Fields & Farms Tour Opens the Gate to Hanover Agriculture

A new Hanover County tradition invites you to get out in the field, get out on the farm and discover what’s growing right here at home.

What started as a Leadership Project for the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI) for Ann Glave, Existing Business and Project Manager, for Hanover County Economic Development, has grown into a wonderful collaboration among Hanover County farmers, agricultural partners, local businesses and community supporters.

This fall, visitors are invited to slow down, explore country roads, and experience a side of Hanover County that is rarely open to the public during the inaugural Fields & Farms Tour.

Taking place on Saturday, October 10, the self-guided agritourism event will welcome guests to working farms, gardens, equestrian facility, flower farms, and agricultural destinations across Hanover County. From meeting alpacas and Highland cattle to walking through flower fields, learning about precision agriculture, picking up fresh local products, and hearing directly from the families who farm the land, the tour offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with the people and places that make Hanover County unique.

“This isn’t just a farm tour—it’s an invitation to experience Hanover County through the people who cultivate it,” says Brandon Turner, Director of Economic Development. “Visitors will discover the stories behind the farms, meet the families who steward the land, and gain a greater appreciation for the role agriculture plays in our community and economy.”

Unlike a traditional event, the Fields & Farms Tour is designed as a choose-your-own adventure. Guests can follow themed routes, build their own itinerary, or spend the entire day exploring farms and discovering local businesses along the way. Whether visitors are interested in animals, flowers, food, gardening, or modern farming practices, there is an experience for every age and interest.

Participating locations include family farms, a Virginia Century Farm, educational gardens, an equestrian facility, specialty crop producers, and agritourism destinations throughout Hanover County. Many of these locations are not regularly open to the public, making the tour a rare opportunity to step behind the gate and experience agriculture firsthand.

In addition to the farm experiences, visitors are encouraged to make a full day of their visit by stopping at Hanover’s locally owned restaurants, markets, specialty shops, and attractions located throughout the county.

Admission is free, although some farms may offer optional products, activities, or special experiences available for purchase. Visitors are encouraged to visit hanoverfarmtour.com before the event to receive tour information, maps, updates, and insider tips. The newspaper mimics the last Farm Tour’s newspaper in 1981 is available at each farm the day of the tour and the following businesses: Ashland Town Hall, Ashland Feed Store, Chirp, Classic Coffee & Tea, Hanover Mercantile, Colonial Farm Credit in Mechanicsville,  Atlantic Union Bank at Atlee and Ashland branches, Hanover Market CSA, Kitchen 33, and Cross Creek Nursery at the Rockville location. The newspaper features the map, all info on the farms, kids’ activities, official merchandise, I Spy Game, Choose Your Adventure, and Make  Day of It, the sponsors and advertiser’s supporting the event.

For tour details, participating locations, route planning, and suggested adventures, visit HanoverFarmTour.com.