2026 Goals: Get Closer to the Farm in North Carolina

North Carolina’s farms are more than places where food is grown — they’re spaces for connection, learning, rest and community. As we look ahead to 2026, there’s a powerful opportunity for both residents and visitors to deepen their relationship with the land, the people who steward it and the experiences that make our state unique. 

Whether you’re a lifelong North Carolinian or planning your first visit, these 2026 goals are an invitation to slow down, explore intentionally and support the farms and agritourism businesses that keep our rural communities thriving. 

Goal 1: Make Farm Visits a Lifestyle, Not a One-Time Trip 

Move beyond the occasional farm visit and turn it into a rhythm. Just like visiting your favorite coffee shop or local park, farms can become part of your regular routine. 

How to Do It 

• Choose one farm or farmers market to visit monthly or seasonally at Visit NC Farms. Add it to your calendar so you won’t forget! 

• Follow local farms, vineyards, agritourism businesses and oyster tours on social media to stay updated on events, harvests and CSA programs. 

• Follow @visitncfarms on Instagram or Facebook for real-time updates on farm events across North Carolina. 

Build traditions around the farm:  

• Apple picking every fall in Hendersonville at orchards like Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard   or Jeter Mountain Farm.  

• Spring plant sales at farmers markets.  

• Summer flower fields like Dewberry Farms  in Kernersville or McLawland Farms in Charlotte, where you can stay overnight in their Airbnb. 

Why It Matters: Consistency builds relationships. When you return to the same farms, you’re not just a visitor — you become part of their story and directly support local agriculture year-round. 

Goal 2: Experience a New Type of Agritourism 

Agritourism in North Carolina goes far beyond pick-your-own produce. In 2026, challenge yourself to try something new. 

Ideas to Explore 

• Farm stays, glamping or countryside cabins: 
  Options include Juneberry Ridge for a regenerative farm stay, Land of Milk and Honey Farms (with alpacas), Shipley Farms and Cellar Creek Farm   with Highland cows. 

• On-farm dinners and tastings: 
  Check our events tab or newsletter for chef-led experiences at farms like Green Leaf Farms in Concord and Footprints in the Garden in Mount Olive. 

• Yoga, wellness retreats or nature workshops: 
  Farms like Springhouse Farm, Honey and the Hive and Hickory Nut Gap host ongoing wellness events. 

• Educational farm tours for all ages: 
  Farms such as Patterson Farm and Pascuales Farm offer hands-on learning. 

Why It Matters: These experiences diversify farm income and allow farmers to share their land in creative, sustainable ways — while giving you unforgettable memories. 

Goal 3: Eat with the Seasons 

Reconnect your plate to the land. Eating seasonally helps you understand when food is grown in North Carolina and adds variety to your meals. 

How to Start 

• Learn what’s in season each month by visiting farmers markets or checking our seasonal produce chart. 

• Cook one new seasonal vegetable each season. 

• Shop farmers markets before grocery stores when possible. 

Why It Matters: Seasonal eating supports local growers, reduces food miles and brings more flavor and nutrition to your table. 

Goal 4: Plan Trips Around Farms 

For visitors especially, farms can be the anchor of your travel plans — not just a quick stop. 

Try This 

• Plan a weekend getaway centered on one or two farms.  This is so fun to do, and you can follow our itineraries on our website!   

• Pair farm visits with nearby small towns, trails or local restaurants. For example, in Boone, visit Tweetsie Railroad and nearby farms like Clawson Choose and Cut Farm or Apple Hill Farm. 

Why It Matters: Farm-centered travel spreads tourism dollars beyond major cities and helps preserve the rural character that makes North Carolina special. 

 

Goal 5: Bring Someone New Along 

One of the easiest ways to support farms in 2026 is to introduce someone else to them. 

Invite 

• A friend who’s never been to a farmers’ market. 

• Kids or teens who can learn where food comes from. 

• Out-of-town guests looking for an authentic NC experience. 

Why It Matters: Word of mouth is powerful. Every new visitor helps expand awareness and appreciation for local farms and agritourism businesses. 

 

Goal 6: Support Farms Beyond Your Visit 

Your impact doesn’t end when you leave the farm. 

Ways to Go Further 

• Share your experience on social media and tag the farm or @visitncfarms. 

• Leave reviews and recommendations. 

• Sign up for newsletters or CSA programs. 

• Attend fundraisers or community events hosted on farms or nonprofits like Corral Riding Academy, The Bulb Mobile Markets or Feast Down East. 

Why It Matters: These small actions help farms reach new audiences and remain viable for future generations. 

 

A Collective Goal for 2026 

Imagine a North Carolina where farms are central to how we eat, travel, celebrate and connect — not just destinations, but community hubs. In 2026, let’s commit to showing up for the farms that show up for us. 

Whether you start with one visit or plan an entire year around farm experiences, every step closer to the land makes a difference. 

Your 2026 goal starts here: Choose a farm, pick a date and go.