Fun on the Farm
From Gardens to Goat Yoga – the Joy of Rural Pursuits
By Dianna Stampfler
Rural experiences—in the field, garden, orchard or vineyard—are no longer reserved exclusively for farmers thanks to a growing interest in hands-on agritourism activities throughout the region. Driven by the need to preserve family farms for future generations, destinations are creating unique opportunities for locals and visitors alike to experience agriculture in diverse ways.
Regional Roots
Farmers markets show off the region’s bounty all year-round, while summers lure eager gatherers to the many U-pick spots. These just skim the surface of the agricultural experiences in northern Michigan. With its proximity to the 45th parallel, the Traverse City area leads the state when it comes to agritourism—the sweet spot where agriculture and tourism meet. Among the most prolific venues are wineries, where more than 50 tasting rooms offer samples of award-winning wines, small plate pairings, and live music.
Got Your Boat
Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay added Goat Yoga to its recreational portfolio. “Combining the tranquility of yoga with the playful interaction of our friendly goats, our sessions are intended to offer a relaxing and fun experience in the beautiful surroundings of our winery estate,” says Sherri Campbel Fenton, managing owner. “It’s not only a great way to practice mindfulness and relaxation, but it also offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and animals.” For those seeking a slightly different experience that still combines the natural beauty of the farm with relaxation, check out Yen Yoga, which offers a variety of seasonal classes throughout the vineyards of Traverse City.
The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden at Brys Estate Winery on the Old Mission Peninsula provides a scent-sational way to spend a summer day with the blossoming of over 6,000 lavender plants—11 varieties—spread out over a 12-acre parcel. The public is invited to harvest these fragrant flowers or simply stand among them and snap selfies against the multi-hued purple backdrop. Soaps, candles, lotions and other lavender themed items can be purchased in the gift shop.
U-Pick Flowers
More than 40 varieties of flowers, both annuals and perennials, bloom each summer at Omena Cut Flowers on the Leelanau Peninsula. Perfect for home display or special days, visitors can choose from an ever-changing selection from May through November for their one-of-a-kind bouquets, including shasta daisies, lamb’s ear, sweet William, coral bells, yarrow, lupine, sunflowers, and others.
Adorable Alpacas
Cotton Creek Farms, Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm, and Rainbow Valley Family Farms provide an up-close experience with alpacas. In Thompsonville at Cotton Creek Farms they have a herd of more than 50 Huacaya alpacas. On select dates between April and August, you can visit the farm to view and feed these fluffy charismatic creatures during one of the Interactive tours. Afterward, stop by the farm store to pick up alpaca wool, clothing, and themed home accessories.
Spirits Farming
Iron Fish Distillery is Michigan’s first farm-based distillery, located in Thompsonville on watershed farmland just a stone’s throw from the Betsie River. Iron Fish is a passion project that rebuilt an abandoned farm into a 120-acre field that uses sustainable practices to produce high-quality spirits. They offer a variety of tours that mix history, farm education, and, of course, product tasting.
Farm Lessons
There’s a lot to learn on the farm. If you’d like to get hands-on with local foods, there are many options to learn some new skills and expand your culinary prowess. Perhaps you have heard about Leelanau Cheease because of their award-winning French-styled raclette, but did you know they also offer cheesemaking classes? Delve into the world of tea at Light of Day Organics in Traverse City. Founder Angela Macke, a trained registered nurse and member of the U.S. Tea Association, leads wellness workshops on-site. She also offers tours of her farm and rents out the yurt, gazebo, or meditation garden for private events. Several retail outlets like Oryana, Fustini’s, and Burritt’s Fresh Market, offer cooking, pairing, tasting and culinary-based presentation classes throughout the year.
Take a Trail
Winter brings its own fun and immersive activities within the region’s agricultural landscapes. Several area wineries allow hiking, snowshoeing, and even fat-tire biking around their vineyard properties. The Brew Bus (a local tour company) takes guests on a trek between three Old Mission Peninsula craft beverage producers—a winery, brewery and distillery—with samples along the way.
The region’s bounty and creativity I on full display when you visit these special places. Hopefully you can make some wonderful memories on your next visit to bring home a few treasures.