Across the South, thousands of farmers are waking up before dawn every day to provide the country with products for which the South has become known and loved. That sweet potato you enjoyed last night, most likely came from Alabama; your rice, from Arkansas; that peach, came from South Carolina (I bet you thought it would be Georgia!). The South is all about eating local, and when you adventure to the countryside and its many farms and ranches, you will experience proud farmers producing the best of the best. Let us explore the South to see what is being cultivated; and the destinations where you can experience these fine Southern agricultural offerings.

Tennessee

Tennessee farming is far from the mule-and-plow stereotype of the past. Staying attuned to the technological times, embracing sustainability and innovation in an ever-changing industry is how agriculture has remained vital to the Volunteer State. With just over 67,300 farms spread across 9 million acres of land, Tennessee contains many prosperous traditional farming operations. Dairy products, hogs, and chicken eggs are important parts of Tennessee's livestock industry. Farm chickens, sheep and lambs, wool, and honey also contribute to Tennessee’s agriculture; with tomatoes and snap beans ranking as the most important vegetables. tn.gov/agriculture

Experience It!

The Baggett Family Farm dates back to 1837, and today they offer the best grass-fed beef and pork raised on a natural diet of GMO free pastures. You can order anything from bacon to the best sirloin on their website or visit the farm. All of Tennessee's products are available through a handy app, through picktnproducts.org, where you can discover farms to pick you own produce, buy local food, fish for your own dinner, and discover farmers markets and flower nurseries. Bucksnort Trout Ranch is a great way to spend a sunny day, catching your own dinner as folks have been doing there since 1966; they will even clean and grill your catch for you. tennesseegrassfed.com; picktnproducts.org; bucksnort.com

Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s impressive agricultural impact spreads far beyond the state line. Ranking fourth in the nation in number of farms, the Sooner State’s 78,000 farms cover 34.2 million acres of land. Hardworking farmers and ranchers grow and raise the state’s important commodities, such as hogs, cattle and calves, soybeans, winter wheat, rye, pecans, milk and more. Several of these commodities put Oklahoma on the map in national rankings, including No. 1 for rye, No. 2 for beef cows, and No. 4 for pecans. Oklahoma's most valuable crop is wheat and the state ranks among the leading (#4) producers in the country. oda.state.ok.us

Experience It!

Ben Pecan and Cattle Ranch is an overnight refuge from the city with activities that overlook two pecan groves with trees dating over 100 years old. Enjoy kayaking, hunting, or picking in-season fruit after noodling (which isn’t a pasta, but a scary way of catching large catfish using your bare hand as bait). It is also close to Pioneer Woman Mercantile. Load up on all sorts of pecans, coated, sweetened, tined, oil and watch the process or tour the orchards at Benson Park Pecans, located on an historic park. Okmulgee is home to the annual Pecan Festival in June. benranchcabins.com; oklahomaagritourism.com; bensonparkpecans.com; okmulgeechamber.org

South Carolina

Dive deep into South Carolina’s varied industry, and you’ll see the state holds its own as an agricultural powerhouse. South Carolina has more than 25,200 farms spread across its landscape, with an average size of 197 acres each. Farmers grow and raise the state’s many agricultural products, and the truth is that South Carolina averages three times the amount of peaches harvested than Georgia; Georgia was just first to produce peaches commercially. agriculture.sc.gov

Experience It!

