Agritourism on Florida’s Historic Coast
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.
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.
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.