ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA (RealVirginia) — In Virginia, spring is bringing more than warmer weather.
Two family farms are turning fields of tulips into seasonal destinations, drawing visitors from across the region and creating a new way to connect agriculture with the community.
At Chiles Peach Orchard in Albemarle County, Henry Chiles and his sister, Ally Whitmer, are carrying on a family farming legacy that spans more than 100 years.
Just over the Blue Ridge Mountains in Augusta County, thousands of tulips are also helping continue the legacy of Bill Patterson’s family operation, Endless View Farms.
Their biggest weekend is expected to draw more than 1,500 visitors, all coming out to see the tulips in full bloom.
Both families say much of the work for this year’s festival began last fall, long before the first flowers opened in the spring.
Smoke in Chimneys hatchery’s partnership with a local restaurant is helping bring farm-raised fish to the table in Roanoke. Real Virginia takes us there to learn more.
April 24, 2026 10:51 AM
·
For Chrystal Castelloe, farming is more than her job. It is a sense of freedom. The North Carolina Farm Bureau takes us to Castelloe Farms and Sale Barn Farm to learn her story.
April 23, 2026 12:04 PM
·
Effort aims to reduce wildfire risk and restore forests
April 23, 2026 10:52 AM
·
New farm bill amendment renames the 1890 National Scholars Program after Rep. David Scott, highlighting support for HBCU ag education.
April 22, 2026 04:56 PM
·
Kubota Tractor Company President and Army National Guard Veteran Alex Woods discusses the company’s Military Appreciation Month initiatives and long-term support programs for veterans in agriculture.
April 22, 2026 04:08 PM
·
Dr. Jeffrey Gold explains how springtime brings seasonal changes to agricultural operations and, with them, renewed concerns about safety, allergies, and mental health this week on Rural Health Matters.
April 22, 2026 03:49 PM
·
