The biannual Loudoun County Spring Farm Tour is back May 16 and 17. The free event takes place every fall and spring and gives guests a chance to design their own adventure through more than 40 self-guided stops.
The family-friendly tour is great for animal lovers and offers encounters with llamas and alpacas. Foodies will enjoy the chance to sample homemade ice cream at local dairy farms, and those who love farmers markets can grab fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Organized by Loudoun County Economic Development, the tour site offers an interactive, user-friendly map, or a printable one for those who wish to take it on the go.
“Loudoun has preserved its agricultural heritage while continuing to grow it,” Buddy Rizer, executive director of Loudoun Economic Development, said in a press release. “We’re proud that the number of farms in our county has increased over the last 10 years, and the Spring Farm Tour showcases that growth. It’s a chance to see firsthand how agriculture is thriving in new and exciting ways.”
Where to Visit for Animal Lovers
Roberts Roost Farm
Roberts Roost Farm in Lovettsville is home to potbelly pigs, chickens, Katahdin sheep, and the farm’s resident goat, Ruby. Tour participants can take a self-guided walk around the farm and learn about how Roberts Roost raises their animals. Children’s activities will be available throughout the day. 39301 Tollhouse Rd., Lovettsville
Kathy Ann’s Farm
Kathy Ann’s is home to a flock of Shetland sheep, angora bunnies, Nigerian Dwarf goats, and baby lambs. During the tour, the farm will offer baby lamb snuggles and the chance to climb into a treehouse that has a prime view of the animals. Weekend experiences also include spinning, felting, and weaving demos, as well as hot sauce tastings. 15340 Bluebird Ridge Ln., Waterford
Double 8 Alpaca
The appropriately named Double 8 Alpaca farm is all about the fluffy creatures. They raise their alpacas and llamas with a commitment to sustainability and responsible land management. From their herd, they create alpaca fiber goods and alpaca wood pellets for soil health. 13374 SR671, Purcellville
Where to Visit for Foodies
Zephaniah/Mill Road Farm
This year marks Zephaniah Farm Vineyard and Mill Road Farm’s 76th year in business. During the tour, they will be offering tastings of hyperlocal food and wine produced on the farm. 19381 Dunlop Mill Rd., Leesburg
Blue Heron Farm
Round Hill’s Blue Heron Farm began more than two decades ago with just a table, tent, and cooler at the end of a driveway. Their farm store is worth a stop for hyperlocal baked goods. 18019 Yellow Schoolhouse Rd., Round Hill
Wegmeyer Farms
Berry D. Licious, the farm’s mascot, will be hosting the Lincoln Strawberry festival during the tour. The festival raises money for local nonprofits and scholarships. The farm will also be hosting tours to see how strawberries are grown on raised beds and the different stages from blossoms to berries. 38299 Hughesville Rd., Hamilton
Where to Visit for Farmers Market Lovers
Orac Farms at Village Winery and Orchards
Orac Farms produces a range of wildberry and honeyberry goods for sale and they will be available for sampling in their tasting room during the tour. They will also be offering walks through their honeyberry orchard. 40405 Browns Ln., Waterford
Fireside Farm
Fireside grows fresh vegetables and grains and more than 20 different types of hot peppers. They aslo make wood-fired sourdough pizzas using their own grains. During the farm tour, Fireside’s vegetables will be for sale, as well as made-to-order pizzas and beverages. 14129 Berlin Tpke., Lovettsville
Hope Flower Farm & Winery
The family-owned farm and winery offers festival weekends celebrating tulips, peonies, and dahlias. Freshly cut flowers are available for purchase, along with picnic opportunities and a glass of wine. The flower farm is also home to cows and donkeys. 40905 Stumptown Rd., Waterford
Feature image of Wegmeyer Farms courtesy Loudoun Virginia Economic Development
