County of Chatham recently issued the following announcement.
The Visit NC Farms App, courtesy of the N.C. Department of Agriculture, is a handy tool for cell phones and other mobile devices to help people discover what is grown, raised, caught, made and is ripe for experiences across the state. Residents can discover the farms, fisheries, farmers markets, farm-to-table restaurants, farm lodging and other destinations for local food and fun closest to them. Fall is coming, so from collards to pumpkins, consumers can learn what is in season and where to get it. The Visit NC Farms App is a great way to support farmers and also enjoy local food and outdoor experiences, especially during these unusual times. A new, unique feature spotlights Suggested Itineraries and is gaining traction with app users. App users can also build their own trips using the My Trips feature to plan their adventures, from day trips to overnight visits on farms. Jordan Lake Christmas Tree Farm, in Chatham County, offers overnight farm stays so that people can gain real life experiences while visiting the farm.
The Visit NC Farms App have eight categories that folks can click on to find exactly what they are searching for. Below is a brief description of each category.
Farms and Fisheries -
• Discover NC farms and fisheries and what is offered, complete with push buttons to learn more and most importantly get driving directions. (The list of destinations can also be viewed on the map.)
• Push the colorful buttons to discover what is in season and where to get produce, protein and more.
• Click the magnifier in the top right corner to filter regionally, by product, services offered by farm ownership and purchasing options too.
• Search by specific farm or product too.
Pick Your Own -
• What's ripe in the fields now? Learn where to pick and when farms are open to visitors.
• Get a list of destinations and view them on a map.
• Push the colorful buttons to discover what's in season.
Farmers Markets - No matter if close to home or while traveling across the state, there is a farmers market for everyone. One touch and look at all the farmers markets nearby. Learn when markets are open, be it mid-week or just Saturdays and discover the products that farms, and craft vendors offer.
Local Food and Drink - Local tastes better! Farms provide a broad range of produce and protein to restaurants. Look for the farms on the menu or ask the staff. Farms grow grapes and all sorts of fruit that is made into North Carolina wine, craft brews and spirits. Choose to support local farm-to-table destinations by clicking this tile.
Shop Local - Choose small businesses where products made from NC agriculture are offered. Jams, jellies, honey, fiber and bedding plants, for example. Shop a local butcher for meat and a locally-owned bakery or ice cream shop, and ask them which farms they are getting their menu items and ingredients from.
Farm Stays and Lodging - Staying on a farm is the top trend worldwide. Click here to discover camping, glamping, farm cabin rentals and Bed & Breakfast destinations.
Itineraries and Trips – Plan a day trip or overnight trip by using the Itineraries feature. Travelers also can let someone else plan the itinerary, by checking out the current itineraries that are being offered throughout North Carolina.
Special Events - With fall here, there is a chance to add a drive-through haunt farm experience to outings. How about a hayride or pumpkin patch experience with the family? There are grape stomps since it's Muscadine season too, North Carolina's native grape. Filter by distance, regionally and based on interests to discover just the experience of a lifetime.
Notifications Center - If there is one place to look on this app, click the Bell-shaped center button on the home screen to discover real-time special offers, tours and fun experiences. Again, filter by products offered.
Get the Visit NC Farms app! Share with friends!! - Free to download in the App Store. Learn more at www.visitncfarmstoday.com
For farm or agribusiness owners: Consider joining the Visit NC Farms App!
Those who own a Chatham County farm or agribusiness, can join other farms and agribusinesses on the Visit NC Farms App. Many thanks to Chatham County Farm Bureau for their sponsorship, which help keep the yearly cost at an affordable rate for NC farms and agribusiness. The fee to join the Visit NC Farms App is $50 per year.
For more details, individuals may contact Tiffany Hancock, Visit NC Farms App Administrator for Chatham County.
Email: twhancoc@ncsu.edu
Phone: 919-545-8304
Original source can be found here.
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