McLeod Farms Market offers fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, ice cream, peach butter, cider, peach salsa, bakery goods like a sweet potato bread with a pecan topping, and an antique museum. It is open year-around. Mac's Pride brand tree-ripe peaches are available online mid-June through early August. Peach Festivals are plentiful, Lexington County Peach festival is held on July 4. Stay to see who is crowned Miss Peach. Taste locally-made peach cobblers and pies in Trenton during the 48th Ridge Peach Festival on June 17. The South Carolina Peach Festival in Gaffney is also home to the Peachoid, a 1 million gallon water tank painted like a peach. macspride.com; scpeach.org; lexingtoncountypeachfestival.com; ridgepeachfestival.com

Alabama

With more than 43,000 farms spread throughout Alabama, the Yellowhammer State flaunts its strength in agriculture. In fact, agriculture and forestry are two of the top industries in the state. One out of every 4.6 jobs is related to Alabama agriculture. Alabama’s top commodities include poultry, cattle and calves, greenhouse and nursery, cotton, and soybeans. The state makes its mark nationally, ranking second in the country in broilers, catfish, and quail; third for forestland, peanuts, and sod; and sixth for pecans. The largest vegetable crops include potatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet corn, tomatoes, and watermelons. agi.alabama.gov

Experience It!

At Ozan Vineyard & Winery, they offer local Alabama wine but also another popular agritourist attraction, the Ozan Vineyard Wine and Train Excursion; a three-hour event that include a winery tour, wine tasting, gourmet box lunch and a Heart of Dixie Railroad train outing. Auburn is not only a great town to visit but is home to Auburn University, and their A.U. Meat Lab provides fresh beef and pork products to purchase, perfect for a tailgate party. Check out The Hotel at Auburn University, and snag a table their Ariccia Trattoria, which serves up all local produce and meat provided by Auburn University College of Agriculture students. ozanwine.com; auhcc.com; aotourism.com

Mississippi

More than 38,000 farms, plus 14,000 miles of streams, and 640,000 acres of ponds and lakes, make Mississippi the leader of farmed catfish. From poultry and beef to sweet potatoes, peanuts and grain sorghum, Mississippi farmers grow and raise a variety of commodities. Important vegetables are sweet potatoes, cucumbers, and cowpeas. The most important fruits are peaches, watermelons, and muscadine grapes. Mississippi is also a leading shrimp producing state. mdac.ms.gov

Experience It!

Let’s talk sweet potatoes. Vardaman is the Sweet Potato Capital of the World, and therefore hosts the annual Vardaman Sweet Potato Festival in November during harvest time. It is complete with a sweet potato eating contest, arts and crafts, 5K run/walk, and “Taterstock” with live music. In September, Cullman puts on the Sweet Tater Festival, and cooking contest for these sweet tubers. The Country Girls Creamery offers tours of their Mississippi farm where they produce grass fed and hormone free beef, and dairy products like fresh cream, milk, butter, cheeses, and gelato—try Granddaddy’s Home-style Vanilla or Mam-Maw’s Red Velvet. vardamansweetpotatofestival.com

Kentucky

Kentucky agriculture is a big deal. The Bluegrass State boasts 76,500 farms. A historically important crop for Kentucky, the state ranks first in the nation in burley and fire-cured tobacco production. For overall tobacco production, Kentucky ranks No. 2 in the nation. Beef is important as well. Kentucky is home to 1.1 million beef cows and takes the title as the largest producer of beef cattle east of the Mississippi River. kyagr.com

Experience It!

Shaker Village Historic Farm is the nation's largest and most completely restored Shaker community. Four acres of corn, tobacco, sorghum, and heirloom vegetables are farmed using 19th century horse-drawn machinery. From April through October, agronomists from the Historic Farm Program allow visitors to witness farm work done as it was in the 1800s. The produce served at the Trustee's Dining Room is grown in the garden just outside the windows. There is a 40-hive apiary the produces nearly 700 pounds of honey. Shaker Village offers a wide variety of hands-on workshops year-round, from growing gourmet mushrooms to home brewing. Modern overnight accommodations are available in beautifully appointed rooms in many of the restored buildings. shakervillageky.org

Louisiana

Forty-one percent of the nation’s wetlands are housed in the Pelican State, which also has the longest coastline in the nation at 15,000 miles long. State commercial fishing produces 25 percent of all seafood in the nation, putting Louisiana at No. 1 for crawfish, shrimp, alligator, menhaden, and oyster production. Not surprising, Louisiana will get you fired up – it is the main source of Tabasco peppers and home to Tabasco.

