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27th annual Culpeper Farm Tour announced

September 11, 2024

Culpeper, VA The Culpeper County Economic Development Office is excited to announce the 27th annual Culpeper Harvest Days Farm Tour, set to take place on Saturday, September 21st, and Sunday, September 22nd, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This beloved event invites residents and visitors alike to explore the rich agricultural landscape of Culpeper County, nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge foothills. 

The Culpeper Farm Tour is a family-friendly, educational experience that showcases a variety of both traditional and unique farms and ag-related businesses in the area. With a self-guided driving format, visitors can start their adventure at the Welcome Center located at Culpeper Agricultural Enterprises on Route 29 or at any of the participating farms. The Welcome Center will feature free face painting, an antique tractor display, the Piedmont Railroaders, the Culpeper Farm Corner, yard games, and fun activities for kids. New this year, the Welcome Center will also host 4H kiddos and their animals, as well as the Culpeper Cooperative Extension Office. 

The tours 10 locations reflect Culpeper’s unique agricultural industry, which contributes significantly to local and state economies. Visitors will have the chance to engage in an array of hands-on activities and demonstrations, gaining insight into sustainable farming practices, animal husbandry, horticulture, and more. There will be something for everyone, from plant enthusiasts and foodies to those interested in equestrian events or agricultural history. Visitors are encouraged to bring a cooler to keep their favorite meats and other farm-fresh items chilled during the tour. 

Participating Farms and Businesses Include: 

  • Bees & Trees Farm – A working farm with honeybee hives, mini donkeys, goats, Christmas trees, and a farm store. 
  • Cornerstone Horsemanship – Specializes in ranch horse events, stock horses, and offers demonstrations of ranch riding and ranch trail obstacles. 
  • Ironwood Farm – The largest Fjord horse farm in Virginia, known for its exceptional breeding, training, and sales of this versatile light draft breed. 
  • Kildee Farm – 2023 Agribusiness of the Year award winner, featuring a blend of old farming equipment, livestock, a pumpkin patch, and more. 
  • Moving Meadows Farm – A sustainable farm known for its fresh daily paddocks and famous cinnamon buns. 
  • Oak Shade Farm – A diverse operation featuring Christmas trees, a small woodworking business, shiitake mushrooms, honeybees, and more. 
  • Virginia Bison Co. – Home to 300 bison on 500 acres, offering a variety of bison meat products and showcasing sustainable farming practices. 
  • Windmill Heights Garden Center – A family-owned greenhouse and garden center, often called “Culpeper’s Hidden Treasure.” 
  • George Washington Carver Center – Featuring the Carver Food Enterprise, Virginia Extension Office, Friends of the Rappahannock, Minority Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont, Rapidan River Master Gardeners, and The Carver 4-County Museum. 
  • CFC Farm & Home Center – Hosting Culpeper FFA students, a petting zoo, and items for sale (Saturday only). 

This year, the tour will include promoting single-day ag-related events and the new beverage exploration trail, Sips of Culpeper. Visitors can enjoy food, snacks, and unique items for purchase at many of the sites, including plants, herbs, meats, and local crafts. 

Back by popular demand is the Farm Tour Passport. Visitors can pick up a passport at the start of their tour, collect stamps from each farm, and enter for a chance to win a gift card to one of the participating farms. This year, one lucky visitor will earn a grand prize basket filled with products from farms across Culpeper County! 

New this year, visitors can also participate in a fun scavenger hunt! Look for hidden scavenger hunt emblems at each farm, learn something special about the farm and answer questions using QR codes found on the scavenger hunt posts. Take photos at each unique post for a special keepsake. This interactive activity is a great way for families and friends to explore the farms and learn more about Culpeper’s agricultural heritage. 

For more information, visit the Culpeper Farm Tour Facebook page or check out www.CulpeperFarmTour.com. Come out and experience the best of Culpeper’s agricultural heritage on the 27th Annual Culpeper Harvest Days Farm Tour! 

Choose Culpeper Farms: The Culpeper Harvest Days Farm Tour is part of the Culpeper County Department of Economic Development’s award-winning Choose Culpeper Farms program. This program connects residents with fresh, local products, shares information on agriculture-focused community groups, and features the Sips of Culpeper beverage exploration trail, offering a comprehensive guide to experiencing the best of Culpeper’s agricultural and beverage offerings. 

Sips of Culpeper: Visitors can finish both days of the event at one of the 8 Culpeper County wineries, breweries, and distilleries included in the program. Sips of Culpeper offers a fun way to discover the flavors and craftsmanship in Culpeper while tracking your journey and earning exclusive Sips of Culpeper items.