Fall is a fantastic time of year to enjoy farm fun

From pumpkin patches and hayrides to apple picking and corn mazes, agritourism farms across the state are offering a bounty of fall fun for the whole family.

“Agritourism is a fun way for people to learn more about agriculture, and it is a great way to help North Carolina farmers add value to their operations,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With nearly 700 agritourism farms across the state, it’s easy to visit a farm near you.”

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers an online directory for individuals looking for agritourism experiences at www.visitncfarms.com. The directory is organized by county with categorical listings for types of farm operations, seasonal products and activities offered. Families can find farm activities down the street, or plan a trip to a different region of the state.

During the fall, many farms offer pumpkin patches and pick-your-own apples, as well as hayrides, crop mazes and farm-to-table dinners.

And Christmas won’t be too far off, with many farms offering pick-your-own Christmas tree operations.

To find events and more information about agritourism, go to www.visitncfarms.com.