PWC farms open gates to visitors during 11th annual tour

The soft nuzzle of a horse at dusk at Blue Top Farm

Spend a weekend in the country experiencing modern farm life and the rich rural history of western Prince William County during the free 11th annual Farm Tour Sept. 24-25, 

A dozen locations with fun and educational activities for the whole family will be open to the public. Two sites will be open Saturday only; two sites will be open Sunday only. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. New for 2011 is the Extreme Makeover–horse farm edition, the Kennedy Farm in Gainesville, Stop #5, Saturday only.

Favorite stops include Evergreen Acres, Winery at La Grange, Double “O” Good Alpacas, Prince William County Children’s Farm, Smith Family Farm, Yankey Farms, Lynn Vale Studios at Lynn Vale Farm, Blue Top Farm, Stoney Lonesome Farm and Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre.  Oak Dale Baptist Church in Nokesville will serve lunch on Saturday.

Start at any location and visit as many of the farms as you wish, traveling in the comfort of your own vehicle.  Some farms may offer services or locally grown products for purchase. Families, cameras and picnics are welcome. Sorry, no pets are allowed.

Now, with renewed emphasis on eating local homegrown food and knowing where food comes from, farm tour visitors can meet and talk with local farmers, see farm animals up close, breathe fresh country air, enjoy picturesque views and wide open spaces and picnic at some stops.

Visitors also can inspect antique tractors and vegetables, flowers, pumpkins, Christmas trees and grape vines and learn how they are grown during the tour which is free, due to generous sponsors.

Look for bright yellow directional signs in the tour area Sept. 24-25. For a tour map go to http://www.pwcfarm tour.com.