Summer is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors and immerse yourself in the charming world of family farms. Harrisonburg, Virginia and its surrounding areas boast a variety of delightful farm tours that promise fun, education, and unique experiences for all ages. Here are three must-visit farms that offer a perfect summer day out.

Back Home on the Farm

Back Home on the Farm, nestled in the picturesque Rockingham County, offers a delightful escape into rural life. Featuring 40 attractions, this family-friendly farm is brimming with activities that will entertain visitors of all ages.

Highlights:

• Cow Train Rides: Enjoy a whimsical ride through the farm on the cow train, a favorite among kids.
• Butterflies: Get up close with butterflies.
• Historic Carousel: Take a spin on the beautifully restored carousel for nostalgic fun.
• Country Store: Don’t miss the chance to pick up toys, jams, jarred goods, and more from the charming country store.
• Delicious Ice Cream: Treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of their creamy, farm-fresh ice cream.

Mt. Crawford Creamery

Located in the quaint town of Crawford, Virginia, Mt. Crawford Creamery is a small, family-owned dairy farm where you can experience the full journey of milk from cow to bottle. This farm prides itself on producing high-quality dairy products right on site.

Highlights:

• Farm Tour: Learn about the dairy farming process, from milking the cows to bottling the milk.
• On-Farm Store: Purchase fresh milk, butter, cream, ice cream mix, and more directly from the farm.
• Family Atmosphere: Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of a true family-operated farm.

White Oak Lavender Farm

Just a few miles from Harrisonburg, White Oak Lavender Farm offers a serene and aromatic experience. This small, family-owned farm is dedicated to growing lavender and providing visitors with a peaceful and relaxing environment.

Highlights:

• U-Pick Lavender: Experience the joy of picking your own lavender during the summer season.
• Lavender Products: Browse the wide array of lavender-based products, from soaps to essential oils.
• Lavender Lemonade: Refresh yourself with homemade lavender lemonade, a unique and delicious treat.
• Animal Encounters: Meet and interact with the friendly animals on the farm for a delightful experience.

Tips for a Great Farm Tour:

• Wear Comfortable Clothing: Farms can be muddy and dusty, so dress appropriately.
• Bring a Camera: Capture the beautiful landscapes and memorable moments.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry water, especially during the hot summer months.
• Check Event Schedules: Some farms host special events and activities, so be sure to check their websites.

Exploring these farms will provide you and your family with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation for the hard work that goes into farming. Plan your farm tour this summer and discover the joys of agritourism in and around Harrisonburg, Virginia!

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Harrisonburg, Virginia, nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, offers a variety of engaging and educational activities perfect for children and families. Here are three must-visit attractions that promise kids fun, learning, and memorable summer experiences.

Back Home on the Farm

Located on 240 acres of beautiful farmland in Rockingham County, Back Home on the Farm is a haven for children and families seeking a taste of country life. This sprawling farm features 40 attractions, delightful playgrounds, and butterflies. Kids can enjoy a scoop of delicious ice cream while exploring the farm or browsing the country store filled with toys and yummy goodies. *Farm animals are available to visit depending on the weather.

Highlights:

• Farm Animals: Children can interact with friendly farm animals, providing a hands-on experience with nature.
• Butterfly House: A magical spot where kids can witness the life cycle of butterflies up close.
• Country Store: Packed with unique toys and local treats, perfect for souvenirs or a sweet snack.

Explore More Discovery Museum

The Explore More Discovery Museum is an interactive gem designed to captivate the imaginations of children and their families. Voted “Best Museum and Best Kid-Friendly Venue of the Valley”, this award-winning museum offers a plethora of hands-on exhibits and educational programs.

Highlights:

• Interactive Exhibits: Each exhibit is crafted to be educational and fun, encouraging kids to learn through play.
• Family Programs: The museum hosts various programs that cater to different age groups, ensuring an engaging experience for all.
• Special Events: Keep an eye out for special summer events and workshops that add excitement to your visit.

Frontier Culture Museum

The Frontier Culture Museum is the largest open-air living history museum in the Shenandoah Valley and one of Virginia’s top family-friendly attractions. It brings history to life with costumed interpreters and interactive exhibits that showcase the customs and daily lives of Native American tribes, early European settlers, and enslaved Africans.

Highlights:

• Historical Interpreters: Meet blacksmiths, woodworkers, tailors, and yarn spinners who demonstrate traditional crafts and skills.
• Interactive Exhibits: Learn how early settlers cooked, worked the land, and lived day-to-day in the New World.
• Cultural Education: Discover the rich history and diverse cultures that shaped the Shenandoah Valley and early America.

Grab the kids and prepare for a summer adventure in Harrisonburg, Virginia!

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Made with salty bacon, fresh tomatoes, and bright herbs, this easy succotash recipe creates a delicious summer side dish.

You’ll need:

• 6 slices bacon, sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 4 corn cobs, husked and kernels cut from the cob
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup sliced chives
• ¼ cup sliced basil
• ½ cup crumbled feta
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice
• Pinch of salt and pepper

To make:

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it on a paper towel-lined plate. Remove excess bacon grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet.

Cook the Vegetables: Add the green onions and corn to the skillet and cook until soft, about 3-5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat and add the tomatoes, chives, basil, feta, and white wine vinegar or lemon juice. Stir in the bacon just before serving so it remains crispy. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve: This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.

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Pickling cucumbers is a great way to preserve the freshness of summer and enjoy the tangy crunch of pickles year-round. Whether you prefer classic dill pickles, sweet bread-and-butter pickles, or spicy variations, pickling cucumbers at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a guide to help you get started on pickling.

Choosing the Right Cucumbers
For the best pickles, choose cucumbers that are:
Small to Medium-Sized: About 4-6 inches long, firm, and blemish-free.
Fresh: Pick freshly harvested cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.
Pickling Varieties: While you can pickle any cucumber, pickling varieties like Kirby or Persian cucumbers hold up better during the pickling process.

You’ll need:

• Cucumbers: Fresh, firm cucumbers.
• Vinegar: White vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor.
• Water: To dilute the vinegar.
• Salt: Pickling salt or kosher salt (avoid iodized salt).
• Sugar: Optional for sweet pickles.
• Spices: Dill seeds, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and garlic are expected. For a spicy kick, you can also add red pepper flakes.
• Fresh Dill: For dill pickles.
• Jars: Clean, sterilized jars with lids.

To make:

• Prepare the cucumbers by washing them thoroughly and trimming off the ends. Cut the cucumbers into desired shapes, such as spears or slices, or leave them whole for baby pickles.
• To make the brine, combine vinegar and water in a saucepan. Add salt (about 2 tablespoons per quart of liquid) and sugar if making sweet pickles. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the salt (and sugar).
• Place spices, garlic, and fresh dill at the bottom of each sterilized jar.
• Pack the cucumbers tightly into the jars.
• Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.

Seal and process the jars:

• Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a good seal.
• Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.
• Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes for shelf-stable pickles.
• If you prefer refrigerator pickles, skip the water bath and store the jars in the fridge.

Allow the pickles to sit for at least 24 hours to develop flavor, but they taste best after a week. For fermented pickles, leave the jars at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, then refrigerate.

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