Tag: farms

Adorable Christmas tree farms you can visit this holiday season

Embrace the holiday spirit.

A decorated tree covered in sparkling lights and tinsel serves as the main Christmas decoration for millions of families throughout the United States. While many of these families will pull out an artificial tree to decorate, plenty of others still make the trek out to a local farm to pick a live Christmas tree.

If your family regularly uses artificial trees, it may seem old-fashioned to cut down a fresh Christmas tree every year. You may even think that doing so is bad for the environment. However, according to The Nature Conservancy, using real trees can actually support forests.

“Real trees help fight climate change, and even though your Christmas tree is cut down, you’re actually supporting forests,” The Nature Conservancy explains. Real trees generate less carbon emissions than it takes to produce and ship plastic trees. Plus, when “natural trees are harvested for sale, there are more than ten times as many left standing! Out of the 350-500 million growing on tree farms across the U.S., only 30 million trees are harvested for Christmas each year.”

So, this year, consider opting for a real tree. You’ll appreciate the evergreen scent, and you’ll support the environment and local businesses. Get inspired with this list of five Christmas tree farms across the country.

This summer, visit these peaceful and picturesque lavender farms

Get lost in a lavender haze.

Take serene summer relaxation to a new level by visiting a lavender farm. Never been to one before? Here’s why they’re worth a visit.

At a lavender farm, visitors can expect to see radiant fields of purple flowers. These blooms flourish in warm summer weather, and their gentle, relaxing fragrance is adored by people worldwide. Similar to pick-your-own strawberry farms, many lavender grow sites allow guests to harvest their own flower bundles. These blossoms can be dried and used as home decor or as an ingredient in bath products and candles. Some farms even offer handcrafted soaps, sprays, and foods made with lavender.

Experience the lovely world of lavender for yourself at these seven incredible lavender farms throughout the United States.

These 6 charming farms will take you on a tour across the US

See the country’s best.

The United States is home to over 2 million farms. Together, these farms produce billions of dollars worth of crops that support life throughout the country. Despite this, many people across the U.S. know little about where and how their food is grown. Farm tours are one powerful way to fill this knowledge gap.

Today, it’s easier than ever to explore a farm. People can find farm tour experiences on Airbnb, participate in local u-pick events, and do goat yoga with farm animals.

Curious to learn more about America’s diverse farming communities? Here are six stunning U.S. farms to explore and ways you can support them.

Pick your own strawberries at these 5 charming farms in the US

It’s a sweet adventure.

At pick-your-own farms, people can connect with nature while collecting delicious produce. Pumpkin patches may be the best example of this phenomenon, but different seasons offer more opportunities. When the weather warms up, berry patches become a hotspot for families, friends, and couples. There’s nothing quite like frolicking through fields of berries and bringing home a basket of delicious treats. If you want to get in on the fun, plan a trip to a u-pick strawberry farm this year.

As the name implies, u-pick farms welcome guests to pick up a basket and pick their own produce. Strawberry season is one of the best times to visit these sites. Grab a basket of these glistening red beauties while enjoying the outdoors at one of the country’s best pick-your-own strawberry farms. Here are five great u-pick strawberry farms to visit throughout the United States this season.

A strawberry farm.
Photo by AngryJulieMonday

Tanaka Farms – Irvine, California

Go on a farm tour, learn about crops, and pick a basket of fresh strawberries at Tanaka Farms. At this California location, strawberry season runs through May. Visitors can fill a 1-pound basket of strawberries and pick a seasonal vegetable.

Froberg’s Farm – Alvin, Texas

Find strawberries growing at this Texas farm from January to May. Locals can also catch the Strawberry Festival in March. Not able to make it for strawberry season? Catch blackberry season in the summer for more u-pick opportunities.

A child holding a bag and walking through an orchard.
Photo by C. Holland

Belkin Family Lookout Farm – Natick, Massachusetts

As one of the oldest continuously working farms in the U.S., this farm’s history stretches back to 1650. Today, the Belkin family serves as stewards of the farm. The location’s u-pick produce includes strawberries, apples, pumpkins, grapes, and more throughout the year.

Sussex County Strawberry Farm – Newton, New Jersey

In early June, this New Jersey farm opens to guests looking for fresh strawberries. Visitors can also browse for other produce and flowers. The farm’s garden center offers everything from marigolds to sunflowers.

A person standing in front of a strawberry field.
Photo © Joseph Cooke/The Courier-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Eckert’s Versailles Orchard – Versailles, Kentucky

Strawberries, blueberries, and peaches draw guests to the charming Eckert’s Versailles Orchard. In May, strawberry season lights up the farm’s fields. Visit in the morning to collect your berries while they’re still cool.