Mid-Atlantic Offers A Bounty of Food, Flavors and Farm Fun

Regional Round-up of Farm-to-Table and Agritourism Opportunities

(U.S. Mid-Atlantic Region, July 2009) – The Mid-Atlantic region is bursting with home-grown flavors and memorable experiences for visitors seeking a taste of local foods and farms. From seasonal restaurant offerings and overnight farm stays to “pick-your-own” produce and farmers markets, there’s no better place to experience the bounty of the season than the Mid-Atlantic.

For additional information on specific events or attractions, please contact the state tourism office or CVB listed.

Delaware

Delaware’s borders on Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean makes local seafood easy to find, and even easier to eat! Our famed blue crabs are in season from May through September. Other popular choices include bluefish, flounder and perch. For a list of fresh seafood dealers and restaurants, visit http://www.fw.delaware.gov/Fisheries/Documents/DFSinternet.pdf. Delaware Tourism Office, www.visitdelaware.com

Fine wine in the Greater Wilmington Area? Absolutely! For three generations, the Vietri family has cultivated and harvested grapes for small batch varietal wines. They continue that tradition at VaLa Vineyards located in Avondale, minutes from the Delaware/Pennsylvania border. Enjoy tastings paired with breads and cheeses from local artisans. Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.VisitWilmingtonDE.com

Delaware’s agritourism is rapidly growing thanks to the Delaware Farm Market Directory & Agricultural Tourism Map that leads you to a variety of farms and markets throughout the State. Step out and see farm preserves, wildlife habitats, scenic vistas, heritage and rural culture, some dating back more than 300 years. Kent County Delaware Convention & Visitors Bureau, Robin Coventry, rcoventry@visitdover.com

Nage Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is hosting “Farm to Table Night” every Thursday evening this summer. Each week, a local grower will be on-hand to explain their growing philosophy. Special additions to the menu will emphasize the attending grower and “Farm to Table Chef Tastings” will also be available. Southern Delaware Tourism, www.visitsoutherndelaware.com

Pennsylvania

Dozens of open-air stands are scattered throughout Brandywine Country featuring artisan baked goods, monthly fruit festivals, hayrides and petting zoos. For a list of farm-fresh markets and pick-your-own fruit and vegetable fields visit www.brandywinecountry.org. Click on Press Room and read the “Roadside Mermaids” article which includes chef interviews. Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau, www.brandywinecountry.org

Create a memorable family experience by enjoying a farm stay vacation in Butler County, just north of Pittsburgh. Enjoy breakfast among grazing alpacas, help ‘round up the cows on a traditional farm or bring your horse and ride scenic trails steps away from your bed. Even more agri-tour experiences await. Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, www.visitbutlercounty.com

Kennett Square in Chester County Pa. is known as the ‘Mushroom capital of the world”. Over 60 percent of the nation’s mushroom crop is from this region. Visit the annual Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square, September 12 -13 (weekend after Labor Day). Celebrate mushrooms with music, rides and entertainment. Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau, www.BrandywineValley.com

Children have the chance to experience the farm-to-table process at the Ag Science Day Camp held in Cumberland Valley, PA. This two day camp offers the opportunity to investigate the world of agriculture hands-on. Children will learn how to make bread and jelly, explore a dairy farm, and learn why bees are important to farming. Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau,  www.visitcumberlandvalley.com

Adams County, Pennsylvania is known as the Fruit Belt of Pennsylvania. As one of the largest producers of apples and peaches in the United States, the countryside north of Gettysburg gives visitors a unique opportunity to pick fruit fresh off the tree and create some culinary masterpieces. Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau,  www.gettysburg.travel

Savor contemporary American cuisine in an enchanting Laurel Highlands setting. Green Gables Restaurant adjacent to Mountain Playhouse – Pennsylvania’s oldest professional summer stock theatre – offers unique flavor combinations which incorporate ingredients from around the world with fresh vegetables, beef, lamb and game from Laurel Highlands’ farms. Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, , www.laurelhighlands.org

The chef/owners of Bolete Restaurant in Bethlehem, Pa. believe the integrity of their ingredients defines the food they serve. So their farm-to-table approach features produce, herbs and meats from farms in eastern Pa. which are used to create an ever-changing menu of seasonally-themed appetizers and entrees. Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.lehighValleyPA.org

Farms are a rich part of the local culture and history in the Pocono Mountains. Their rolling hills, barns and silos are fixtures of the region’s rural landscape. Shop Local, Save Land provides a list of local farms, farm stands and farmers’ markets that produce and sell local agricultural products. Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, , www.800poconos.com

Explore the land through the Farmer’s Apprentice program at Verdant View Farm in Paradise. Visitors can help milk cows, gather eggs, make preserves, feed calves, or assist with planting or harvest activities. This is one Lancaster County farm stay that really brings the “farm to table” concept home to folks. Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.padutchcountry.com

Discover artistically crafted meals at Blue Moon Restaurant. Chef Darrell Tobin serves seasonal produce alongside local artisan showcases. This locavore-loving establishment in York puts minimal mileage between family farms and your plate. Sample perfectly prepared duck in a savory sundried currant sauce with roasted garlic bread pudding and fresh asparagus. York County Convention & Visitors Bureau,  www.yorkpa.org.

Maryland

Maryland’s well-known for blue crabs and rockfish from the Chesapeake Bay, but our many farms offer a bounty of fresh from the field edibles. Sweet-corn, t
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