For the past three years the Tour de Farm New Jersey has promoted good health and New Jersey’s local farms. “People are increasingly looking for locally sourced and grown goods. New Jersey has some incredible farms that not many people know about. With our three tours, they can visit the farms, get tasting of their products, do some shopping, and enjoy the beautiful countryside,” says Tour de Farm New Jersey Organizer Mitch Morrison.
2015 marks the first year for Tour de Farm New Jersey to encompass three counties. There are three cycling tours of various levels and farm tastings, complete with locally sourced breakfasts and Farm to Fork dinners prepared by area chefs. It is estimated that the three tours will bring 1,500 visitors to New Jersey. The Hunterdon County tour is August 2; the Sussex County tour is scheduled for September 6; and Warren County’s tour is September 19. Some of the farms on the tour may be offering special events or exclusive farm tours.
More from Best of NJ
Tour de Farm in Hunterdon County
On the Hunterdon County Tour de Farm, registered attendees can stop at a list of farms. Featured on the tour is Lambertville’s Fulper Farms. This sustainable family farm offers wholesome dairy products. The fifth generation farm offers on-the-farm activities for families.
There are four stops in Stockton. WoodsEdge Wools Farm has alpacas, llamas, and Tibetan yaks. The fiber farm produces everything from fleece to fashion. They also raise their own local raw honey. Headquarters Farm believes in sustainable and traditional practices in raising lambs, sheep, wildflowers, bees, and vegetables. Some of their products include sheepskins, dried herbs, and sauces. Tullamore Farms and Sugar Maple Jerseys also are found in Stockton. In the Milford area you will stop at produce giant Phillips Farms, grass-fed cheese producer Bobolink Dairy, and organic winery Villa Milagro Vineyards. In Frenchtown, you can visit Fields Without Fences—an organic and regenerative landscape. A final stop on the tour is Hum-Dinger Alpacas of Phillipsburg.
Sussex County
On the Sussex County Tour de Farm, there is another list of farms to visit. Sunset View Farm in Andover Township offers farm fresh produce and partnership programs with corporations. They specialize in watermelon, fresh herbs, and home garden starter plants. There are five Branchville farms to visit. Willow Brook Farm is a Christmas tree farm and offers community supported agriculture (CSA).
Hidden Pastures Alpacas has a farm of fiber animals including rabbits, goats, yak, and alpacas. They their have a fiber shop and studio. Churutabis Farm naturally raises ducks, chickens, rabbits, turkeys, and guinea fowl. Everlasting Garden offers herbs and fresh-cut flowers. And at Glenmalure Farm, you can find grass-fed pork, beef, and lamb. You’ll make a stop at Ventimiglia Vineyards in Wantage, and Vernon Valley Farm in Sussex. The farm offers naturally grown veggies, along with grass-fed meats. Meadowburn Farm in Vernon sells aged, semi-aged, and fresh cheeses and other dairy products. The milk comes from their prize Jersey cows. Don’t forget to see their flower gardens on your visit. Ideal Farm and Garden in Lafayette Township also is on the tour. They feature produce, garden items, and various products.
Warren County
On the Warren County Tour de Farm, you’ll find a specific list of farms to stop at for tastings. Longmeadow Farm in Hope has your apples and pumpkins for the fall season. There are four stops in Blairstown. Race Farm has a selection of produce to choose from. Little Big Farm is known for their blooming fresh cut flowers. Genesis Farm is a community supported garden. It is one of the oldest CSAs in the country, and the first in the Garden State. Last but not least there is Bear Den Alpacas. There are three stops in Andover. Starbrite Farm is a CSA farm with a harvest of organic farm fresh items. LL Pittenger Farm produces natural meats and varieties of hay. Tranquility Farms celebrates three generations as a family run business. The dairy farm has a greenhouse during the holidays, homemade ice cream, and a farm market.
For tour details and registration information, visit www.tourdefarmnj.com. You can email Mitch Morrison about volunteering at mitchell.morrison5@mac.com.
