Want to escape Boise’s growth for a bit? Take an ‘AgVenture’ through Canyon County farmland
If you’re looking for a way to escape the traffic and sprawl of a growing Treasure Valley, nonprofit Destination Caldwell has a solution.
Visitors to Caldwell can now follow the AgVenture Trail, a self-guided tour through 12 farms, orchards, pastures and fruit stands across the valley, according to a Monday press release from the nonprofit.
The 40-mile loop starts at Indian Creek Plaza in Downtown Caldwell and weaves through the agricultural Snake River Valley. Stops include chances for picking produce, taking classes from local farmers, horseback riding and eating farm-to-fork meals.
“For visitors, this is a way to escape the city and experience the simple life, even if it’s just for the weekend,” said Keri Smith-Sigman, CEO of Destination Caldwell, in the press release. “We invite them to rub shoulders with local farmers, try something new and get a taste of the good life out here.”
The trail also includes six farmers markets and several restaurants. Visitors can make it a day trip or even spend a whole weekend on the trail, staying at hotels, inns and campgrounds along the way.
Destination Caldwell is investing in this type of agritourism to attract more visitors and business, according to the press release. Canyon County is one of the world’s leading producers of seeds and home to a growing wine region.
“The farmers and business owners here are extremely passionate, dedicated and proud of what they do,” Smith-Sigman said in the release. “Some have been farming here for generations while others moved from bigger cities to start something new, but all of them share a deep love for the land.”
Other stops on the trail include:
- Angus beef at Little Cow Mountain Farm in Caldwell
- Fresh produce at Lakeview Fruit in Caldwell
- Farm-to-fork meals and local wine at Parma Ridge Winery and Bistro in Parma
- Horseback riding lessons at Blazing Hope Youth Family Ranch in Middleton
- Educational courses and flowering alfalfa at Alforex Seeds in Homedale
- Farm tours and food at McIntyre Farms in Caldwell
- Taking floral workshops and buying farm-grown flowers at Leaning Barn Farms in Parma
- Fresh fruits and vegetables at The Shed at Garrett Ranches in Wilder
Smith-Sigman said establishing close partnerships with local businesses is what made the trail possible, according to the release. The AgVenture Trail’s promotion of local agriculture will help Caldwell continue to grow by showcasing what the region has always done best, she said.
“Visitors get to see, taste and experience food in a whole new way,” Smith-Sigman said. “And they leave feeling a little more connected to the land we all share.”
Download Destination Caldwell’s AgVenture Trail map and itinerary online.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWe're diving deep into Idaho agriculture
Reporter Nicole Foy is helping the Idaho Statesman expand coverage of agriculture, farming and food across Idaho. Agriculture and food production has long been an important part of Idaho’s economy, with dairies, international agribusinesses and food processors among the state’s top employers. Many Idahoans have close ties to agriculture, even as houses continue to replace farmland, especially in Boise and throughout the Treasure Valley.
If you have agriculture-related story ideas, contact Nicole at 208-377-6347 or nfoy@idahostatesman.com. You can also take our survey.
You can be sure not to miss any of this work by signing up for our weekly Idaho Business newsletter.
This story was originally published September 25, 2019 at 1:20 PM.
