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POLK COUNTY—Tickets are now available for the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project 2024 Farm Tour, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, from noon to 5 p.m. both days. The tour will provide a unique opportunity to explore the diverse working farms in Western North Carolina and will feature five Polk County farms.

ASAP organizes the tour, which aims to connect the community with local farmers and promote sustainable agriculture. Visitors will have the chance to go on guided tours, witness demonstrations, and indulge in tastings, gaining insight into the process of growing and raising food.

Some of the Polk County farms included in the tour are Caitlyn Farms, a 600-acre grass-fed beef operation and wildlife management area; Overmountain Vineyards, a boutique winery on a 70-acre family farm; TK Family Farm, a high-density 15-acre farm growing over 20 varieties of apples; Looking Glass Creamery, a farmstead cow dairy and cheesemaking operation; and San Felipe Farm, a small sheep farm.

To make the most of the Farm Tour, visitors should choose two to four farms to visit each day and allow at least an hour at each farm in addition to travel time. It’s recommended to map the trip in advance and print directions between farms, as GPS and cell phone service can be unreliable in some rural areas. 

Additionally, visitors should come prepared with supplies such as drinking water, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer and are asked to leave their dogs at home. The event is family-friendly, and there will be activities suitable for visitors of all ages and levels of mobility. 

Guests are encouraged to enjoy a picnic or meal on the farm and look for “Enjoy A Meal” in the farm descriptions to see which farms have food available. 

To purchase a pass, visit https://asapconnections.org/find-local-food/asaps-farm-tour/.