Fall is in the air, and that means ON Farm Fest is coming right up on Saturday, September 21st from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. ON Farm Fest is all about giving you an up close and personal experience with local agriculture at farms across Onondaga County. This year, a record number of 12 farms are open for FREE tours, live music, demos, activities, and more. But our first insider tip is that you shouldn’t try to visit all 12; aim to stop by about 4-5 farms. This guide featuring allll the can’t miss experiences at each farm will help you narrow down your decision!
Fall for Alpacas, Apples, and Fresh Country Air at Rocking Horse Farm
3736 Apulia Rd. | Town of LaFayette
Head to Rocking Horse Farm if you want to meet adorable alpacas, go apple picking (for purchase) and enjoy a day on a farm so beautiful it is a top wedding venue! Rocking Horse Farm will take you on a guided tour around the farm, teach you all about alpaca wool fiber – and then give you a chance to shop for beautiful wool goods in their store.
- Live Music with Dave Machan: Relax and enjoy the live sounds of Dave Machan.
- Food for Purchase: The Good Life Food Truck will bring refreshing sweet treats like soft serve ice cream! Of course, you can pick apples and shop for other farm-fresh goods in the Rocking Horse Farm store.
- Evergreen Fun: Rocking Horse is also a top Christmas tree destination! Learn what the farm does year-round to keep those trees healthy and ready for cutting at the holidays.
Tour the Vineyards, Taste Award-Winning Wines
2433 W Lake Rd. | Skaneateles
At Anyela’s Vineyards overlooking beautiful Skaneateles Lake, winery owner and winemaker James Nocek will lead tours of the vineyards to share the agricultural side of the winemaking process. Of course, those 21 and older will get to taste the award-winning wines! Anyela’s Vineyards will host tours at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., noon, 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Be sure to arrive on time if you’d like to join the tour.
- Live Music with The Owens Brothers: Take in the lake views while sipping wine and listening to live music…does it get any better?
- Food for Purchase: Sumthin’ Good Food Truck will be onsite serving up street food favorites!
- Explore Anyela’s Destination Spirits: Go beyond wine and discover Anyela’s trio of fruit-forward cordials.
- Tours Leave on the Hour: Anyela’s Vineyards will host tours at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., noon, 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Be sure to arrive on time if you’d like to join the tour. Last year’s visitors to Anyela’s raved about the tour led by owner James Nocek, finding it informative and fascinating – don’t miss it!
Tour the Farm Leading the Nation in Sustainable Dairy Farming
1840 Benson Road | Skaneateles
Using cow manure to create electricity?! Yes, that’s how committed Twin Birch Dairy is to sustainable practices. Tour the farm and you’ll see why they won the 2020 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award. With over 1,500 Holstein cows, Twin Birch is proud to treat each one with respect and dignity. The farm grows non-GMO crops on over 3,000 acres (wow!) to feed the herd – all while being mindful of the neighboring community, and the environment.
- Enjoy Live Music with Denn Bunger
- Save Room for Lunch: Wrap n’ Roll Food Truck will be on site (food is for purchase)!
- Arrive Early for Giveaways: Each farm will have lots of giveaways (canvas tote bags, lip balms, and more)…arrive at 10 or shortly after to ensure you get your goodies!
The Ultimate Fall Vibe Awaits! Maple Groves, Wagon Rides, Kid’s Activities & More
1949 Pompey Center Road in Pompey, NY
Thousands of trees surround you: rows of emerald evergreen trees and ruby-red groves of maple trees. Hop onto the free wagon ride to learn more about maple syrup production and the truly fascinating process of creating the perfect Christmas tree. Then, see tree pruning in action (it’s a visitor favorite!) and take in the beautiful countryside views. It’s all waiting at Whitetail!
- Enjoy Live Music with Paul Davie: One of the nation’s top Beatles cover artists, Paul is a top musician in CNY!
- Save Room for Lunch: Samantha’s Sweet Treats food truck will be on site, serving delicious fare for purchase.
- Shop the Store for Maple & More: From maple cotton candy to maple candies, and of course, maple syrup – visit the store!
Go Behind the Scenes at Navarino Orchard
3655 Cherry Valley Turnpike (Route 20) in Onondaga, NY
You’ve gone apple picking, but this On Farm Fest tour takes you deeper into the heart of the orchard. Navarino Orchard is the only farm to have been on the ON Farm Fest tour for all 8 years – it’s a visitor favorite. Hop on the wagon for the popular educational tour. Learn how apples are grown from blossom, to branch, to your table…
- Go Apple Picking: It’s peak apple season! Stock up on fresh apples – pick your own or buy them pre-picked (for purchase).
- Treat Yourself: Fritters, fritter sundaes, apple cider floats, hot dogs, popcorn, and more await you (for purchase) or sit down, relax and enjoy lunch inside the Barn Cafe.
- Shop the Country Store: From pottery to handmade pies and bread, the on-site store is a great shopping destination.
Wagon Rides, Pumpkin Painting, Pancake Breakfast…and All Things MAPLE!
1275 Woodmancy RD. | Tully
Don’t miss your chance to discover how maple syrup goes from tree, to tap, to table! Owners Cristy and Nate Williams look forward to taking you on a tour of their large sugarhouse nestled among the changing maple trees. Enjoy free syrup samples! You can also go on a free educational wagon tour into the beautiful maple grove, known as a sugarbush. Shop for REAL maple syrup – and plenty of other gifts and treats inside the on-site store.
- Be Entertained by Mark Zane: This well-known singer songwriter will perform 11am-2pm.
