Agritourism in Oregon: Farms That Welcome Visitors
Oregon, famous for its vibrant farm-to-table culture, sprawling vineyards, and lush, scenic landscapes, offers ample opportunities for Agritourism. Boasting of a diverse array of farms opening their gates for visitors, here’s an insider’s list of some local favorites that are a must-visit.
1. Smith Berry Barn
Nestled in the heart of Hillsboro, the Smith Berry Barn is renowned for its luscious berries and delectable fruit jams. During summer, visitors can also indulge in their annual lavender festival that showcases a wide variety of this fragrant plant. Make sure to grab an apple cider donut from their farm store – a local’s secret treat.
2. Rogue Creamery
Located in Central Point, Rogue Creamery is a cheese lover’s paradise. This farm offers tours where visitors can witness up close the process of crafting award-winning cheeses. Don’t miss their famous Smokey Blue Cheese – it’s a game changer!
3. Draper Girls Country Farm
Picture Mt. Hood in the backdrop and acres of fruit-filled gardens in front of your eyes. That’s Draper Girls Country Farm for you! Make it a perfect picnic spot and don’t forget to sample their hard cider and pruned fruits directly from their farm store.
4. Eugene’s Agrarian Ales
For those fond of handcrafted beer, Agrarian Ales, situated on a working organic farm, hosts a range of events and beer tastings throughout the year. Remember their calendar follows the growing season, so plan your visit to coincide with hop picking season for the most authentic experience.
5. Morning Shade Farm
In Canby, visit Morning Shade Farm for the finest selection of organically grown berries, peaches, and apples. A haven for the environmentally conscious, the farm focuses on sustainable farming practices. Their bustling nursery is perfect for those wanting to take some plant saplings home.
6. Rosse Posse Elk Farm
Part of the charm of Molalla’s Rosse Posse Elk Farm is the up-close encounters with majestic elks. Visitors can learn about elk farming, and even buy elk meat. Request a guided tour for an in-depth experience and some coveted local stories.
7. Kruger’s Farm Market
Kruger’s Farm Market in Portland hosts farm dinners, where visitors can relish meals made from ingredients grown at the farm itself. Combine that with live music concerts on Thursdays during summer, it really is an event for the seasoned Oregonian.
8. Willow-Witt Ranch
In Southern Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, Willow-Witt Ranch functions as a sustainable farm and a wilderness retreat. Check into one of their rustic cabins or farmhouses and plan your day around hiking, animal feeding and meadow restoration activities.
9. Marquam Hill Ranch
Situated in Marquam, Marquam Hill Ranch raises and sells llamas and alpacas. Their farm tours offer not just a fun-filled day amidst these gentle creatures but also classes on fiber processing. It’s a perfect day outing for families and textile enthusiasts.
10. OutPost Honey Farms
For an altogether different experience, head to Oregon City’s OutPost Honey Farms. Visitors can pick their own honey or bee-keeping equipment, and understand the importance of bees in our ecosystem. Remember to carry an empty honey jar for refills!
So, there you have it – magnificent Oregon farms that welcome visitors and promise a truly immersive experience of Oregon’s agricultural bounty. Pack your bags, put on a sturdy pair of shoes, and get ready to explore these ten mesmerizing gems of Oregonian agritourism.