VIRGINIA BEACH—While most are familiar with traditional agritourism operations like pick-your-own pumpkins, corn mazes and hay rides, some Virginia farmers are taking it to the next level.
This holiday season, Virginians can impress friends and relatives by gifting them with an unusual agritourism experience—from hands-on Waterman’s Tours to the state’s only combination winery, brewery and distillery.
Capt. Chris Ludford, owner of Pleasure House Oysters Farm in Virginia Beach, said his oyster tours “get people closer to their food.”
Tours are 90% of Ludford’s business—often running daily during peak summer tourist season. His tours range from a two-hour tasting excursion to a full “Chef’s Table” experience with fresh-caught oysters and seafood prepared on the riverbank.
For a hands-on adventure, the Waterman’s Tour lets guests use tongs and equipment to pick their own oysters—and crab, eels and fish pots when in season.
“I’ll get people who never had an oyster,” he noted. “They’ll buy the trip as a gift for a family member who likes them, and they might try their first oyster and walk away with a whole different mindset.”
Visit vawatermentours.com for more information.
In Southwest Virginia, Kim and Tom Wynn of Cobb Hill Alpacas in Rural Retreat offer immersive farm tours for $10 each, and free admission for kids under age 10.
The alpaca farm is a no-touch facility for liability reasons, but visitors can get close to observe the animal’s habits and quirky characteristics.
The Wynns’ herd of 17 alpacas produces about 125 pounds of raw fiber, which is shorn annually. Alpaca fiber products, both handmade by Kim and commercially sourced, are for sale in the on-site farm store. The inventory includes shawls, hats, ornaments, toys, yarn, socks and scarves.
For visitors from urban locales, Cobb Hill is often their first exposure to agriculture.
“We’ve had people more excited about the barn cat Callie, or our chickens, than the alpacas!” Kim said.
Visit cobbhillalpacas.com or call 276-780-1690 to schedule a tour with at least 24 hours advance notice. Or see updates on the farm’s Facebook page.
Up north in Culpeper, Old House offers a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind experiences—from award-winning wines, spirits and brews to a tasting room steeped in World War II history.
“You can find something for everyone,” remarked Ryan Kearney, Old House general manager.
Visitors can admire tranquil views of the property’s 30-acre vineyards, 10 acres of wheat and 20 acres of barley while tasting a variety of white, red and sparkling wines; ales; whiskey, bourbon, tequila and other spirits.
History buffs can delight in the tasting room’s rare collection of World War II artifacts and more fascinating finds throughout the property acquired through history exhibit curator Patrick Kearney and donations from local families.
Other unique indulgences await, including catch-and-release fishing by the pond, an annual Veteran’s Day extravaganza, Friday seafood nights with Green Ribbon Kitchen, Black Friday deals, and 12 Days of Christmas-style debuts of the latest wines, beer and spirits.
For more information, visit oldhousetoday.com.
Read more in Virginia Farm Bureau’s Cultivate magazine.
Media: Contact Kearney at 540-423-1032; Wynn at 276-780-1690; or Ludford at 757-663-6970.
