The Loudoun Spring Farm Tour is an annual tradition dating back to 1993, designed to connect farmers and consumers at the start of the growing season. In the face of the COVID-19 health crisis, Loudoun Economic Development has re-imagined the tour in a virtual format and will launch the interactive map this weekend with 14 farms.
The virtual farm tour is scheduled to go live at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. For the best touring experience, please access it on a desktop device at LoudounFarms.org/FarmTour.
“For the first time, consumers anywhere in the world can tour Loudoun farms from the comfort and safety of their own homes. The farms on the Loudoun Virtual Farm Tour represent a cross-section of our county’s vibrant rural industries and we expect to onboard more farms in the coming weeks, creating an ever-changing experience,” Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer explained. “Even at a time of social distancing, we are working to make access to our farms #LoudounPossible.”
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Each featured farm submitted photos and videos, along with a brief description and links to their websites and online stores.
Educational and interactive activities will also be added to the map on a rolling basis to further engage all audiences.
Here are the 14 farms that are featured on Loudoun’s Virtual Farm Tour at launch:
- Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
- Shepherds Corner Farm
- Blooming Hill Lavender Farm and Gift Shop
- Double 8 Alpaca Ranch
- Homestead 1870
- Hope Flower Farm
- Old Apple Valley Farms
- Kathy Ann’s Farm
- Casanel Vineyards and Winery
- American Academy of Equestrian Sciences
- Fort Bacon Farm
- Long Stone Farm
- Equine Rescue League Foundation
- Project Horse Empowerment
“In addition to virtually touring the farms, visitors are encouraged shop from their online stores. Most participating farms are also active on the Loudoun Made Loudoun Grown Marketplace, a new online marketplace that mimics the experience of a farmers market,” said Loudoun’s Business Development Officer, Agriculture and Business Services John Magistro. “With convenient marketplace pick-up locations in Sterling, Leesburg and Middleburg, it has never been easier to support Loudoun’s farms and Take Loudoun Home.”
Farms and rural businesses interested in appearing on the tour can email Magistro for more information, or call 1-800-LOUDOUN.
The virtual farm tour will go live at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. For the best touring experience, please access it on a desktop device at LoudounFarms.org/FarmTour.
