By Julie Reardon

An embarrassment of riches is right down the road as summer gives way to harvest season. From glossy plump cows, to bright orange pumpkins, to shiny red apples and purple grapes, Virginia’s farms are bursting at the seams with good stuff and fun things to do. We’re fortunate to live in an area where there are working farms only an hour from the city and there’s no better time to visit for anything from produce, to dairy products to fruits and vegetables.

Although it’s a bit early for prime foliage viewing, Fauquier County’s 28th annual Fall Farm Tour October 5th lets visitors immerse themselves in the vibrant agricultural heritage and diverse farming operations of the area. This year’s tour promises a delightful journey through the scenic countryside, offering unique insights into local farming practices and rural life. This tour promises to be a fun-filled day exploring the beautiful farms of Fauquier County, where you can experience the charm of the countryside. Get ready to see animals, pick fresh produce, and learn about farm life. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect with local farmers and enjoy the autumn season in a unique way.

In addition to unique insights into local farming practices and rural life, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant agricultural heritage. The farms will have a variety of activities: guided tours, hands-on demonstrations, and of course plenty of fresh local farm products for sale. This is an excellent opportunity for families, agriculture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about farming and rural life in Fauquier County. Each farm will provide a unique experience, from seeing farm animals and learning about farming practices to exploring historical sites and enjoying local food and drink. Participating farms include:

• Ovoka Farm
• Sky Meadows State Park
• Hidden Creek Farm
• 4j’s Farm & Brewery
• Berkshire Farm
• Trip Bopp Farm at FHS
• American Heritage Farm
• Mann-I-No Farm
• Cool Lawn Farm
• Messick’s Farm Market
• Greenfield Farm Alpacas

For more information, visit www.fauquierag.com  or contact the Fauquier County Agricultural Development Department at 540-422-8280.

Cows-N-Corn

This event is located at Maple Tree Farm near Warrenton and is a worthy destination for the whole family. Cows-N-Corn is a family farm and dairy that doubles as a Northern Virginia destination and educational adventure for city kids and grown-ups too. The farm is open to the public weekends beginning in April until November. Here, you’ll learn about the life of a dairy cow from birth to production, as well as how they use computer technology to help care for their cows so they can produce high quality milk. The farm also uses the latest conservation methods for growing crops to preserve and protect our environment. For more information or special events check out their website at mapletreefarmva.com

Horsing Around with Horse and Hound

Fall is probably the most eagerly awaited season for horse, hound and foxhunter. Last month horses and hounds began cubbing, as the early foxhunting season is called. This time of year, the young entry hounds will learn to hunt in a pack and respond to the huntsman’s commands. Young fox cubs also learn the ropes—they learn during the slower paced, shorter early season how to outwit the pack to provide good sport later in the season, hence the term cubbing.

Foxhunting itself doesn’t lend itself well to spectating, since you need a horse, an invitation and/or ownership of a large parcel of land, but from it comes a huge local culture of horse events, from hunter shows to steeplechasing, polo and jousting, and October has plenty of horse events where you can combine leaf peeping and tailgating just right for horse fans. While an actual foxhunt requires a horse and an invitation, you can see the horses and riders compete in steeplechases and horse shows throughout the Blue Ridge this month. Horse fans, tailgaters, photographers, families and friends seeking a social outing, can enjoy a day in the country at any number of nearby events. From the polo season winding down, to the fall shows and steeplechases, there is something to appeal to everyone.

Off to the Races

Rippling through the steeplechase community is word that the International Gold Cup had to make a hasty venue change in September from its home at the Great Meadow course in The Plains to Glenwood Park in Middleburg. The change was mandated by jump race governing body National Steeplechase Association, because problems with the turf made the Great Meadow course unsafe for the horses. A last minute switch was made to Glenwood Park, a historic and beautiful old course one mile outside of Middleburg on Foxcroft Road. With the October 26^th date, area foliage should be in peak fall color and Glenwood Park has one of the most spectacular views of the mountains and the racing activity anywhere in the country. There is one drawback to the location, however: it has a smaller spectator capacity than Great Meadow. Therefore, attendees should purchase all tickets, including general admissions, and/or reserved parking in advance at www.vagoldcup.com. Or fans can take in the Middleburg Fall Races Oct. 12^th, held at their regular Glenwood Park location two weeks earlier. Information and tickets are at vafallraces.com