Archives for May 2019

(U.S. Mid-Atlantic Region, May 2, 2019) — The Mid-Atlantic Region features a bounty of farmers markets, orchards, produce stands, and more that attract visitors seeking a flavor-filled experience. So grab a shopping basket and bring your appetite for these delicious story ideas offered up by destinations in the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance. For more information on any of the following, contact the destination marketing organization listed below.
For general information on destinations in the Mid-Atlantic region, visit MATPRA.org.

DELAWARE

Delaware’s Quaint Villages
There’s no better time to stock up on all your springtime favorites. Escape to Delaware’s Quaint Villages’ popular farmer markets in downtown Dover, along the Riverwalk in Milford, and the Amish countryside at Fifer Orchards & Country Store. Fill up on bountiful produce, pick-your-own seasonal fruits, canned goods and so much more! Delaware’s Quaint Villages, Danielle Jonigan, [email protected], VisitDelawareVillages.com

MARYLAND

State of Maryland
Maryland has an abundance of farmers’ markets and orchards that offer some of the freshest produce, canned jellies, and more! Travel along one of Maryland’s 18-themed Scenic Byways this season, which have plenty of Maryland farmers’ market and orchards along the way. Maryland Office of Tourism, Matthew Scales, [email protected], VisitMaryland.org

Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
No matter the season, the Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Market in Annapolis is open. During prime growing months, fresh fruit and produce lovers have six farmers’ markets to choose from throughout Anne Arundel County. Families head to Greenstreet Gardens and Homestead Gardens for fun-in-the-sun afternoons on the farm. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Susan Seifried, [email protected], VisitAnnapolis.org

Baltimore
From the small, locally-owned stands to the large and lively bazaars, good eats are always just around the corner at the many farmers’ markets in Baltimore. Visitors can experience the city’s diverse neighborhoods while exploring the local cuisine at market offerings in Fell’s Point, Druid Hill, the Inner Harbor, and more. Visit Baltimore, Abigail Vitaliano, [email protected], Baltimore.org

Calvert County
The North Beach Farmers Market is every Friday evening in spring/summer. This market sits adjacent to the beach and Chesapeake Bay and includes produce, crafts, craft beverages, live music, and an antique car show. Three other traditional farmers markets run May through October. Pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, [email protected], ChooseCalvert.com

Caroline County
From lavender to strawberries, apples to corn, Caroline County is the garden of Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the number one agricultural county in the state. Our country roads are lined with fields, farms, orchards, and produce stands. Pick your own, attend an event, enjoy farm-to-table meals, or sip and savor. Caroline County Office of Tourism, Ceres Bainbridge, [email protected], VisitCaroline.org

Charles County
Charles County is home to rich agritourism and an abundance of flavorful foods. Enjoy farm raised meats, dairy, honey, herbs, local fruits, and vegetables while learning about our traditional fare and meals you’re able to create with them. Visit our farms, roadside stands, and farmers markets to savor our local flavor. Charles County Government Department of Recreation, Parks, & Tourism, Catherine Herbert, [email protected], ExploreCharlesCounty.com

Frederick County
Springfield Manor is the perfect place to get closer to nature. Pick your own lavender on their lavender farm and then head inside for a tasting at the winery, brewery, and distillery. Visit Frederick, Melissa Joseph Muntz, [email protected], VisitFrederick.org

Hagerstown – Washington County
Spring is the perfect time of year for an agri-tourism experience in Washington County. With 860 farms in Washington County, which ranks first in the state of Maryland for the sale of fruits and berries, farmers markets and farm stands are plentiful, creating delicious farm to table opportunities for shoppers. Visit Hagerstown, Betsy DeVore, [email protected], VisitHagerstown.com

Harford County
Agriculture and agritourism are thriving in Harford County. April through October, select fresh-picked produce and farm products at three different farmers’ markets: Aberdeen, Bel Air, and Havre de Grace. Find fresh-cut flowers, berries, Christmas trees, and a multitude of other items at our welcoming familyowned farms. Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, [email protected], VisitHarford.com

Howard County
Pick your own fruits and vegetables at one of the farms located in Howard County. Enjoy hayrides, petting farms, horseback rides, barnyard tours, and flowering picking. Explore Howard County’s fresh produce, breads, honey, and jams for a perfect farm to table meal. Visit Howard County, Crystal Abrom, [email protected], VisitHowardCounty.com

Kent County
From the Rock Hall shorelines of the Chesapeake Bay to the Chestertown banks of the Chester River, you’ll find all things fresh from the farm. You’ll find almost everything at the award-winning Chestertown Farmers and Artisans market on Saturday mornings, but be sure to check out local restaurants for farmto-table and homemade ice cream. Kent County Tourism, Bernadette Bowman, [email protected], KentCounty.com

Talbot County
Nowhere is the distance from farm to table shorter than in Talbot County. Family Affair Farm features pick-your-own berries. Cottingham Farm grows organic heirloom vegetables and herbs, while Councell Farm features sweet corn, tomatoes, and pumpkins. The Easton and St. Michaels Farmers Markets provide a range of the county’s best offerings. Talbot County Office of Tourism, Cassandra M. Vanhooser, [email protected], TourTalbot.org

Wicomico County
Wicomico County has several produce markets and offers places to pick blueberries and strawberries inseason. The Camden Avenue Farmers Market is a year-round market held Tuesdays in the parking lot of Asbury United Methodist Church, and the Shore Fresh Growers Downtown Salisbury Farmers Market is open seasonally on Saturday mornings. Wicomico County, Vanessa Junkin, [email protected], WicomicoTourism.org

PENNSYLVANIA

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is leading the way in crop production and boasts countless pick-your-own experiences! Happy Travelers can also enjoy the farm with a true cow-to-cone experience on the Pursue Your Scoops Ice Cream Trail or pick up fresh produce at one of our historic food markets in Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. Pennsylvania Tourism Office, Lisa Zahn, [email protected], VisitPA.com

Allegheny National Forest
In praise of the leek. The leek is a flavorful wild onion which grows in areas throughout the Allegheny National Forest. It has a sought-after distinctive flavor, somewhere between an onion and garlic. CJ Spirits, a local craft distillery, is the only one in the world crafting leek vodka. Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, Linda Devlin, [email protected], VisitANF.com

Altoona
Take a drive through the countryside of Altoona and visit over a dozen various authentic Amish markets & farms. You’ll find fresh produce, baked goods, plants, flowers, handmade baskets, handmade quilts, & more. The markets are open daylight to sunset, early spring – late fall. Explore Altoona, Jennifer Fleck, [email protected], ExploreAltoona.com

Endless Mountains
From pick your own blueberries in summer to pick your own apples throughout the fall, visitors know the Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania to be the place to go for farm fresh produce all year long. Our “Farm to YOU!” directs visitors to farms and markets across the region! Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, [email protected], EndlessMountains.org

Gettysburg
Several farms just outside of Gettysburg offer pick-your-own experiences for visitors. June kicks off the picking season with sweet and sour cherries, quickly followed by blueberries, and then apples starting in September. Many of these farm markets also offer additional activities such as orchard tours and wine tastings. Destination Gettysburg, Rachel Wright, [email protected], DestinationGettysburg.com

Hershey/Harrisburg
The historic Broad Street Market was founded in 1860 and supplied civil war troops training at Camp Curtain. Today, this hub of Harrisburg’s Midtown District houses 40 vendors offering locally-grown and organic produce, meats, baked goods, and freshly prepared meals. Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau, Rick Dunlap, [email protected], VisitHersheyHarrisburg.org

Huntingdon County
Farmers Market Day in Huntingdon #HdonThursdays includes morning walking tour, afternoon market, and evening Concerts on the Quad, or Art Walk Huntingdon special events. Mount Union plans artsy events and more around Farmers Market Day on #MtUnionFridays during the season. Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, Ed Stoddard, [email protected], Raystown.org

Lancaster County
Two of Lancaster County’s grand-daddies when it comes to farmers markets are Roots Country Market & Auction in Manheim, founded in 1925, and Green Dragon Farmers Market & Auction in Ephrata, operating since 1932. Come and enjoy the fresh produce, amazing selection, and incredible bargains. It’s a PA Dutch tradition! Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, [email protected], DiscoverLancaster.com

Lehigh Valley
No matter the weather, you’ll be able to shop fresh & local in Lehigh Valley. On Saturdays, head to the Easton Farmers’ Market, the country’s oldest continuous open-air market for produce, meats, ready-to-eat items, and more. For an indoor experience, check out the Allentown Farmers Market which is home to 60+ merchants. Discover Lehigh Valley, Kaitie Burger, [email protected], DiscoverLehighValley.com

Philadelphia
With an abundance of regional producers bringing their goods to the city’s year-round markets, locavores thrive in Philadelphia. In the warmer months, every neighborhood hosts its own outdoor farmers market— a couple not-to-miss markets take place in-season on Saturdays in Rittenhouse Square and Sundays at Headhouse Square. Visit Philadelphia, Daniel Davis, [email protected], VisitPhilly.com

