After a two-year COVID hiatus, Montgomery County is again sponsoring its Farm Tour. This year promises to be a terrific event with not only farms on the tour but cideries, breweries, wineries, and orchards. This year’s tour will be July 23 and 24.
Tour participants have a choice of three self-guided tours this year:
The Grapes and Grains Tours (two to choose from) provide the opportunity to visit three farm wineries, four breweries, or combine the tours and visit them all!
Farms-2-Feast Tours. These tours are split geographically between locations east of I 270 and west of I 270. Both tours provide visitors the opportunity to purchase fresh meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables, herbs, milk, cheeses, and dessert. Handmade gifts will also be available for purchase.
Revive the Sunday Drive provides a relaxing, scenic driving tour highlighting the beautiful countryside that we know as the Agricultural Reserve. The tour includes suggestions for picnic spots, hikes and walks, and photo opportunities.
If you are interested in living history, don’t miss this opportunity to visit the Button Farm Living History Center in Seneca Creek State Park. Hours for visitors are Noon to 3 pm on Saturday July 23rd. The Button Farm Living History Center is Maryland’s only living history center depicting a 19th century plantation and stories of the Underground Railroad. The farm is home to the Menare Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Underground Railroad history, historic sites and environments, and to the creation of educational programs.
Additional participating farms include Butler’s Orchard, Homestead Farm, Kingsbury’s Orchard, Lewis’ Orchard, R.B. Savage & Sons Farm, and Rock Hill Orchard just to name a few. Breweries on the tour include Poolesville’s own Landmade Farm Brewery, Lone Oak Brewery and Waredaca Brewing Company. There are wineries and cideries also participating in the tour this year.
For a complete list of participating venues, times, and locations, go to the Annual Farm Tour Page. You will also need to check the websites of the participating venues you wish to visit as each one has its own COVID protocols and social distancing requirements, as well as hours and days of participation.
Take this opportunity to get to know and fully enjoy the Agricultural Reserve and the bounty these farms provide for our communities. Montgomery County residents are fortunate to have such a unique reserve in our midst.