Fall is in the air, and that means ON Farm Fest is coming right up on Saturday, September 20th 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, 11 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 11; aim to stop by about 3-5 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 Mark Zane: Relax and enjoy the live sounds of Mark Zane – he’s been playing at every ON Farm Fest for 9 years…wow!
- Food for Purchase: Wrap n’ Roll Food Truck will be on site with delicious wraps that are famous around CNY…delish.
- 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: Anyela’s cooks up delicious, gourmet pizzas and puts together a mouth-watering charcuterie board.
- 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!
See Robots Milk Cows at Tre-G Farms…Learn Why Cows LOVE It!
8183 US Route 20 Manlius, NY
Enjoy a country drive out to the rolling hills of Pompey to tour this family- run organic dairy operation. You’ll see robots milking cows, which is a win-win for the farm family and the cows. In fact, cows prefer this method of milking which you will learn about on your tour.
- Discover Sustainability in Action: See the practices that have earned Tre-G Farms a Conservation Farm of the Year award!
- Yes, There Will Be Calves! See the nursery where calves are getting a strong start to their life at Tre-G Farms.
- Arrive Early for Giveaways: Each farm including Tre-G will have lots of giveaways (tote bags, frisbees, and more)…arrive at 10 or shortly after to ensure you get your goodies!
- Food for Purchase: Delicious milkshakes, sandwiches, cheeses, and more!
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 9 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, 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.
- Pancake Breakfast? Yes Please!: This was a crowd favorite last year and it’s back (for purchase)
- Hop on the Wagon: Let’s go for a wagon ride – you’ll learn all about the maple syrup process as you enjoy the changing leaves.
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 6 “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.
- 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: Hot dogs, hamburgers, fries and more will be available for purchase.
Visit This Iconic Fall Fun Destination with FREE Access to Activities
2901 Rose Hill Rd, Marietta, NY
People travel from all over New York to visit this bustling pumpkin patch and agritourism destination. The Leubner family members are also dairy farmers, and are excited to talk about their work managing the pumpkin patch, the crops, and their herd of dairy cows on your tour. They’ll also be sharing some BIG news about a new venture on their farm…what could it be?
- FREE! Activities: From the corn maze to the apple cannon, there is no charge for any activities from 10am until 3pm on September 20th!
- Pumpkins Galore: Can you believe Tim’s grows over 70 acres of pumpkins? Pick your own, or choose from pre-picked options (for purchase).
- Try the Pumpkin Whoopie Pie: This seasonal delight has achieved cult status — purchase one to see why…SO yummy.
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!
- Score Organic Eats: Tour the farm, then purchase some delicious fall veggies.
- Gourmet Hot Dog Food Truck: For purchase, enjoy a delicious hot dog from Jillie Dogs Food Truck!
- 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 & Maker’s Market!
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 with 20 Local Makers & Vendors: Browse the “mini market” featuring 16 local businesses: from crafts to jewelry, art to eats…there are many local vendors in one spot.
- Hear Sam Vecchio Perform: Sam Vecchio, a talented singer-songwriter, has a loyal following for good reason…don’t miss his performance!
- 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 for indulgent sandwiches and more.
Head to Heritage Hill for Brews, Views, and an Iconic Agritourism Experience
3149 Sweet Road | Pompey, NY
Tour the brewery – then taste the NYS Beer of the Year…Oh My Apple Pie! 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. 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 the Thrift Store Gypsies Perform: Rock out and dance to the sounds of this popular group – they’ve played at all 8 ON Farm Fest events!
- 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 Samantha’s Sweet Treats: Yes, there are sweet treats but also so much more including burgers and fries!
- Live Music with Greg Hoover: Acoustic music on a working ranch…sounds like the perfect day to us!
