Planning Tips for Hands & Harvest
Every year on the second full weekend in October, the Highland County Hands & Harvest Festival celebrates the culmination of the area’s agricultural production season with maple sugar camps, farm tours, apple butter, the Highland Farmers’ Market, maple doughnuts, local honey, local cider, and more. Visitors can traverse throughout the county and experience farm life amidst the vibrant, autumnal, rolling hills that lovingly embrace the fields and farmlands of Highland County.
Even though Highland County is one of the smallest counties in Virginia, there is still a lot of ground to cover. Here is a sampling of some of the regular activities festival-goers can enjoy during the event:
- LITTLE SWITZERLAND CLOGGERS: A local award-winning Clogging troupe performs on Saturday.
- LIVE BLUEGRASS MUSIC: Throughout the day on Saturday at Southernmost Maple
- FRIDAY APPLE PEEL & COOK: At Laurel Fork Sapsuckers Sugar Camp
- HARVEST TRAIL: A self-guided farm tour throughout Highland County. (Visit the Hands & Harvest webpage to download a digital map!
- FAIR LAWN FARM: Learn about old-time traditions on an charming, historic, family farm
- HIGHLAND COUNTY BARN QUILT TRAIL: Updated in 2020 to include over 50 pieces, the Barn Quilt Trail is a favorite “treasure hunt” among our visitors.
- CYCLING: Anytime of year is a great time to load up the bike and enjoy these routes, but Hands & Harvest weekend (with its attractions and stops) adds another fun element to your adventures.
- HIKING: See our leaves and calming nature up-close and personal with these three recommended hikes from the HighlandCountyVA Blog.
- ARTS & CRAFTS VENDORS: Friday & Saturday on the Courthouse Lawn
- USED BOOK SALE: At the Highland County Public Library
- HIGHLAND COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY FAMILY FUN DAY & RABIES CLINIC: At the Monterey Fire Department
- ANNUAL SWEATER SALE: At the Monterey Presbyterian Church, Sponsored by Little Big Dog Rescue
For more detailed festival information, visit the Highland County Chamber of Commerce website or call (540) 468-2550. We hope to see you at Hands & Harvest!
Blue Grass Cabin 