Goat Therapy, Donkeys, Alpacas, Flowers: Loudoun's Spring Farm Tour Offers Variety

Ever wanted to pet alpacas, donkeys and sheep, tour a garlic farm, or see a milking demonstration? Farms around Loudoun County will open to the public to display their services and offer activities to families during the returning Spring Farm Tour.

The Loudoun County Spring Farm Tour will run Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 30 farms in rural parts of the county will participate, according to the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development.

"Meeting farmers and learning firsthand about where our food comes from is invaluable. The Spring Farm Tour provides a unique opportunity for attendees to forge meaningful connections with the hardworking individuals who cultivate the land and nourish our communities," said John Magistro, business development officer of Agriculture and Business Services. "Join us as we celebrate Loudoun's agricultural bounty and the farmers who make it all possible."

The event demonstrates Loudoun County's agricultural heritage with a variety of farm types. From farms with llamas, alpacas, and donkeys to those growing crops, making dairy products, honey and more, the farms will offer insight into how they produce goods for the public to enjoy.

This year's Spring Farm Tour will offer free Hop On, Hop Off bus tours to take attendees to pre-selected routes to various farms. Buses will run on a loop between farms with stops at Leesburg – 1 Harrison Street; Lovettsville – Co-Op Market: 11 Town Center Dr suite 150, Lovettsville, VA; and Hillsboro – Old Stone School: 37098 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville, VA.

For more information and a map of participating farms, visit loudounfarmtour.com.

Here are just a few highlights:

Brookfield Dairy: This dairy farm will have milking demonstrations. The milk produced on the farm helps to make its in-house ice cream, which will be available to try. 18868 Harmony Church Rd, Leesburg, VA

The Sassy Ass: This rescue farm has animals such as horses and donkeys. Photo opportunities with the donkeys will be offered. 14010 Mountain Rd, Purcellville, VA

Midsommar Farm: Cut your own bouquets at this peony farm throughout the weekend. 12093 Mountain Watch Ct, Lovettsville, VA

Blooming Hill Lavender Farm: Tour the lavender farm and enjoy products like lavender tea, scones and ice cream. 19929 Telegraph Springs Rd, Purcellville, VA

Snickers Run Garlic Farm: Tour this garlic farm's field to learn how garlic is grown and meet the farm's friendly cows. Fresh green garlic, garlic powder and black garlic will be available to buy. 34353 Brownell Lane Round Hill, VA

Double 8 Alpaca & Llama Ranch: Visit the spring alpaca and llama babies while learning how to card and spin alpaca fiber. 13374 State Rte 671, Purcellville, VA

Bully Goat Farm: This goat farm focuses on goat therapy through goat yoga, baby goat snuggles, birthday parties, festivals and farm visits. 11937 Purcell Rd, Lovettsville, VA

Rivenwool Animal Rescue: Meet goats, sheep and the resident corgis and dachshund, make a soap bar, play the match the fiber game and more. 11676 Mica Pl, Lovettsville, VA

Butterfly Hill Farm Store: This farm stand includes alpacas, alpaca yarn products and farm products. Learn about the alpaca with spinning or weaving demonstrations and tour the butterfly garden. 38673 Charles Town Pike Warterford, VA

Sweet Piedmont Flower Farm: Pick your own bouquet in the flower fields, wander in the greenhouse or enjoy a self-guided scavenger hunt for children. Hourly walks through the gardens and field will be offered with information on sustainable farming. 15344 Weadon Farm Ln, Waterford, VA

Aurora Apiary: This apiary has about 30 hives with honey sourced from wild blackberries, locust, pear, persimmon and orchard blossoms. Items for sale will include honey products, baked goods and more. Guests can also enjoy candle making, learn about honeybees and take an apiary tour wearing a beekeeper suit (last activity by appointment). 23018 Tail Race Rd, Aldie, VA