Discover LA Bounty
In the city of abundance, world-class food and live music draws in thousands of people every day; however, the Crescent City also offers a different type of abundance for food enthusiasts—a rich tapestry of agricultural experiences that are perfect for a fall visit.
From urban farms to sprawling agricultural lands, here are some must-visit farms that showcase the unique blend of New Orleans' community spirit and commitment to sustainable farming.
Grow On Urban Farms | 2358 Urquhart St.
Grow On Urban Farms stands out as a beacon of sustainability and community engagement in the heart of New Orleans. This farm offers a unique experience that combines urban farming with educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist, Grow On Urban Farms provides a chance to immerse yourself in the local agriculture scene.
The farm offers insightful tours that educate visitors on sustainable farming practices and the importance of urban agriculture. Visitors can also participate in farming activities, giving a practical understanding of how food is grown and harvested in an urban setting. You can also enjoy a specialty farm fresh drink on site.
Grow On Urban Farms also welcomes volunteers. Donating your time offers the opportunity to not only help but also partake in educational experiences first hand. Volunteer tasks can include seeding, weeding, mulching, compost building, cleanups, and much more. They also offer a Give & Get Program, in which volunteers have the option to exchange vegetables and plants for your help. Each hour amounts to a $10 credit that can be applied to products and produce available at the moment.
Grow Dat Youth Farm | 150 Zachary Taylor Dr.
Situated in scenic City Park, Grow Dat Youth Farm is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders through programs oriented around sustainable agriculture. Each year on Grow Dat's seven-acre farm, 70 young leaders and a host of adults, who are passionate about food justice and environmental stewardship, share in the collective work of growing 50,000 pounds of food for the local community. Grow Dat also offers Farm Shares through their Community Supported Agriculture program, which runs from November to June. For 29 weeks, members enjoy weekly chemical-free, fresh produce while investing in the farm and youth leadership.
As stewards of the land since 2011, Grow Dat offers school field trips, general visits, and history of the land tours. The farm is an ideal location for school groups, with trips including a farm tour and hands-on learning stations such as scavenger hunts, bird watching, and nature art. Activities are tailored to different age groups, ensuring an engaging and educational experience for all. The general visits can be done through a learning tour designed for college students, and adults not in school, offering a comprehensive overview of the farm's sustainable practices and community programs. For those interested in a deeper dive, the tour can include participation in agricultural tasks. Lastly, Grow Dat offers public History of the Land tours throughout the year, which delve into the rich social and environmental history of the land, covering topics from Indigenous land stewardship to stories of enslavement and rebellion to contemporary land use. The tour concludes with a dialogue that encourages participants to think about the future of urban green spaces.
Other Local Farms to Explore
While the those farms are highlights, Louisiana has several other farms worth exploring, particularly in the fall when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Some notable mentions include:
Growing Local NOLA | 1750 Carondelet St.
Growing Local NOLA is a community food and farm center in the Central City neighborhood of New Orleans where students can visit a real working urban farm and community garden. Visitors can meet chickens, tour a unique growing system that raises fish and plants together, and learn more about growing fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. They also offer herb and plant identification games and a scavenger hunt.
Kemp Farms | 38511 Weiss Rd., Denham Springs
Kemp Farms presents a true farming experience, offering guests the chance to milk a cow, bottle feed a calf, hold chickens, feed a donkey, see pigs and/or sows, pet a rabbit, enjoy a hayride, and plant a seed.
Perilloux Farm | 17834 River Rd., Montz
This farm offers a quaint and educational visit where you can learn about sustainable farming techniques and enjoy the serene farm environment. Every fall, they offer hayrides and sell their 100-year-old heirloom native pumpkins.
Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin and Strawberry Patch | 31458 LA-43, Albany
Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin and Strawberry Patch offers educational tours of their strawberry and pumpkin patches. Mixed within these operations, there are other agricultural educational activities for the guests to enjoy.
Cajun Country Corn Maze | 40833 LA-16, Amite
Louisiana Maze is open to visitors in the fall. The Cajun Country Corn Maze aims to offer visitors the chance to learn about the food and fiber produced on farms in Louisiana, while celebrating Cajun heritage and Louisiana culture.
Embrace the Season
Fall in Louisiana is the perfect time to get out there and explore the agricultural richness surrounding New Orleans. The cooler weather makes it perfect for farm tours, and the harvest season brings an abundance of fresh produce to enjoy. Visiting these farms not only supports local agriculture but also provides a deeper connection to the food you eat. Whether you're looking for an educational trip for school children, a hands-on farming experience, or a peaceful escape, the farms in and around New Orleans offer something for everyone.
