The gates and barns of 31 farms in WNC counties, including Sunburst Trout Farms in Haywood County, will open to the public for farm tours from 1 until 6 p.m. Sept. 21-22. Sponsored by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, the self-guided tour offers a chance for locals and visitors alike to learn how food grows, taste farm products, meet farm animals and shake hands with the community’s food producers.

Each farm tourist will use a guide that includes a map, directions and details about children’s activities. Additionally, the guide includes information about the Farm Tour Photo Contest. Guides are available online and at locations where tickets are sold.

Advance tickets are $25 online and at select businesses and markets. One pass admits each vehicle to any participating farm both days. Passes are $30 the day of the event and can be purchased at the first farm stop. Individual farms can be toured for $10.

Leading up to the tour, there will be a live Twitter chat from noon until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sep. 17, to answer questions and hear tips for making the most of the event. Those wishing to participate can simply tag their questions and tips #asapfarmtour.

There will be a Farm Tour kickoff party, as well, on Thursday, Sept. 19 at Sunny Point Café in West Asheville. The dinner will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and feature beer, wine and local food from the café’s on-site garden and area farms. For $20, attendees will receive five food and drink tickets.

Want to go?

Those interested in taking the tour can find more information, including a list of pass vendors and details on volunteering and attending the tour for free, at asapconnections.org.  ASAP’s Facebook and Twitter accounts and their community website, fromhere.org, will feature event information and stories leading up to the tour. Participants are also invited to share their journey via social media using #asapfarmtour during the weekend.

Buncombe

Addison Farms Vineyard

Adelbert Farm

Cloud 9 Farm

Flying Cloud Farm

Gaining Ground Farm

Good Fibrations

Hawk and Ivy Bed and Breakfast

Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Imladris Farm

Long Branch Environmental Education Center

Razor Mountain

Round Mountain Creamery

Smoking J’s Fiery Foods and Farm

Venezia Dream Farm

Haywood

Sunburst Trout Farms

Henderson

Holly Spring Farm and Nursery

J. H. Stepp Farms Hillcrest Orchard

Justus Orchard

Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards

Madison

Bee Tree Farm and Vineyard

Dry Ridge Farm

Farmhouse Beef

Wake Robin Farm Breads

Wild Mountain Apiaries

McDowell

Foothills Pasture Raised Meats

Farm Fresh Ventures

Vandele Farms on Cedar Creek

Yancey

Duck Dance Farm

Mountain Gardens

Mushroom Hut @ Fox Farms

Wellspring Farm