Spring Farm Tour Itinerary
Special Event: International Plowing Match
What does springtime on the farm mean to farmers? Lots of plowing. Before tractors it was done with draft horses precisely pulling plows behind them to make neat rows. On the third Saturday of each April, draft horse owners from the USA and Canada gather in Lynden, WA to continue this tradition and compete for plowing prizes. The match is held at Berthusen Park and visitors are welcome.
A. Bellingham Farmers Market
Bellingham Farmers Market opens the first Saturday in April, and continues every Saturday morning through Dec. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located in the handsome Depot Market Square on the corner of Railroad and Chestnut Streets, the Bellingham Farmer’s Market is recognized as one of the best in the state.  Local produce, breads, cheeses, crafts, candies, lunch foods and entertainment are all in abundance.
B. Joe’s Gardens
This wonderful 7-acre farm on the south side of Bellingham is an oasis in the middle of a residential area. It was established in 1933 by Joe and Ann Bertero, and is continued today by brothers Jason and Nathan Weston. Each spring, home vegetable growers eagerly await the greenhouse doors to open and pour out the region’s best veggie starts for our Northwest climate. By late spring, the surrounding fields are producing lettuce, salad greens, radishes, green onions, baby potatoes and carrots available at the farm.
C. Ferndale Public Market
Ferndale Public Market starts its season the end of April and is open each Saturday through Oct. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located on the Centennial Riverwalk overlooking the Nooksack River in Ferndale’s downtown (Main Street). In addition to vegetables, local products often include honey, fish, flowers and tribal art selections.
D. Lone Boot Buffalo Ranch
John and Sue Muggy have been raising bison since 1993, and can trace their herd back to the last bison hunt on the Grand River in 1881. Their farm store has a decidedly Western feel. Each Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. they open to sell a variety of bison products. They also enjoy educating the public about the history and value of the buffalo.
E. Appel Farms
If dairy cows are more your speed, this 500-cow family dairy has been making artisan cheeses for 30 years in the Dutch tradition. Visitors to the farm are invited to taste a wide variety of flavored Goudas in the charming cheese shoppe adjacent to the barn. Then learn about unique cheeses like Quark and Paneer. Open Mon-Sat, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
F. Cloud Mountain Farm Center
If you would like to learn more about farming, or become a farmer, Cloud Mountain Farm Center is the place for you. After 33 years in business, Cheryl and Tom Thornton transformed their working farm into a non-profit learning center in 2011 to expand on-site educational opportunities for farmers and gardeners. Beginning each spring, a variety of workshops are offered each Saturday with hands-on advice for growing grapes, tree fruits, small fruits and vegetables. Hundreds of root stock varieties are also available for purchase. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
G. Everybody’s Store
Hungry foodies touring the county will also enjoy a stop at Everybody’s Store on Highway 9 in Van Zandt to find the most unique selection of local and imported cheeses, sausage and exotic foods alongside gifts, books, housewares and apparel. Grab a sandwich to go, or all the fixin’s for dinner. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.