Cailin Alford moved to Chattanooga two years ago, in part, she says, to the number of farmer's markets that have recently sprouted in neighborhoods located throughout the Scenic City.
She moved from Port Orange, Fla., where the closest market was at least a 20-minute drive from her house, she says. But here there are many that are much closer, allowing her to get to know some of those responsible for growing the foods she buys.
It wasn't until last year, however, that she was able to meet them on their own turf by taking Crabtree Farms' annual TasteBuds Farm Tour, scheduled this year for today and Sunday.
The tour allows visitors an opportunity to visit area farms, meet the farmers, see where and how foods are grown, buy products directly from the farm, walk the fields and see the animals. In other words, get a clearer idea where their food comes from and who's growing it.
"Seeing the families who run their own operations outside of a corporation was truly the most eye-opening experience for me," Alford says. "This is still such a vibrant way of life for farmers across America. Meeting with the farmers and shaking the hands that grow my asparagus or pick my apples put everything into consumer perspective for me."
The nine area farms and food/wine purveyors participating this year are:
* Crabtree Farms (sustainably grown fruits and vegetables);
* Wheeler's Orchard (apples);
* Farm 58 (produce and fresh pork, chicken and turkey);
* Red Clay Farm (certified organic produce);
* Lavender 'N' Rust Herb Farm (assorted fresh herbs);
* Colyco Farm (grass-fed beef and produce);
* Georgia Winery (red, white, blush and fruit wines);
* Grindstone Gardens (fresh fruits and vegetables);
* Beulah Farms (free-range eggs and Berkshire pork)
The tour is self-guided and motor-driven. Pack up the car with family and friends - as many as it will hold - and, for $20 per carload, paid in person at Crabtree Farms at 1000 E 30th St., you'll be given a map that will guide you to the farms.
Don't forget to pack a cooler because farms will have stands where products may be purchased.
"Bring cash for convenience for the farmers," Alford advises.
Among the items Alford and husband, Colby, purchased last year were apple fritters and apple cider at Wheeler's Orchards in Dunlap, Tenn. Friends riding with them bought fresh breakfast sausage from a local pork seller, and together the two couples feasted the following morning after camping for the night.
Her favorite experience, though, was going on a hayride and getting up close and personal with migrating throngs of cattle at one of the farms she visited.
"The tenacity of each family to continue to thrive through the ups and downs of yield/profit each year is truly impressive," she adds.
The TasteBuds Farm Tour is an educational experience for the kids and adults, as well as a feast for the senses. For more information, log onto crabtreefarms.org or call 493-9155. For a map of participating farms, visit bit.ly/farmtour2016.
Contact Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com.