For one weekend only, several area farms will open their gates to visitors to explore, shop, and immerse themselves in local agriculture. Fun for all ages, the 5th annual TasteBuds Farm Tour takes place on Saturday, from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. and Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. Tour passes are on sale now at http://www.crabtreefarms.org/local-food-news.
“The TasteBuds Farm Tour is a great deal for folks looking for a fun, affordable weekend adventure,” said Avery Patten, Community Partnerships manger for Crabtree Farms and TasteBuds Farm Tour organizer. “For just $20 your family and friends can pile in the car together to discover and enjoy the agricultural treasures of our region.”
The tour pass is good all weekend and provides visitors with a different tour route Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s tour features Crabtree Farms, Wheelers Orchard, Farm 58, and Pickett’s Trout Ranch. Sunday’s tour takes you to Red Clay Farms, Grindstone Gardens, and Georgia Winery.
“Each farm offers a unique opportunity to see agriculture in action,” said Ms. Patten. “The tour highlights the large diversity of farms providing our region with a vast array of locally grown products.” During the weekend you will have an opportunity to visit an apple orchard; a trout ranch; a country farmers market with Amish horse-drawn carriage rides; a fiber farm with llamas, alpacas and goats; a winery; a sustainable rural vegetable and livestock farm; and an urban community farm.
At each stop farmers will provide a fun and interesting tour of their farm. Visitors are encouraged to bring a cooler, as they will have the opportunity to support local and shop for items produced on each farm, including meats, produce, honey, and eggs.
TasteBuds, now in its 10th year of production, is the locally-made, regional guide for finding foods grown and crafted within 100 miles of Chattanooga. TasteBuds Grow Chattanooga is created and operated by the non-profit, Crabtree Farms. Proceeds from TasteBuds Farm Tour car pass sales will benefit the printing and design of issues of the free local food guide.
The TasteBuds Grow Chattanooga Farm Tour is sponsored by 2 Son’s Kitchen and Market, Hennen’s Restaurant, and Crabtree Farms.