Pittsburgh
Simmons Farm is a favorite of many Pittsburghers. They offer pick-your-own strawberries, peaches, and apples seasonally, as well as cut-your-own flowers, a greenhouse, and a fresh market, among a beautiful setting in the hills just a short drive south of Pittsburgh. Call ahead to check availability. VisitPITTSBURGH, Kristen Wenger, [email protected], VisitPittsburgh.com

Pocono Mountains
When visitors think “Pocono Mountains,” they think of nature. Visitors can pick their own blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and more throughout the summer months in the Poconos. Paupack Blueberry Farm is popular for families! Many restaurants are also farm-to-table, incorporating local ingredients in countless decadent dishes. Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Kelly Shannon, [email protected], PoconoMountains.com

Potter County – Tioga County
Discover nature at work at Draper’s Super Bee Apiaries in Tioga County! The apiary offers fun, educational tours for visitors to learn the art of beekeeping, collection of honey, and the process of product production and packing. The gift shop is one of the sweetest stops in the region! Visit PotterTioga, Morgan Christopher, [email protected], VisitPotterTioga.com

VIRGINIA

Fredericksburg Region
Farm fresh, pick your own or purchase from the markets of the Fredericksburg Region. Miller Farms and Braehead Farm have strawberries in abundance for the early spring then blueberries and blackberries. Fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and all sorts of produce can be found at one of the four farmer’s markets in the region. Fredericksburg Regional Tourism, Debbie Aylor, [email protected], VisitFred.com

Hampton
The farm meets the beach in Hampton, VA! On most Saturdays, May 4 – November 16, the Buckroe Beach Farmers Market is the best place in Hampton to find fresh produce, baked goods, and art. This year’s special themed market days include Fitness Day, Vintage Day, and Pet Day. Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Elizabeth Severs, [email protected], VisitHampton.com

Harrisonburg
It‘s time to enjoy the bounty of the Valley on the Fields of Gold Farm Trail. You’ll discover the home-grown side of Virginia at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market under the Turner Pavilion. Savor a wine tasting & choose from a variety of produce, herbs, meats, cheeses, honey, and all things locally-grown. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jessica Williams, [email protected], VisitHarrisonburgVA.com

Lexington & Rockbridge
On the Fields of Gold Farm Trail, you’ll discover the home-grown side of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Pick your own fruit in one of our orchards, stroll through a farmers’ market, savor a wine tasting, tour a working farm, or feast on a locally-grown meal at one of our farm-to-table restaurants. Lexington & Rockbridge Area Tourism, Patty Williams, [email protected], LexingtonVirginia.com

Orange County
Set on a 600-acre tree nursery, The Market at Grelen is a magical destination. It boasts a café, garden shop, trails, and a pick-your-own farm. One would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful PYO location. Visitors can pick blueberries, blackberries, peaches, or apples depending on season. Orange County Virginia Tourism, Lori Landes-Carter, [email protected], VisitOrangeVirginia.com

Richmond
The South of the James Market, located just across the James River in Richmond, is one of the region’s most popular farmers markets. Farmers and vendors sell locally-grown and handmade items – be sure to grab a doughnut from Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen! Bring the entire family, as the market is both kid and dog friendly! Richmond Region Tourism, Meghan Gearino, [email protected], VisitRichmondVA.com

Shenandoah County
At Swover Creek Farms, the berry picking season begins around the third week in June, and the best part is that after berry picking, you can stop into their farm brewery and enjoy hand crafted brews, plus woodfired pizza and fresh sausages all made with ingredients straight from the farm! Shenandoah County Tourism, Jenna French, [email protected], VisitShenandoahCounty.com

WEST VIRGINIA

Hampshire County
Travel our two-lane paradise to a dozen farmer’s markets. Pick up locally grown produce, livestock products and home-crafted spirits! Fresh fruits and vegetables abound at Barefoot Farmer and Spring Valley Orchards. Capon Crossing has black Angus beef and great bluegrass music. For award-winning meat, Farmer’s Daughter can’t be beat! Hampshire County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jonathan Bellingham, [email protected], ComeToHampshire.com

Pocahontas County
Pocahontas County, WV has a culture deeply rooted in farming and agriculture, and our agritourism opportunities give visitors the chance to experience life on the farm! This year, enjoy events such as pickyour-own berries, farmers markets, and fun events like the Forest Herbs Festival in July and Huntersville Traditions Day in October! Pocahontas County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Chelsea Walker, [email protected], NaturesMtnPlayground.com

About the Mid‐Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance
The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. The group serves travel journalists by creating a regional resource that ignores geographical boundaries while promoting common threads, offering story ideas about the Mid-Atlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.