The food, farming, and fishing culture of Northwest Washington is rich and diverse, and the most delicious way to explore this region’s offerings is by taking a trip on the Farm to Table Trails. Whether you’re a local hoping to learn more about your backyard or a visitor coming to the area for a getaway weekend, the Farm to Table Trails have something for everyone.
Sustainable Connections is proud to announce the launch of their 2024 Farm to Table Trails, nine loops that invite participants to savor the sights and sounds of beautiful Northwest Washington. On these trails, folks will enjoy bountiful harvests from u-pick berry farms, find the most decadent local cheeses, and visit markets and farm stands for the freshest vegetables, fruit, meat, and fish. These trails are available in print and digital forms – making them accessible and convenient, no matter the user’s preference.
The Eat Local Lynden trail takes visitors to Bellewood Farms and Distillery for fruit and treats, Beltrie Farm for a bountiful farm stand and adorable goats, the Lynden Farmers Market for the freshest products and coolest crafts around, and Oostema Farmstead, where the Oostema family not only sells their grass-fed premium beef, pork, and eggs, but also offers a unique farm stay experience.
The Bites of Bellingham loop takes travelers to Elizabeth Station for pizza, brews and more, as well as Raven Bakery, where artisanal bread and pastries are the order of the day. This trail also travels to The Great Northern Bottle Shop, for refreshing fermented drinks, Mallard Ice Cream (need we say more?!), and Hela Provisions, where visitors will delight in their curated collection of foodie products. And of course, the Bites of Bellingham loop will take foodies to Bellingham Farmers Market and Bellingham Dockside Market for fresh produce and seafood.
Representing the agriculturally abundant Skagit Valley is the Treats in a Row from Edison to Bow Loop. This trail features Persimmon Bistro, a farm-to-table sanctuary, Samish Bay Cheese, and Bow Hill Blueberries, where hungry travelers can pick their own berries and try the farm’s specialty products. The Bow-Edison loop also wends its way to Breadfarm, Boldly Grown Farm’s darling farm stand stocked with local goodies, Garden Path Fermentation, Terramar Brewstillery, and Water Tank Bakery (just follow your nose to the smell of freshly-baked cookies!).
These are just three of the nine trails that invite locals and visitors alike to explore the wonders and flavors of this unique region. There are plenty of family-friendly destinations like u-pick farms and casual dining restaurants, as well as date-night delights with a bit more festive flair.
“The Farm to Table Trails are fun and easy ways to discover delicious food and charming locales in our region,” says Jessica Gillis, Sustainable Connections’ Food and Farming Program Manager. “Farming and fishing are such labors of love, and these trails are a chance to support our community and get a look at what it takes to get food from the farm to the table.”
Grow your appreciation for this community, try new foods and experiences, explore this beautiful region, and win prizes on the Farm to Table Trails. Learn more and sign up here: https://sustainableconnections.org/farm-to-table-trail/. You can also find printed maps of the Farm to Table Trails at tourism offices, participating businesses, and at other locations throughout the region.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559106563726
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmtotabletrails/
Website: https://sustainableconnections.org/farm-to-table-trail/.