Experience It!

In Bayou Lafourche, experience the cultural heritage the ED White Plantation Home and learn about the waters that feed this area with a boat tour at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, given by a National Parks Service ranger. In August, head to the shores of Delcambre for their annual five-day Shrimp Festival, where you can enjoy signature shrimp dishes like boiled shrimp, fried shrimp, shrimp sauce piquante, shrimp salad and many more -- every shrimp dish consumed at the festival is prepared by volunteer members. The town is a photographer's dream and it is worth the journey. Learn about the pepper sauced so loved around the world, TABASCO®, on a tour at the McIlhenny family property on Avery Island. lacajunbayou.com; shrimpfestival.net; tabasco.com

North Carolina

From the towering Appalachian Mountains to the Coastal Plain, North Carolina’s climate and landscapes allow for a bounty of agricultural products. The state ranks first in the nation for tobacco and is the number one producer of sweet potatoes; second for poultry and eggs; and third for pork and trout. Along with these commodities, North Carolina’s hardworking farmers produce cotton, soybeans, peanuts, hogs and pigs, and nursery products. ncagr.gov

Experience It!

In Asheville, visit the WNC Farmers Market. It is one of four regional farmers markets in North Carolina. Open year-round, enjoy perusing the best produce of the region, crafts, jams, sourwood honey, and baked goods. In the winter, enjoy the largest selection of Christmas trees, as they are number two in U.S. production for these festive trees and poinsettias. They also have a “farm-to-fork” cafe on site and sell wholesale produce to all the wonderful restaurants and grocery stores in the area. Although what some call yams are actually sweet potatoes, Tabor City still hosts the annual NC Yam Festival in October. wncfarmersmarket.org; ncyamfestival.com

Georgia

The Peach State is home to 42,258 farms and the land is rich. This, combined with the fact that most of the state has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot moist summers, makes Georgia an ideal place to farm a variety of commodities. Many hardworking Georgians form the backbone of the state’s agriculture. In fact, one in every seven Georgians works in agriculture, forestry or a related industry. agr.georgia.gov

Experience It!

If you haven’t had your fill of sweet potatoes (we perish the thought!), Georgia is also a big grower of sweet potatoes, and their annual festival in Ocilla proves it. This festive bit of Americana offers a parade, sweet potato cooking contest, and tons of family and kids-friendly activities. The North Georgia Mountains is where Southerners head for their apples. Visit Penland’s Apple House or Hudson Apple House in Ellijay for the best selections, and apple fritters, fried pies, fruit butters, and apple cider! Mercier Orchards offers U-pick and tractor tours, and their onsite bakery and restaurant won’t disappoint either. Take home farm wine, delicious hard ciders and bushels of fruit. ocillachamber.net; mercier-orchards.com

More Southern Experiences

The Henderson County Curb Market, North Carolina

The Curb Market has been a local Hendersonville tradition since 1924. What began as a group of farmers bringing their extra produce to town for the “city folk” has expanded over the years to include some of the freshest fruits & vegetables, plants & fresh cut flowers, homemade jams, jellies & baked goods and handmade mountain crafts. A favorite of locals and visitors alike, it always has something different. Each vendor brings his specialty items for a unique collection of offerings. The Curb Market gives a sample of the local flavors of Henderson County. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. (closed on Thursday January - March).
 curbmarket.com

The Market at Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Avenue South Birmingham, Alabama

Since 2000, the Market at Pepper Place has not only been highlighting and supporting local Alabama farmers and makers, but they have also created a community gathering place that is an experience in its own right. Discover wholesome and delicious locally grown produce and products such as breads, honey, cheese, pie, and more. Enjoy fun activities like chef demonstrations, informative talks by local makers, book signings, weekly children’s activities, and live music. Plan a visit to taste the best of Alabama. pepperplacemarket.com