- New! “Mini” Farmers Market: Shop for fresh, local produce and other goods at the on-site farmers market.
- Pancake Breakfast? Yes Please!: This was a crowd favorite last year and it’s back (for purchase)
- So Many Kid’s Activities: Kids love Dutch Hill! They can paint a pumpkin or decorate a maple cookie (for a small fee).
Meet Rescued Horses and Learn All About Equine Care
3721 Verplank Road in Clay
Welcome to Sunshine Horses! This non-profit organization is a horse adoption and rescue facility dedicated to rehabilitating, retraining, and rehoming horses. At ON Farm Fest, Sunshine Horses has set up 7 “stations” that you can visit to learn about everything from the rescue process to how the horses get their needs met: from food and vet care…to “horsing” around through enrichment activities.
- Special Event! Shop the CNY Regional Mobile Market: Buy Onondaga Grown produce, dairy, meat, and more from this mobile van!
- Talk to Volunteers: Sunshine relies 100% on volunteers and donations, learn all that’s involved in running the facility.
- Meet the Horses: The horses will be out and about for you to photograph. Hear their stories and discover how resilient they are.
- Grab Lunch from PBJ Lunchbox Food Truck: One of Syracuse’s most popular food trucks will be on site with delicious food for purchase! Check out the menu, here.
From Pumpkins to Farm Animals, Visit The Pumpkin Hollow for On-the-Farm Fun!
3735 West Seneca Turnpike | Onondaga, NY
Known as “The Hollow,” this fall fun destination is waiting to be explored! Hop on the FREE wagon ride to learn about crops and how they grow pumpkins. Meet farm animals. Kids can ride the popular Moo Moo train and go down big slides (for a small fee). Pick up your pumpkins and enjoy delicious, homemade fall treats from cider to cookies (for purchase).
- Bull and Bear Food Truck is Coming: One of CNY’s favorite food trucks will be on site for delicious eats!
- Soak in the Sounds: of the Thrift Store Gypsies! They rock…literally.
- This is a Must-Visit Stop for Kids: There are so many free activities for kids – they’ll love it here!
Brady Farm: One of America’s Largest Urban Farms in the Heart of Syracuse
150 Ford Avenue in Syracuse, NY
Brady Farm and its team of farmers grow a wide variety of produce, including vegetables and fruit common in other parts of the world…but new to you! Learn about sustainable farming practices and how this farm harvests the bounty – and prepares it for sale. Hear about how the farm grows everything from shiitake mushrooms to squash! Enjoy lunch (for purchase) from Home Slice Pizza!
- Score Organic Eats: Tour the farm, then purchase some delicious fall veggies.
- Live Music with Strumming George: George has a large CNY following…he’s a fantastic guitar player!
- Tour the Farm: Brady Farm has been on the ON Farm Fest tour for many years – and the walking tour always scores high marks!
Get Your Fall Fix at Emmi Farms: Apple Picking, Packing House Tours & More
1482 West Genesee Road in Baldwinsville, NY
Did you know Emmi Farms grows produce on over 300 acres? This third-generation farm is run by the Emmi family. They can’t wait to take you on a tour of their operation: from the fields to the packing house, where fresh produce is prepared for your table. Go apple picking (for purchase). Pick up giant pumpkins, mums, and then step inside the farm store to shop for in-season produce, dairy, maple, meat, and so much more. Save room for an Italian sandwich from the food truck, too!
- Shop the Store: From bright orange pumpkins to just-picked apples, peppers to pickles, it’s all available in this popular farm store.
- Hear LJ Barrigar Perform: An up and coming local performer who is making waves in the music scene – everyone enjoys his acoustic sounds.
- See Tractors and Farm Equipment: …up close! Perfect for pictures and letting kids climb aboard real farm equipment.
- Enjoy a Saucy Sandwich: Saucy Sandwich Food Truck pays a visit to Emmi Farms – don’t miss this delicious treat!
Head to Heritage Hill for Brews, Views, and an Iconic Agritourism Experience
3149 Sweet Road | Pompey, NY
Tour the brewery – then taste the NY Farm Beer of the Year…Coconut Cluster! Hear fascinating takes on ag from organizations like NYALT Land Trust and New York Craft Malt, who will be talking about malt barley and how it’s used in their brewing. See REAL monster trucks on site that will be performing later that evening in Pompey! The sunflower fields should still be in bloom for (free) photo opps. Come hungry! In addition to the Heritage Hill restaurant menu, they’ll have their outside grill going with apple fritters – and of course apple cider, slushies, and other fun treats.
- Visit the Farm Playground: Kids can climb onto a tractor, swing from hammocks, and crawl on the playground structure
- Hear Dan Frawley Perform: Rock out and dance to the sounds of this popular CNY musician!
- Take in the 8-County View: From the FREE tractor led wagon ride, while you learn about local agriculture.
A Real Texas Longhorn Ranch…in Central New York? Yes!
6818 U.S. Route 20, Pompey NY
Albanese Longhorns is a true Western ranch…in the hills of Central New York! Don’t miss this ON Farm Fest tour stop if you’d like to see these stunning cows in person. You’ll be able to get plenty of photos – and hear firsthand why the Albanese family is so dedicated to this unique breed.
- Shop the Western Store: Love the look of authentic cowhides? Purchase them, along with 100% local meat and other goods in this unique store.
- Meet Horses & More: As a true working ranch, you’ll meet other animals like horses, goats, and farm dogs.
- Grab Lunch From Papa Don’s Food Truck: Yum! Treat yourself to a bite to eat (for purchase).
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