Ag + Art Tour returns

The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is making its return this summer, featuring an extensive array of farm and art sites across the state. Scheduled for May 18-19 in Newberry County and June 15-16 in Lexington County, the tour has expanded to include nine new counties and reintroduce eleven former ones, totaling over 200 sites in 2024.

Now in its 13th year, this free, self-guided tour is organized to educate the public about local food and fiber production and showcase the work of local artisans. Will Culler, a Clemson Extension Agribusiness Agent and the Tour Director, emphasized the event’s role in fostering community awareness and supporting local businesses. “We are proud of the commitment of our farms, artisans, and county teams. Because of that, we can sustain continued growth,” Culler said. The tour connects visitors with local producers and artisans, offering a face to the food and products they consume.

The tour includes farms and artisans across twenty South Carolina counties, with different counties featured each weekend in May and June. Operating hours are from 9 am to 4 pm on both Saturdays and Sundays. Since its inception in York County in 2012, the tour has grown significantly, attracting over 100,000 visitors and becoming the largest free farm tour in the nation.

Participants can expect to see a variety of farm sites and farmers’ markets, each paired with artistic exhibits. Artisans include weavers, painters, musicians, storytellers, metalworkers, and craftsmen, offering a wide range of handmade goods and performances. Some farms will also provide value-added products such as jarred foods, honey, baked goods, and farm-fresh meals. Visitors are free to explore the tour at their own pace, starting and stopping at any location without any fees.

For more detailed information about the tour, including participating farms, markets, and artisans, visit www.agandarttour.com.