Take a tour down on the farm

BY IAN TAYLOR A griculture is deeply ingrained with the High in Deep Gap features a variety of different crops across its 16 acres. Take a tour, down onthe farmCountry’s history and One of the many culture. Farming helped choose-and-cut tree build the High Country farms in the High Couninto what it is today, try, Swinging Bridge and is still one of the Farm sets itself apart largest industries in the with stunning views, area. blueberries and flower

Many visitors to the fields. High Country will be The tour, which can aware of farming and double as a mild hike, how important is has sees visitors learn about been throughout histo- the farm’s history, the ry, but may be unaware fraser fir, blueberry culof the inner workings tivation, a home-built of a farm. Thankfully, suspension bridge over farms around the area Meadow Creek, views have their doors open of Grandfather Mounand are ready to take tain, feeding trout and visitors on a journey of a hike down to the solar education. and water-powered

Agritourism, which is orangery. defined as any agriculturally based operation PHOTO COURTESY OF APPLE HILL FARM Apple Hill Farms is one of many farms available for tour. FILE PHOTO Apple Hill Farm features an assortment of A rare sight in the mountains, an orangery or activity that brings animals on its guided is a structure that previsitors to a farm or walking tours, including dates the greenhouse. ranch, has become states. “Our mission is email applehillfarmnc@ tors. He and his wife, alpacas. It’s unique construcincreasingly popular as to bring joy and mo- gmail.com. Helen, committed to tion and maintenance part of the state’s agri- ments of connection to “growing green” while provides the perfect cultural industry. our community.” SUGAR PLUM FARM using integrated pest the chance for visitors place for citrus fruits Booking a tour can be With more than 100 management to protect to make their own door like lemons and oranges APPLE HILL FARM accomplished through acres, Sugar Plum Farm the environment their wreaths and they can to grow. At Swinging

Founded in 2003, Ap- their website, www. is one of the largest trees grow in. even tag a tree if you go Bridge, the orangery ple Hill Farm sets itself applehillfarmnc.com, farms in Avery County, The farm offers tours during warm weather, houses more than forty apart with the livestock and they offer both in- and sends fraser fir that give a look into the saving it for your Christ- different citrus spethat lives there. person and virtual tours. trees all over every year. Christmas Tree growing mas needs. cies, and fruit-bearing

Alpacas, llamas and Being a working fiber Owner and operator of industry, a staple of the For more information, trees are available for angora goats roam the farm, the website also the family farm is James High Country that is a visit www.sugarplum- purchase. lands of the family- hosts a store featuring Pitts, who previously celebrated part of the farms.com or call (828) For more information owned, working fiber fiber and the products served two years as culture. 765-0019. about Swinging Bridge farm in Banner Elk. made from it. president of the North The guided tours Farm, visit their website

“Every animal has For more informa- Carolina Christmas Tree offer insight from the SWINGING BRIDGE at www.swinginga name, a job and a tion, visit their website, Association and is still people who grow and FARM bridgefarm.com or call purpose,” their website call (828) 963-1662 or on the board of direc- harvest the trees, offer Swinging Bridge Farm (828) 264-5738.