Agritourism on Florida’s Historic Coast
![Sykes Sunflowers 1920x1080](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sykes-Sunflowers-1920x1080-v1628087861.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=efb34260128f43446e527c8adba4820b 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sykes-Sunflowers-1920x1080-v1628087861.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=d63f5e3834a9e589621ecf00ea667a90 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sykes-Sunflowers-1920x1080-v1628087861.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=a8c9a05e5585692db7479bd0f024eb9a 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sykes-Sunflowers-1920x1080-v1628087861.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=1a6bc0f64f6a4575f6c68516927463be 1024w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sykes-Sunflowers-1920x1080-v1628087861.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=a2f6cc5f4cafec0b979bc274c15299ca 1200w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sykes-Sunflowers-1920x1080-v1628087861.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=9e5e1b1258b9bcab154f8469118352ad 1440w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sykes-Sunflowers-1920x1080-v1628087861.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=2db166d4ba23c68b465b96bb7064662c 1920w)
Not just beaches, we’ve got farms and ranches and fairgrounds, oh my. It’s only natural you’ll want to visit them all.
Sometimes you just want to get out into some wide-open spaces and experience something different, learn something new, do something you don’t typically do on vacation. With the farm and historic communities of Elkton and Hastings in our backyard, you don’t have to go far to really get out there. Here are a few of our favorite agritourism spots you’ll want to take the whole family.
Sykes Family Farms, located in Elkton, is quite famous for “The Maze”. We’re talking a 9-acre maze full of twists and turns that’ll keep the kids entertained for hours. The Maze is open in for the month of October. There’s also a "you pick" sunflower field, cow milking, farm animals to pet, hayrides, live music most nights and more activities that make for the best “agritainment.”
Elkton's Christmas on the Farm Enjoy a hayride through this ¾ miles drive thru Christmas light display at Sykes Family Farms, 5995 Brough Rd., Elkton. Bring the family, sip on hot chocolate or apple cider while roasting s'mores over the large fire pit. Mr. & Mrs. Claus are visiting from the North Pole so be sure to get some great pictures. Admission is $16 per person, Fridays & Saturdays, 6-10 p.m.
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Drum Runner Series Barrel Racing at St. Johns County Fairgrounds is fun for all ages with monthly barrel, pole and other timed speed horse events. This event takes place the first Saturday every month so saddle up and head out! Admission is free.
Cracker Day The St. Johns County Cattlemen's Association hosts this event at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds featuring a Farmers Market, Cowboy Corner for the kids, horse games, and food, including barbecue. This October event is from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission $5 (cash only). Registration to compete in the horse games ranges from $5-$15.
![](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/Cora-C-Harrison-Preserve-Trailhead-800x448_210809_161608.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=633e5847c201cf8196aa7174dbdcf889 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/Cora-C-Harrison-Preserve-Trailhead-800x448_210809_161608.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=c67d7451aed685dd2cdb4bc4ec0a94d8 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/Cora-C-Harrison-Preserve-Trailhead-800x448_210809_161608.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f30201b01e02abf5c0aa5f75a21662a3 750w)
St. Johns River to Sea Loop Like to bike? This multi-use loop trail is underway through the American Southeast, winding through resort towns and rural hamlets, from coastal dunes to springs. Connecting the ancient city of St. Augustine to the cusp of the Kennedy Space Center, the loop features 260 miles of biking and hiking trails that include a national seashore, several Florida State Parks, national monuments, and national wildlife refuges. Food along the route is fresh from the sea and picked right off the local farms.
Jim’s Place This local favorite restaurant offers visitors a cozy dining experience in the heart of downtown Elkton inside what was once a general store known as Masters’ Grocery. All are welcome to relax and stay a while, enjoying their famous big burgers and New York-style pizza (with dough and sauce made fresh daily.) Just follow the crowd.
County Line Produce Located in Hastings, closes for the summer but returns in fall with great produce that attracts people from miles around with all things fresh, from broccoli to zucchini and everything in between.
Deep Creek Paddles offers unique kayaking tours that allow you to explore the diverse flora and fauna of Deep Creek. Located in Hastings, Deep Creek is a scenic area rich in history, situated in the southwestern corridor of St. Johns County.