August 18, 2023
Fall is the perfect time to invite visitors to your Vermont Farm. Just as the growing season begins to wind down and we enjoy the season’s bounty, the leaves turn red, orange, and purple and visitors flock to our state to experience its natural beauty. Many visitors to Vermont are eager for experiences that allow them to reconnect with nature and learn about our agricultural heritage. Offering authentic on-farm experiences in the fall is a great way to spread the word about your farm and products, bring in additional revenue, and create memorable experiences for folks from near and far. Here are some captivating fall agritourism ideas that will help you make the most of this colorful season!
Pumpkin Patch Adventures: Transform a section of your farm into a charming pumpkin patch where visitors can pick their own pumpkins to carve or decorate. Create a pumpkin-themed area with hayrides, corn mazes, and photo spots for families to enjoy. Consider organizing pumpkin painting sessions, pumpkin carving contests, or even a pumpkin catapult launch for added excitement!
Apple Picking and Cider Making: Invite guests to experience the joy of apple picking in your orchards. Provide baskets and guides to help them choose the best apples. To enhance the experience, set up a cider pressing station where visitors can see how fresh apple cider is made. Let them sample the cider and even take a bottle home as a memento.
Harvest Festivals: Host a vibrant harvest festival that celebrates the bounty of the season. Decorate your farm with fall-themed decorations, bales of hay, and scarecrows. Offer a range of activities like live music, food trucks serving seasonal treats, face painting, and traditional games such as sack races and bobbing for apples.
Farm-to-Table Dinners: Organize special farm-to-table dinners that showcase the abundance of fall produce from your farm. Collaborate with local chefs to create a seasonal menu that highlights the flavors of autumn. Dining outdoors amid the picturesque foliage around your farm will provide a unique and memorable experience for foodie travelers.
Fall Workshops and Classes: Educational workshops can be a hit during the fall season. Consider hosting classes on wreath-making using natural materials, cooking with seasonal ingredients, or season-extension practices.
Scenic Tours and Photography Opportunities: The vibrant foliage and rustic charm of fall make for stunning landscapes. Offer guided tours around your farm, showcasing the scenic beauty and providing insights into your farming practices. Set up picturesque spots for photography enthusiasts to capture the essence of the season. You can even leverage these photography opportunities to promote your farm by sharing farm hashtags and encouraging visitors to post and tag your business on social media.
Petting Zoos and Animal Interactions: Create a petting zoo area where families can interact with friendly farm animals. Consider organizing animal feeding sessions or educational talks about animal care and husbandry.
Farm Markets and Artisan Fairs: Set up a seasonal farm market where you can sell your farm produce, along with homemade jams, baked goods, and crafts. Collaborate with local artisans to create an artisan fair that features handmade crafts and goods, offering visitors a unique shopping experience.
Nighttime Campfires and Stargazing: As the temperatures drop in the evening, provide warmth and coziness with nighttime campfires. Arrange storytelling sessions, s'mores making, and even stargazing activities. The serene countryside makes for an excellent backdrop for observing the night sky.
Fall offers a splendid canvas for crafting unforgettable agritourism experiences on your farm. Whether it's through pumpkin picking, apple cider making, harvest festivals, or workshops, the season provides ample opportunities to engage visitors of all ages. By embracing the beauty of autumn and creating activities that celebrate the season, you can create lasting memories for your guests while showcasing your farm to a wide audience.
Thanks for reading the Marketing and Agritourism Blog! I’m your host, Kristen Brassard, Marketing & Agritourism Specialist at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets. Stay tuned every other week for tips on marketing and incorporating agritourism practices on your farm and be sure to sign up for our Agriculture Development Newsletter so you never miss a post!