Fun with Agritourism
With its mild temperature and rich soil, the Royal Gorge Region has been an agricultural hub since the 1860s, when Jesse Frazer planted Colorado’s first apple tree, ultimately establishing the state’s first orchard. Today, the region boasts farms, orchards, seasonal pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and bountiful vineyards, making it ideal for hosting farmers markets and agricultural tours.
A trip to the Cañon City or Florence farmers market is a great way to enjoy fresh produce and homemade goods while supporting regional farmers and local businesses. Vendors typically sell seasonal produce, honey, bread, garden crafts, and body products, including hand-crafted soaps and oils. The markets dates and detail can be found on our event calendar. In the fall, find the perfect pumpkin at Diana’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, a popular fall festival that draws people from all over the region.
Learn how to grow your own food at Desert Canyon Farm, which offers classes and events like Extending Your Growing Season, Grow & Use Culinary Herbs, and Building Healthy Soil. During the spring, the farm opens its doors for “Open Farm Days,” giving visitors the opportunity to purchase plants and other farm-raised products.
Take your kids to Colon Orchard for a field trip, where they learn about the cycles of apple trees, irrigation, how apples grow, and the bugs that crawl on them. Kids also pick apples, run through the orchard’s one-of-a-kind corn maze, and sip on homemade apple cider. At special times throughout the year, hayrides and a farm stand are also available.
Another great place to take the Kids is Diane’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn maze, the oldest corn maze in the region. Here, you can always purchase fall decor and, of course, pumpkins.
For adults wanting a relaxing afternoon, the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey is the place to be. Since 2002, the winery has been winning awards for its wine, while its showroom has become one of the largest and most successful in the state. Voted “Best Front Range Tasting Room” by the Colorado Vine, the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey has designed its tasting room to make your wine experience truly memorable.
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey also hosts the annual Harvest Festival. Often considered the quintessential outing during Colorado’s ideal time of year, this festival combines wine, artisans, food, and entertainment against Cañon City’s gorgeous autumn backdrop.
For these and other agricultural adventures, check out the following farms, orchards, and businesses:
Stately Farms
1607 Sherman Ave.
Cañon City, Colorado 81212
(719) 275-3936
Happy Valley Farm
1190 1st St
Penrose, CO 81240
(719) 429-6300
Di Nardo’s Cider Mill & Farm Store
1400 Royal Gorge Blvd.
Cañon City, Colorado 81212
(719) 275-2727
Colon Orchards
3175 Grandview Avenue
Cañon City, Colorado 81212
(719) 275-6359
Diane’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
1649 Poplar Ave
Canon City, CO 81212
(719) 821-9133
Jenkins Farms
448 K Street
Penrose, Colorado 81240
(719) 240-2737
Ferrara’s Happy Apple Farm
1190 1st Street
Penrose Colorado 81240
(719) 429-6300
Third Street Apples
935 3rd Street
Penrose, Colorado 81240
(719) 372-6283
Telck Hillside Orchard
1510 Illinois Ave
Cañon City, Colorado 81212
(719) 275-4842
Lippis Farm & Store
160 McCumber Lane
Florence, Colorado 81226
(719) 275-1847
The Winery at the Holy Cross Abbey
3011 East Highway 50
Cañon City, Colorado 81212
(719) 276-5191
Le Fuselier Winery at Spring Creek Vineyards
1702 Willow
Cañon City, Colorado 81212
(719) 315-2075
Cañon City Farmers’ Market
Veterans Park on Highway 50 across from City Hall
Tuesdays, June – October from 8 am – 1 pm
Florence Farmers’ Market
Pioneer Park on Highway 67 at 3rd Street
Thursdays, June – October from 8 am – 1 pm