Unique Phoenix AZ Farm Tours
Since the 1990s, urban development has been rapidly eating up Arizona’s surrounding rural farms, but thanks to a new concept of “agritourist farming” tourists and locals can still enjoy unique adventures down on the farm. Visitors to each of the farms listed below will learn a little of the history of Arizona farming and how it is changing with the times, as well as experience what it is like to live and work on a farm. In addition, guests can sample the best of Arizona’s homegrown bounty from comfort food to gourmet dinners.
Schnepf Farms is well-known for its year-round festivals including the Peach Blossom Celebration in February; Peach Festival in May (Schnepf’s is the largest organic peach grower in Arizona); October’s Pumpkin & Chili Festival and a whole lot more. This 300-acre commercial farm, turned entertainment farm, offers year-round fun, including a winter wonderland complete with bonfires and ice skating during the holidays.
The farm was designated as an Arizona Treasure in 2006 by the Arizona Office of Tourism. Visitors are invited to enjoy guided farm tours, hay rides, train rides, a petting barn, a little farmer’s play yard and U-pick organic garden every Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. A country store and bakery serves up fresh baked cinnamon rolls, muffins, cookies, pies, garden salads, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, chili and soups.
The farm is also famous for its Dinner Down The Orchard, a unique series of dinners with wine pairings served in the middle of the peach orchard at sunset. Upcoming dinners are scheduled for March 31st (TBA) and April 28, 2012 (featuring Executive Chef Todd Siccolo of the Arizona Biltmore). For more information call 480.987.3100 or visit their website.
Superstition Farm invites visitors to experience life on a working dairy farm with hands-on demonstration of Dairy Tools, Tour Barn, Petting Zoo, and Hay Rides every Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (or by appointment). In addition, kids of all ages will love the Milk Bar featuring a dozen flavors such as Butterscotch and Peaches & Cream as well as Udder Delights homemade ice cream. Mooster’s Moo-tique Gift Shop is stocked full of kid-pleasing games and toys as well as fresh eggs, butter, cheeses and local jams and honey. The ceiling of the gift shop was built using tin from old cow shades.
Every Thursday evening Superstition Farms hosts an indoor Farmer’s Market and dinner with the SuperFarm SuperTruck serving up grilled burgers, Toby dogs (named after the farm’s mascot), omelets, pancakes, pulled pork, Mac and Cheese balls and more. At various times throughout the year, Superstition Farm also offers a four-course mobile farm and table dinner, Pitchforks & Knives, featuring local Arizona chefs. For more info call 602.432.6865 or visit their website.
Agritopia is a dream-come-true project for owner Joe Johnston. He says the name Agritopia is derived from Johnston family’s vision for the project: Agri for the land’s farming heritage—it has been farmed consistently since the 1920s—and topia for the perfect community. Today, the 166-acre urban farm community consists of 400 homes, a local school, town center, parks and trails, and a community garden.
One of the focal points of the community is Joe’s Farm Grill, a 1960s era burger stand built on the original Johnston family home site. The Grill, which Joe describes as a “burger stand taken to the next level,” has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The neighboring family farm supplies all the ingredients, with much of the produce harvested the same day they cook it. Everything is made from scratch including their pickles and marinades. Visitors can experience Joe’s famous barbeque, gourmet sandwiches, salads, pizzas and yummy sweet potato fries served with pineapple dipping sauce!
A gourmet Coffee Shop, located in the former 1950s tractor shed, opened in 2006. The shop features dozens of espresso beverages, breakfast and lunch items, and scrumptious baked goods including whoopee pies. But its real claim to fame is the unique cupcakes created by Jessica and Jenna Flowers, winners of Cupcake Wars on Food Network. With a variety of flavors such as PB&J, strawberry, chocolate, coconut, and more, it’s difficult to choose. (Their winning entry was actually a cupcake created for a friend whose two favorite things were caffeine and cigarettes, so they came up with a cupcake created out of instant coffee and some nicotine from a cigarette.) But you’ll be relieved to know that Red Velvet is still their most popular cupcake flavor.
In addition to enjoying the great food at Joe’s Farm Grill and the Coffee Shop, visitors are encouraged to walk the grounds of the farm and enjoy the beauty of the scenery and the feel of stepping back in time to a simpler day. For more info call: 480.563.4745 or visit their website.
Queen Creek Olive Mill is Arizona’s only family-owned and operated working olive mill where olives are grown and pressed for the production of extra virgin olive oil. A must for first-time visitors is their 30-minute educational Olive 101course where guests will learn about the history of the farm and how olives are grown and harvested. Owners Perry and Brenda Rea point out interesting facts such as when ripe, the olives must be harvested within 24 hours. And the time of year the olives ripens determines the flavor. The last part of the tour is the fun part-- tasting the various oils, olives and tapenades.
Visitors will also enjoy the modern Marketplace which is stocked with a wide selection of specialty olive oils, natural bath and beauty products made with extra virgin olive oil, and other local and imported gifts. Hungry? Before leaving enjoy lunch at del Piero, a Tuscan-inspired eatery featuring fresh gourmet sandwiches, Panini’s, soups, salads, gelatos and espresso. They are open daily, and if the weather is good, guests can even dine in the olive grove. For more info call 408.888.9290 or visit their website.
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