mountainbrookvineyards.com/.
  • Apple Hill Farm of Banner Elk will be hosting farm tours by reservation only this spring. They will have baby goat yoga mid-May, as well as an Agritourism Works! Workshop May 14. Check the website for details and bookings at http://www.applehillfarmnc.com/.
  • Valley River Vineyards is now open for the spring. Check out its tasting room and vineyards, or enjoy a peaceful walk through the woods, tent camping and picnic sites. Experience grapevine pruning on April 23. Learn more about this event for adults at http://www.valleyrivervineyards.com/.
  • Mount Gilead Farm of Leicester invites guests to interact with its socialized goat herd and adorable new baby goats that love to be held and snuggled. Make a reservation on the farm’s website for an educational tour focusing on regenerative agriculture and the integration of animals into farming practices, culminating in bottle-feeding baby goats. The farm store will be open selling goat cheese and other farm-produced items. Learn more at https://www.mtgileadfarm.com/.
  • Wildcat Ridge Farm of Clyde will be having its 2022 Festival of Peonies in Bloom from May 2-31. The festival is free and open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Potted herbaceous and intersectional peonies as well as blooms available for sale. Seasonal rental of its Yin Yurt  is available as well. Full event details are online at https://www.wildcatridgefarm.com/.
  • M. R. Gardens of Asheville is holding open houses showcasing its sustainable nursery, and offers native flowers, groundcovers, herbs and vegetable seedlings for purchase. M. R. Gardens focuses on pollinator plants and other species that benefit the ecosystem and aims to propagate plants in the most sustainable way possible. Check out its website for more information at http://www.nativeplantsasheville.com/.