Putting Down Roots: Maren's List: Jul 18: Summer Farm Tour

It's time for the Buy Fresh Buy Local Summer Farm Tour, a behind-the-barn look at local food.

The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture wants you to connect with local farmers offering the best in healthy, sustainably raised foods.

FARM TOUR will help you to appreciate the important role played by growers in your community, while offering fun, tasty and memorable experiences along the way!

Take the tour:

FARM TOUR costs only $10 PER CARLOAD for a day pass to visit any of the participating farms!

Select a route from our online, interactive map of participating farms - FARM TOUR MAP - Print maps with directions will also be available at each farm that you visit.

Load up your family and friends!

Simply pay $10 at the first farm you visit for your day pass and visit as many participating farms as you'd like!

The Farm Tour is suitable for visitors of all ages!

All farms open, rain or shine!

Suggested Routes:

Jefferson County Sampler - Head out to Paradise Farms & Gardens and learn about goat milking and sample goat cheese. Next, visit Quiet Creek Herb Farm's shiitake mushroom farm, take a self-guided nature tour and don't miss the salves and tinctures in the gift shop.

Southwestern PA Loop - Start at Triple B Farms for berries, south of Pittsburgh and then swing by Morris Organic Farm for pick-your-own and wheat flour grinding demonstrations with antique farm equipment, finally heading over to Jamison Farm in Latrobe to visit their world famous lambs!

Airport Loop - Head out past the PGH Airport to Wild Rose Farm where they'll be demonstrating indigo dyeing and spinning and skirting fleeces. Then, don't miss Janoski Farms Country Market, chock full of locally canned and preserved goodies, finally swinging by Bocktown Beer & Grille for a wonderful and local meal in Robinson Township; you can even try to win a Bocktown gift certificate at Wild Rose Farm!

Zelienople Breeze - Visit Kretschmann Organic Farm and Alpacas at the Little Brick Barn and Lewis Family Beef Farm all on the same road; plus don't miss nearby Brenckle's Farm & Greenhouse!

Slippery Rock Area - Visit Ron Gargasz Organic, Grass-fed Beef Farm, renewable energy systems at Slippery Rock University's Macoskey Center and don't miss nearby Three Sisters Farm and Pasture Maid Creamery quesos!

Route 910 Special - Start at Soergels & Shenot, head east to Dillner & Harvest Valley Farms; make a quick detour South to check out Mish Farms Meat Market and end at Pounds' Poultry Farm for tasty samples and discounts on local meat products.

TOUR TIPS:

Bring your cooler! Eggs, meats, cheeses, milk, fruit and veggies will be available for purchase!
Come with questions?? A farmer is the best person to ask about how to cook a kohlrabi!
Start with the understanding that due to the time needed for travel and visits, you may only be able to visit 3 or 4 farms.
Wear sturdy shoes, a hat to keep off the sun, and clothes that can get a little dirty!
Wash your hands after you touch any animals! Make sure kids wash their hands too!
Remember that you are a guest on the farms, which are also residences. Please be courteous!