Learn about farm tourism (aka Agritourism) when you take a road trip to visit local farms in Newton County and see the pastoral beauty of the area. As more visitors are nostalgic for a simpler time, they seek out small farms in rural areas that provide tours, sell products directly or through community programs, and offer other activities.
Here are some year-round farms in Newton County that appeal to farm and rural tourism:
Crystal Organic Farm
Located on 175 acres in Newborn, Crystal Organic Farm sells organic produce, including medicinal foods and herbs, to Sevananda Food Co-Op and other retailers in the Atlanta area. They also run a farm booth at Morningside Farmers Market. In addition, they supply many top restaurants in the area. One of the ways they accommodate the local community as a farm-to-table location is through their Food Box program that provides bi-weekly fruits, veggies and eggs year-round. For farm tourism, they offer private and group tours.
Grant Wallace Farms
Grant Wallace Farms provides hydrosols using one of the old forms for preservation by distilling herbs, spices, and other natural botanicals. Their products add flavor and dimension to culinary and beverage creations They ship hydrosols to farm-to-table locations such as restaurants and bars, as well as chefs. A growing area of farm tourism is with consultants. Grant Wallace Farms offer consultations on what hydrosols are and how to use them.
Mystic Mountain Alpacas
As a small alpaca farm located in the southern tip of historic Newton County, Mystic Mountain Alpacas sells alpacas, donkeys and goats but their main product is the alpaca fiber which comes in 23 natural colors and has almost as many uses. Visit their online store where you can buy the fiber as well as handmade items. You can also make arrangements by appointment only to see the barn where the alpacas are. In addition, Melissa provides lessons on processing Alpaca fibers and the product.
Yellow Hen Farm
Located along the Alcovy River in Covington, Yellow Hen Farm sells seasonal produce, roots, log-grown shiitake and oyster mushrooms, and fresh eggs from their free-range hens. As a farm-to-table supplier, they can deliver locally to your door! They also sell natural skin care products that they make themselves.
The Organic Farm at Oxford College
Oxford College has an organic farm that is a source of food for their dining hall as well as an outdoor classroom. The organic farm, an 11-acre piece of land next to the campus, provides an important connection between environmental sustainability and traditional agriculture. It also is a great transition point in farm tourism where you can see the garden produce growing and then get picked, cleaned, and prepared, before it goes on the table.
When you travel through the area looking at the rural farms, stop at Oxford Dining Hall for a meal made with fresh, authentic ingredients. This is an amazing farm-to-table location in Newton County, and they source fresh local foods from local farms in the area. They serve students, faculty and the community. You’ll love their abundance of options for healthy eating!
