The 10th annual tour of farms and nurseries along the Yachats River Road will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday featuring locally grown fruits, vegetables, grass-fed beef, baked goods, jams, refreshments, and, in one instance, live music.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, visitors on the tour this year must wear masks and observe social distancing protocols.
Admission to all venues is free; parking is readily available.
Five farms are opening their gates this year to visitors, each featuring a different attraction and most with produce and meat for sale.
The first two, Seeds of Oregon and K&R Beef, 1603 Yachats River Road, are just 1.6 miles east on Yachats River Road, and will be offering vegetables, plants, grass-fed beef and eggs for sale.
Next on the route is Forks Farm Flowers & Gifts, 8 North Fork Yachats River Road, at the “T” intersection seven miles upriver. Owner Catherine Lucido offers organic fruits, blueberries, cut flowers, jams, produce and flower arrangements suitable for weddings and other celebrations. Joining Forks Farm will be the owners of Ortolan Farm and Dragonfly Farm.
Turn right at the intersection and follow the South Fork of the Yachats River to Starshine Farm, 7611 South Fork Yachats River Road, where guests can visit with llamas, alpacas, and peacocks.
Next upriver is Yaquina Nursery and Greenhouse, 9724 South Fork Yachats River Road, which features cacti and succulents from all over the planet.
The farthest upriver farm open Saturday is The Ranch, just beyond milepost 10, at 10740 South Fork River Road.
The Ranch rests in a serene meadow setting with barn, pond, river, shade trees, picnic tables, for visitors to enjoy. A wide variety of livestock wander through the pastures. Also available are U-pick organic blueberries, blackberries, summer apples, plus home-baked goods and jams for sale.
One added feature will be live music by local performers.