6 Must-Visit Agritourism Spots in Connecticut
In partnership with: Connecticut Department of Agriculture
Looking for fun and unique things to do in Connecticut? We’ve put together a list of some of the best agritourism experiences around the state. From oyster tours and dairy bars to pick-your-own orchards and farm-to-table dinners, there’s something for everyone in this roundup of top Connecticut agritourism spots.
1. Hummock Island Oyster Tour
A trip to Connecticut would be incomplete without a stop on Hummock Island for their renowned oyster tour. The tour includes a boat ride across Sherwood Mill Pond as well as an educational history on local oystering and aquaculture. But the fun doesn’t stop there. You can also enjoy shucking lessons and an oyster tasting. The whole tour takes less than two hours and is well worth the stop!
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2. Red Bee Apiary
We already know that the humble honeybee is a valuable contributor to our honey supply and a multitude of crops grown around the world. But Red Bee Apiary in Weston elevates the traditional apiary experience to include talks on how to select quality honey and honey tasting flights expertly paired with small plates. Make sure to call and reserve your space ahead of time because it’s not unusual for spots to quickly sell out.
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3. UConn Dairy Bar
Did you know that the University of Connecticut has their very own dairy bar? You don’t have to be a student to enjoy this perk. Take a self-guided tour of the animal barns before concluding your visit with a stop at the dairy bar to see how their award-winning ice cream is made. But don’t leave before you get a taste of it for yourself. They often have a variety of flavors, from blueberry cheesecake and espresso to toasted almond amaretto and classics like chocolate and vanilla, so you’re guaranteed to find something unique to try.
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4. Thorncrest Farm
Have you ever tasted chocolate made fresh from the farm? Thorncrest Farm & Milk House Chocolates lets you do just that. This working dairy farm crafts some of the finest “single cow origin” delicacies in New England made from their signature milk, which comes straight from their own herd. They even add in flavors from orchard fruits, honey, herbs and specialty ingredients like pralines and truffles to produce what some would consider the best chocolate in the region. And if there’s someone in your traveling group that isn’t wild about chocolate, they’ll be pleased to know that Thorncrest also hosts a variety of hands-on cheesemaking courses.
5. White Gate Farm
You need only take one look at White Gate Farm to fall in love with its pastoral southeastern Connecticut scenery. But spend an evening on this organic farm and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience. They provide guided farm tours for those who are interested in what it takes to run a working operation, but they also host fantastic farm-to-table dinners and a medley of cooking classes. Even if you don’t have time to stay the night, you can pick up anything from produce to eggs at their farm stand before heading off to your next destination.
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6. Lyman Orchards
Lyman Orchards was founded in 1741, making it one of the oldest family-owned businesses still in operation in the state of Connecticut. If that’s not enough to pique your curiosity, how about this? They produce award-winning apple pies, have two 18-hole championship golf courses and produce a tart and full-bodied hard cider that will have you itching to come back again. If you don’t drink, you can still stop into their apple barrel market or reserve a time slot to enjoy a pick-your-own experience in their centuries-old orchards.