13 Jul 2021

2021 Open Farm Day is Sunday July 25

Real Maine / About Us / Blog / Seasons / Summer / 2021 Open Farm Day is Sunday July 25

What do you want to see and do for Maine’s 32nd Open Farm Day?

We can help you find a special place, wherever your travels take you!

Open Farm Day is a special day to explore the variety of agriculture across Maine. Below, you will find pre-made itineraries of host farms, grouped by county, for all regions of Maine! When you click the county itinerary, you’ll see a list of participating farms, and a map. You can save, share and even adjust and print the itinerary to customize your trip! If you’re new to this tradition, we encourage you to Iearn more about Open Farm Day.

Here are some last-minute tips before you head out:

  • Check local listings. Plans can change, and checking ahead ensures you have updated information from participating farms.
  • Each host farm is different.
  • Most farms are open 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but not all; double check the hours with participating farms.
  • Bring your questions about agriculture, and your taste for outdoor adventure for this rain or shine activity!
  • Looking for more details about activities? Visit the Real Maine event calendar

Where to start, places to go for Maine Open Farm Day…

Southern Maine

In southern Maine, you are a short drive away from fast-paced’ city sites, such as more populated New England cities. A daytrip or a long weekend, for instance, is the right amount of time and space to stretch your legs, and to learn about the Maine’s many quality farm products, such as those grown for Maine and New England’s award-winning restaurants and breweries. In addition, as families explore this area, they will get a nice introduction to farm direct sales, such as Pick Your Own and U-Pick produce farms, CSA offerings, and local fiber products!

Further up the coast and inland…

Maine Lakes and Mountains

Along Maine’s western border, you’ll enjoy the rolling hills, dotted with familiar and new connections to Maine’s agricultural heritage. There’s no lacking in Maine-made agricultural goodness in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains, nor events to celebrate the bounties. For instance, you’ll find farms that make their own ice cream, cheeses, breads, wine, fibers and everything between. A visit to this area offers many Open Farm Day sites within a sort distance!

Kennebec and Moose River Valley

On Open Farm day, a visit to this region is perfect for a day trip, or as a special activity to bookend a longer stay to area attractions—be it a camping or river trip, or a week on the lakes. You’ll find a great variety of farms to explore in this area, and you’ll see firsthand the many ways Maine farmers ensure Maine’s working landscapes provide both beautiful views and quality Maine farm products.

Midcoast

This part of Maine offers world-renowned coastlines, quaint villages, and vibrant working landscapes! There’s much to see and do at host farms in this area. From water buffalo to an island farm, and agricultural educational centers, farm brews, to some of the freshest produce around. A trip to this part of the state is a must do. You can easily access farms from other points of interest too, like state parks and beaches, which makes this a nice option for long weekends, and it’s not too far off the beaten path for a day trip to many farms!

DownEast…

What does “DownEast” mean? DownEast is a nautical term that refers to the direction ships sailed to get to Maine from New York and Boston (in other words, ‘downwind’ and ‘to the east’). This term evokes an appreciation for the rich heritage, and rugged landscapes. Make a visit to these farms, and it’s clear to see why the charm of this region of Maine wore off on authors and adventure-seekers, and those seeking ‘the good life’.

Central and Northern Maine

This heart of Maine is home to Mt. Katahdin and Moosehead lake, and hundreds of thousands of acres of undeveloped frontier land. Surrounding this wilderness are swaths of fertile farmland, which can be found traveling east and north and toward the “Crown of Maine” or “The County”. Geographically, Aroostook County is the largest county east of the Mississippi! There’s a lot happening here agriculturally that might not be recognizable to the untrained eye—but luckily for visitors near and far,  there are welcoming farmers eager to greet you with a smile and warm welcome.

Finish with a flourish…

After the 32nd Maine Open Farm Day is done, there are plenty of ways to support and explore a variety of Maine agriculture year-round, for example: