1,000 Acres of Family Fun

One thousand acres of fun lie right in Ashburn’s backyard and many residents may not even know it.

Among Loudoun’s oldest family farms that remain in operation, Ticonderoga Farm has been handed down through five generations. The farm also hosts a number of exciting events each year that appeal to an array ages and interests.

Year-round attractions include fire pits, slides, a petting zoo, a teepee village, Noah’s Ark, swings, log cabins, hay forts, tetherball, a panda puzzle bamboo maze, hay rides and much more. Antique tractors and other farm machinery are kept on display, while a demonstration garden helps educate patrons.

Seasonal events include a Spring Easter Festival, a Summer Harvest Festival and a Winter Christmas Festival, with other events added throughout the year. Possibly the most exciting time of year at Ticonderoga Farm is the fall, which is just around the corner.

From Sept. 17 to Nov. 6, Ticonderoga celebrates its annual . Expect to spend the day enjoying the permanent attractions as well as taking a hayride to pick your own pumpkins. On the weekend the farm features children’s games, face painters. Hot dogs, pizza, turkey legs and more are all on the concession menu. Guests also go home with free pie-sized pumpkins, which are included in the admission price.

The Festival kicks off with a Community Flea Market on Sept. 17, with arts, crafts and various goods.

Fig lovers should check out Ticonderoga’s on Sept. 24. Activities include a cooking demonstration by Chef Vaughn Skaggs, a hayride to fig groves, fig tastings and pairings, wine, “figalicious” pizza, local cheese and crackers, fig recipes, sorbet, preserves and special giveaways.

Love honey? Don’t miss Ticonderoga Farm’s honey, which won a red ribbon award at the 2011 Arlington County Fair. Judging was based on taste, density and absence of crystals.  

More information on events, gardening advice, private party bookings and the farm market can be found on the farm’s website.

Ticonderoga’s mission is to “make our community a healthier place to live, work and play.” 

“Our Farm is not as commercial,” said Oya Simpson, director of community relations at the farm. “We’re quaint – not small, just more personal. The community needs a place like this.”