Loudoun Fall Farm Tour Oct. 18 and 19

Join more than 9,000 visitors celebrating Loudoun’s vibrant agricultural community during the 2014 Loudoun Fall Farm Tour.

The tour runs Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A map and description of 42 participating farms and other venues is included in the Loudoun Fall Farm Tour brochure, available now at county libraries, community centers, and online at www.LoudounFarms.org/FarmTour.

“I can say from personal experience that not only is the farm tour a terrific opportunity to support our rural businesses, but it’s a great experience to bring your friends and family and show them what Loudoun has to offer,” said Loudoun Economic Development Director Buddy Rizer.

Each venue will feature educational exhibits, live music, hands-on visits with farm animals, and local products for purchase, including farm-fresh meats, dairy, fruits and vegetables. Four venues have been added to this year’s tour:

• BLE-COR Farm: a family-owned Black Angus cattle farm in operation over 30 years;
• Watermark Woods: a native plant, pesticide-free nursery with exhibits on composting and natural alternatives to pesticides;
• Mount Defiance Cidery and Distillery: a new commercial cidery in Middleburg, offering hard cider samples and tours of their facility;
• Winery 32: a 32-acre farm winery featuring live music, vineyard tours and information on viticulture.

“The Fall Farm Tour showcases the diversity of Loudoun County agriculture and the vibrancy of the overall rural economy,” said Loudoun County Agricultural Development Officer Kellie Boles. “Having new farms and wineries participate each year is proof that Loudoun agriculture is thriving.”

Fifteen of the participating locations are pet-friendly, and most are found along scenic drives in western Loudoun’s countryside.

Image: Loudoun Farms (Source: Google Plus)