Fresh from Washington County, Ohio

MARIETTA, OH (August 23, 2009) – Washington County, Ohio serves as a prime outlet for consumers to enjoy the ‘Farm to Fork’ movement that encourages buying local fresh or organic products versus through retail grocery chains.

Our ‘national appetite’ has grown to include a desire to buy local, seasonal and sustainable foods and Washington County farms are providing these products year-round.

“The summer and fall months produce a bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables,” said Marietta/Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Wendy Wharff. “We are so blessed with the number of outstanding family-owned farms, farmers markets and farm stands throughout Washington County…that it is crazy to not take advantage of them!”

Summer is berry season and several farms are just minutes away.

Bramble Creek Farms (www.bramblecreekfarms.com), located at 257 Old River Rd. in Little Hocking, Ohio, produces chemical free blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, as well as heirloom vegetables. Owners Jackie and Mike attended Berry School at The Ohio State University and with the knowledge that they gained and 30 blackberry plants given to them by a friend, they began Bramble Creek Farms in 2000. Since its inception, Bramble Creek Farms has operated without the use of chemicals. Their number one selling product is blackberries.

R&K Wagner Farms (www.randkwagnerfarms.com), located at 1030 SR 60 in Lowell, Ohio, has been passed down through three generations. With each generation, it continues to expand and become more successful. The number one selling product for R&K Wagner Farms is strawberries; however the farm also produces black raspberries, red raspberries, yellow raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and a bevy of vegetables.

Stacy Family Farm (www.stacyfarm.com), located at 135 BF Goodrich Rd., Oak Grove in Marietta, Ohio, has been in the family since 1899. Bill and Janet’s children are the fifth generation to take part in running the farm. They have been growing and selling sweet corn for over 20 years and strawberries for 13 years. Stacy Family Farm received the Ohio Century Farm Award in 2000 from the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture for being in operation for 100 years. The number one selling products for Stacy Family Farm are their strawberries and sweet corn.

Witten Farms, located at 16670 SR 60 in Lowell, Ohio, has operated for more than 50 years and is a third generation family-owned and operated business. The Witten’s are famous for their Super Sweet corn that is hand picked by spotlight and shipped fresh to the markets daily. Products offered include various fruits and vegetables, as well as cut meat and flowers.

Grimm’s Green Acres Apple Orchard, located at 5680 State Route 26, offers orchard fresh apples ready picked or pick-your-own. Kate’s Perfect Apple Cider is available along with a variety of apples such as Honey Crisp, Gala, Cameo, Goldrush and many more! You can visit the orchard from mid-September to early November on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from Noon to 6:00 p.m.

Huck’s Farm Market and Country Shop, located at 412 Muskingum Drive just outside Marietta, offers custom sandwiches and salads, fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, and baked goods and ice cream. The store also has Amish meats and cheeses, gifts, custom made fruit and gift baskets and seasonal items.

On 149 Sweetapple Road, in Vincent, Ohio, you will come across Sweetapple Farm, a farm that is open for events, parties and tours year-round! Visitors can attempt to make it through the corn maze, have fun and learn farm facts at the Ag-tivity Center among other seasonal activities. Seasonal items are available at the farm including pumpkins, crafts and market items, apples, apple cider, maple syrup and more.