8 Can’t-Miss Virginia Agritourism Destinations

Virginia is full to the brim with agricultural surprises. You can find everything from sweeping vineyards and handmade pastries to beer trails and llama trekking. Whether you’ve always wanted to explore the Old Dominion or you’re a resident just itching to discover something new, we’ve put together a list of some of the top agritourism experiences in Virginia to give you some ideas.

Applewood Cottage

If you need a place to stay while in Virginia, look no further than Applewood Cottage. This gorgeous country inn is nestled between Lexington and Natural Bridge and has been newly outfitted as an energy efficient accommodation, complete with skylights and solar tubes. In addition to the cozy lodgings, guests have the option to go on a two-hour guided llama ride and enjoy fresh meals made primarily from produce grown right on the property. If you happen to be traveling with your dog, you’re in luck, as they are happy to accommodate four-legged friends, too.

See more: What’s in Season? Virginia Produce Calendar

Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail

Thirteen breweries in the Shenandoah Valley put their heads together to create the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail. They call it valley fresh and valley brewed, and they mean business. Each brewery is within an hour’s drive of another, stretching from Harrisonburg to Natural Bridge. Whether you want to dedicate an entire trip to sampling the finest craft brews in the region or you want to pick your top choices and spend a day relaxing amidst the most beautiful scenery in the country, you’re sure to enjoy your time on this craft beer trail.

CrossKeys Vineyard

What’s better than spending a leisurely afternoon at a local vineyard? CrossKeys Vineyard will take your breath away as soon as you arrive. This 125-acre estate is located in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley and features a Tuscan-style villa, a gourmet bistro and a 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you want to take a tour to discover how they craft their wine, savor a slow brunch at the bistro or simply pick up a few bottles to go, this is one Virginia agritourism spot you don’t want to miss.

See more: Virginia’s Top Agricultural Commodities

Hudson Heritage Farms

Hudson Heritage Farms is a family-owned and -operated business that specializes in raising heritage breed animals. They raise Highland cattle, horned Dorset sheep, Boer goats and more. In addition to selling pasture-raised goat, lamb, pork and beef, they also offer breeding stock, farm stays and homesteading classes. You can sign up for a cheesemaking workshop, learn about animal husbandry and more. Just be sure to schedule an appointment before you arrive as they aren’t open to the general public.

Windmill Farm Bake Shop

The Windmill Farm Bake Shop in South Boston is a family-owned Mennonite bakery, which means you can expect to find some of the most mouthwatering muffins, doughnuts, pastries and sandwiches in the state there. Even though we think their baked goods are well worth a dedicated stop, it’s important to point out that they also sell packaged food products from other Mennonite businesses as well as soups and salads. Nothing you pick up here will leave you disappointed, that’s for sure.

Jeter Farm

Live musical performances, tractor pulls and a growing fall festival are just the start of what you can expect to find at Jeter Farm. The Jeter Family arrived in the Roanoke Valley after the Revolutionary War, built their first farmhouse in 1854 and laid the groundwork for a family legacy that is still going strong today. Their fall festival is one of the best in the state, offering everything from winding corn mazes and farm animals to fresh kettle corn and local apple cider.

See more: Virginia Wineries Get Creative to Drive Sales During the Pandemic

White Oak Lavender Farm

One of the greatest things about going on vacation is getting the opportunity to relax. What better way to do just that than stopping by White Oak Lavender Farm? This combination farm and gift shop offers pick-your-own lavender in the summer and includes a petting zoo full of barnyard animals that children and adults alike will love. They offer daily seasonal tours and even host events like Wine and Watercolor, Firefly Night, and Lavender Skies Evening Music on the Farm featuring a variety of musicians throughout the year.

Falkland Farms

Stretched across an impressive 12 square miles, Falkland Farms is a hunting plantation that was established in the early 1900s. They offer a variety of hunting packages, ranging from deer and spring gobbler to ducks and quail. While they may be known by their hunting lodge reputation, they also provide guests with opportunities to enjoy horseback riding, hiking trails, fishing and a sports clay range. They even maintain a beef cattle operation on the side. With more than 7,600 acres to their name, you can bet there’s always something to see and explore when you stay on their property.