Agro-tourism has become quite popular in the area since the pandemic, giving people a fun way to get out and learn about local agriculture right at the farms.

Owner Debbie Mastronardi has offered U-pick at Kattelville Orchard for the past 25 years, bringing in hundreds of people annually.

Mastronardi said, "We have U-pick blueberries, about an acre of high bush, blueberries. There's seven different varieties, some a little more tart than the others."

Visitors can pick in a self-serve fashion, taking as many as they want and going by the honor system for a self-checkout when they leave.

Along with picking blueberries, she offers other fun things for families.

This includes things like a small playground with a swing set, a tire swing, lawn games, and a picnic area.

"I just love seeing the kids and their families come here and have a good time. The smile on their faces is just amazing," said Mastronardi.

Over at Sweet Indigo Farm, owner Hannah Goodmuth takes a slightly different approach.

Goodmuth said, "Just kind of to be ready for a slightly more rugged experience. I think that's something that people like about the farm, too, that they'll just be communing with nature and it's a very natural sort of experience."

In addition to having a picnic area and a small pond on the farm, she's also growing a sunflower patch, tending to chickens, and cultivating other produce on her farm.

"This year is looking fantastic. Looks like we'll have ample fruit and the bushes are healthy and beautiful. So I'm so grateful for that," said Goodmuth.

Each farm is unique but faces a common obstacle in the upstate weather.

Mastronardi said, "Last year with the late frost we probably had about a two-week picking period. This year they're looking pretty good so I'm hoping for a better year."

Along with pruning bushes, and long hours maintaining the area, a lot of work goes into the preparations, but it's well worth it come July when they start to welcome visitors.

Goodmuth says, "It's incredibly rewarding, it's an incredible amount of hard work. There are times where my breath is taken away by how beautiful it is and I love seeing kind of literally, the fruits of my labor. I really love being able to share that with people." 

You can find other agro-tourism attractions on the growninbroome website.

To stay updated on both of the farms and when they'll open, click on either link below: