Agritourism opportunities, or opportunities to enjoy and learn about a working farm, are endless at agricultural stops throughout our region this season.

At Hickory Nut Gap Farm, a fifth-generation farm outside of Asheville, from Labor Day through Halloween, there are a variety of fun family activitiesall seven days a week. Children can pet baby animals like pigs, goats and sheep. The whole family can enjoy a picnic and splash around in their creek. Or, visitors can check out their pumpkin patch. With all the different sizes and shapes, there’s bound to be a pumpkin perfect for carving or making pumpkin pies. Kids can even ride a pony and climb on a haystack or blow bubbles and play tetherball.

The whole idea of agritourism is for everyone to have a good time. According to Jamie Ager, owner of Hickory Nut Gap Meats and one of six siblings who presently own the farm’s land, “There’s a big demand for people wanting to come to farms. They enjoy it, and we enjoy it. We really like to have that connection with people.”

New to the farm’s list of offerings this year is the Hickory Nut Gap Farm Frisbee Golf Course. And on weekends, they will offer cider making and face painting for the kids. The area-wide drought has affected their corn maze, but rest assured the kids will still love it. There may also be a Halloween haunted maze this fall, so check their website (www.hickorynutgapfarm.com) for updates. And while you’re there for your staycation, take the opportunity to place an order for your Thanksgiving turkey!

Enjoy your visit to Hickory Nut Gap Farm and to other local agritourism venues this fall! [See the sidebar at right for a list of area farms doing double duty: growing and opening their doors for educational opportunities and events.]

Hickory Nut Gap Farm Store is located eight miles from I-240 out Highway 74-A on Sugar Hollow Road. Tailgate markets are still bustling this month. For a listing of local tailgate markets, turn to page 32, pick up a free copy of the ASAP Local Food Guide, or visit appalachiangrown.org.

Fall Agritourism Venues

Farms and mazes:
Hickory Nut Gap Farm
57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview, NC
828-628-1027
www.hickorynutgapfarm.com

Altapass Orchard
1025 Orchard Road, Spruce Pine, NC
888-765-9531
www.altapassorchard.com

Blue Ridge Corn Maze
1605 Everett Road, Pisgah Forest, NC
828-884-4415
www.blueridgecornmaze.com

The Maze
4168 Pisgah Drive, Canton, NC
828-648-8575

Coston Farm
3748 Chimney Rock Highway, Hendersonville, NC
828-685-8352
www.costonfarm.com

Deal Family Farm
4402 Murphy Road, Franklin, NC
828-524-5151
www.dealfarms.com

Peaceful Valley Farm
1200 Pine Cove Road, Old Fort, NC
828-668-7411

Stepp Farm’s Hillcrest Orchard
221 Stepp Orchard Drive, Hendersonville, NC
828-685-9083
www.steppapples.com


Events:
Second Annual Food Ventures Marketplace
Tuesday, September 23, 5-7 pm
www.blueridgefoodventures.org

True Nature Country Fair
September 26-28
Mills River, NC
828-342-1849
www.organicgrowersschool.org

Brushy Mountain Apple Festival
October 4
North Wilkesboro, NC
336-984-3022
www.ncapplefestival.org

20th Annual Apple Harvest Festival
October 18
Waynesville, NC
828-456-3021
www.haywood-nc.com

12th Annual Pumpkin Fest
October 24-25
Franklin, NC
828-524-0476

Pumpkinfest
October 28
Black Mountain, NC
828-669-0930

North Asheville Tailgate Market One-Year Anniversary at UNCA
“We love it!” was the unanimous feedback from vendors and customers alike when the North Asheville Tailgate Market recently celebrated its first year anniversary at the UNCA location. For 20 years, the market was located behind the Fresh Market. It then moved to the parking lot behind Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company. And, now, the UNCA location provides a beautiful woodsy setting and ample easy parking.

Mary Thompson has attended the North Asheville Tailgate Market for 27 of its 28 years. According to Mary, the new location has been a pleasant surprise for everyone. “It’s a family…because people–the growers and the customers–know each other and look after each other.”

The North Asheville Tailgate Market takes place on Saturdays from 7 am until noon; www.north-ashevilletailgatemarket.org.

Ruth Gonzalez is a former market farmer, backyard gardener, and founding member of the local Tailgate Market Fan Club. Join the club at tailgatemarketfanclub@yahoo.com.

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