Each year, people contact us with questions about ON Farm Fest, Onondaga County’s open farm day! We created the ON Farm Fest insider’s guide to give you those answers, and to suggest ways you can maximize your farm tours. This year, the event is on Saturday, September 16th from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m – and yes, it’s a free event!
There are 9 amazing farms to visit this year, but our first piece of advice is: don’t try to visit all of the farms. Pick about 3-4 farms that appeal to you. If you aren’t sure where to start, read on and we’ll share the highlights of each farm…from live music to food trucks, kid’s activities to giveaways. We’ll see you ON the farm!
Tour the Vineyards, Taste Award-Winning Wines
2433 W Lake Rd. | Skaneateles
New to the ON Farm Fest tour is 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!
- Live Music with Dave Machan: Take in the lake views while sipping wine and listening to live music…does it get any better?
- 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.
Meet the Foster Family and Their Cows: See How They’re Building Healthy Herds
4654 Northwest Townline RD. | Marcellus
Healthy herds of beef cows don’t just happen by accident! Families like the Fosters have made it their mission to breed, raise, and then place beef cows into other herds across the country. On this fascinating tour held at the beautiful Shepard Settlement farm, you’ll meet the cows and hear all about genetics, animal care, and farm life from the farmers themselves.
- Enjoy Live Music with Patrick Young: This amazing singer and guitarist brings his signature sound to the farm. Don’t miss it.
- Save Room for Brunch or Lunch: Busted Yolk Food Truck will be on site serving up everything from poutine to loaded nachos and stuffed French toast. YUM.
- Kids Love the Giant Corn Sandbox: It’s like a giant sensory bin filled with dried corn kernels and kids love it! There are plenty of tables in the shade so you can relax before or after your tour.
The Ultimate Fall Feeling Awaits Among the Maple Trees – and Inside the New Sugarhouse!
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 brand new sugarhouse nestled among the changing maple trees. You can also go on an interactive walking 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.
- Sample and Savor: From maple candies to different grades of syrup, you can sample and shop for full sizes.
- Learn and Discover: Dutch Hill Maple regularly hosts tours, you can expect a fascinating, eye-opening experience you won’t forget!
Go Where the Flowers Grow…
4693 Kasson Road in Syracuse
What does it take to operate a business that grows and sells over 60,000 plants? Find out when you tour Crazy Daisies. A decade ago, Crazy Daisies was a single greenhouse. Today, you’ll find multiple greenhouses, the bustling Garden Cafe, a sunflower patch and raspberry bushes, and much more. Join in the fun scavenger hunt for all ages. Meet farm animals. Hungry? Enjoy a meal or cocktail in the Garden Cafe!
- Hop on the Hayride: Go into the heart of a field while the farmers narrate your journey.
- Mums the Word: After your tour, stock up on mums and so much more for fall (for purchase).
- Live Music in the Gardens: Enjoy live music as you explore Crazy Daisies!
Go Behind the Scenes at Navarino Orchard
3655 Cherry Valley Turnpike (Route 20) in Syracuse, 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 7 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).
- Shop the Country Store: From pottery to handmade pies and bread, the on-site store is a great shopping destination.
Meet Rescue 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.
- 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 | Syracuse
Known as “The Hollow,” this fall fun destination is waiting to be explored! Kids can ride the Moo Moo train for free on this day only. Meet farm animals. Go down big slides. Take a tour with the farmers as they share how they raise crops and grow pumpkins. Pick up your pumpkins and enjoy delicious, homemade fall treats from cider to cookies (for purchase).
- Enjoy a Plate of Authentic BBQ: Johnny’s Roadside BBQ will be on site with classic barbeque favorites (for purchase).
- 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 delicious empanadas and more from the on-site food truck Calle Tropical (for purchase).
- Score Organic Eats: Tour the farm, then purchase some delicious fall veggies.
- Free Face and Rock Painting: Paint your own rock or have your face painted!
- 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!
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. This year, Emmi Farms has taken things up a notch by creating a Local Vendor Market featuring amazing vendors so you can shop and savor a taste of fall.
- 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 Freshly Fried Rice: …and more from Asha Laaya, a Nepalese kitchen specializing in amazingly delicious cuisine!
