Farming has been an important part of life in the Smoky Mountains for many generations, producing food for families and communities and contributing to the culture of Appalachian cuisine. Today, visitors can find many small family farms thriving among the region’s wide rivers and fertile valleys.

Book a stay in a luxury cabin on a working ranch where you can visit with bison, donkeys and llamas. Stop by a pick-your-own farm to harvest a feast of locally grown tomatoes, melons, beans and corn, plus a bouquet of cut flowers for the table.

Feed and pet fluffy alpacas and learn about all of the fiber products made from their wool. Sample meads made from the honey of bees foraging in Smoky Mountainl forests. When the holiday season comes around, plan an unforgettable trip to choose and cut your very own Fraser fir Christmas Tree from a 100-year-old family farm.

Enjoy learning about local agriculture, and purchase a few local food products for unique (and edible!) souvenirs — both help to support the agricultural economy of the N.C. Smokies.