6 Must-Visit Agritourism Spots in Maryland
From dairy farms and vineyards to crabbing boats and rum distilleries, you can find just about any type of agritourism experience you want in Maryland. The Old Line State is known for its nurseries, soybeans, racehorses, seafood and so much more, so the list of agricultural things to see and do is abundant. We’ve narrowed down the list to six can’t miss experiences so you can decide which one (or more) is right for you.
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1. American Market at National Harbor
The American Market at National Harbor is considered “one of Maryland’s best kept secrets.” The 350-acre waterfront in Prince George’s County is the perfect backdrop to this weekly farmers market that brings in residents and visitors alike. You can find everything from local produce and handmade goods to art and music displays. Whether you’re hoping to simply soak up the energy of a vibrant market or want to find a souvenir to take home, American Market is a must for any tourist.
2. Maryland Ice Cream Trail
Who can pass up an opportunity to adventure along an ice cream trail? There are a multitude of dairy farms scattered throughout the state, and many of them offer fresh-from-the-farm ice cream for visitors to sample – so touring the Maryland Ice Cream Trail is a particularly delicious way to support Maryland agriculture. A few of the farms you can visit include Keyes Creamery, Misty Meadows Farm, Chesapeake Bay Farms, Prigel Family Creamery, Kilby Cream, South Mountain Creamery, Rocky Point Creamery and Broom’s Bloom Dairy.
See more: Make A Sweet Stop on Maryland’s Ice Cream Trail
3. Butler’s Orchard
New England brings to mind all kinds of pastoral images, but apple orchards are high on the list of iconic symbols of the region. That’s why this list would be incomplete without at least one pick-your-own destination. Butler’s Orchard is a 5-acre park in Germantown that offers seasonal produce ranging from apples and raspberries to herbs and flowers. They also host a variety of events like pumpkin harvest days and a holiday open house, so you find something to enjoy all year round.
4. Gemeny Winery and Vineyards
Nestled away in Southern Price George’s County is Gemeny Winery and Vineyards, a 200-acre working farm that produces a combination of full-bodied wines and rotating crops. Whether you enjoy whites and rosés or reds and red blends, you have a good chance of finding something you’ll enjoy here. They offer winery tours and tastings and are part of the Legacy Wine Trail, which means you simply can’t go wrong with a pit stop when you’re in town.
See more: 6 Under-the-Radar Wine Regions Around the U.S.
5. Chesapeake Bay Crabbing Charters
Chesapeake Bay is home to more than 17 million people and 3,600 different animal and plant species, which makes it a remarkably unique watershed. It’s no wonder crabbing is such a wonderful pastime in this region, and who better to guide you along the journey than Chesapeake Bay Crabbing Charters? Your captain will direct to you the best spots in the area and teach you how to use a trotline, which is how crabs have been caught for centuries. You’ll also get the inside scoop on what life along this storied coast was like for residents throughout the ages.
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6. BlueDyer Distilling Company
We’ve got to round out our list of must-see agritourism destinations with some of the finest micro-distilled rum in the state. BlueDyer Distilling Company is a Southern Maryland icon, with a local heritage tracing back as far as 1720. With time-honored methods of distilling that have been passed down throughout the generations, it’s no wonder they’ve developed quite the reputation for spirits. You can pop into their distillery for tours and product purchases, or enjoy a quality lunch from the food trucks that are often parked outside.