The Meridian of today is far from being the pastoral town of yesteryear, but its agricultural roots run deep. From its animal rescues and U-Pick farms to wineries, fall festivals, and markets, our community is home to many wonderful farmers and producers who cultivate the land, harvest its crops, and take special care of the animals on it.
Lucky for us (and visitors), many of these farms open their gates to the public during growing and harvest seasons. Fun fact: September is Idaho Preferred Month, the time of year when we celebrate Meridian’s local producers and their contributions by visiting their farms, tasting their bounty, and attending events that spotlight these agricultural gems. Here are our picks for harvest season activities in Meridian.
Fall Festivals
Contrary to popular belief, not all Idahoans are potato farmers — but the state is known for its famous spuds. They’re so famous that we have an entire festival dedicated to Idaho’s beloved tuber: Potato Days. In September 2024, this three-day celebration will feature a potato art installation, a french fry competition, live performances, carnival games, vendors, a bubble garden, and bouncy houses.
Tip: Try the featured Idaho potato menu items available from nearly all of the 40 local food trucks at Potato Days.
Got a thirst for pilsner and a palate for strudel? Head to Downtown Meridian on October 5 for the city’s third annual Oktoberfest (lederhosen and dirndls encouraged). This iconic Bavarian festival celebrates German culture with music, contests, food, and, of course, beer. There’s no better time to try your hand at a stein-holding competition or show off your muscles in a friendly game of hammerschlagen.
Fun on The Farm
If you’ve ever wanted to introduce your kids to the best of farm life, take the family to Pony Express Ranch. Here, visitors can feed and pet animals, explore the pumpkin patch, and stroll through the sunflower field in search of bloom-worthy photo ops.
Tip: Many activities at Pony Express Ranch are well-suited for children under ten, including the ropes course, giant slides, jungle gym, barrel train, and pony rides.
Just outside of Meridian is Lowe Family Farmstead, which offers the entire family the quintessential fall experience in Idaho. Wander through a massive corn maze, take a hayride on an antique tractor, race down the potato sack slides, ride the grain train through the flower field, and cheer for your favorite snout in the pig races. The farmstead’s 2024 fall season runs from September 14 through October 30 (visit the website for current hours and attractions).
Tip: Lowe Family Farmstead offers food and drinks onsite at 15 Mile Kitchen — everything from classics like pizzas, turkey legs, and churros to Idaho favorites like finger steaks, ice cream potatoes, and apple cider donuts.
Local rescues also provide opportunities to learn about the special needs of farm animals — and to meet them up close. Most importantly, these rescues provide continued care for unwanted animals, helping to break the cycle of abandonment and abuse.
At Dominifarm Animal Sanctuary in Meridian’s neighboring town of Kuna, volunteers hold educational tours of the grounds, which provide a place of serenity, refuge, and love for 50 or so older animals that range in size from guinea pigs to horses. While this sanctuary isn’t a petting zoo, “anyone who loves animals is welcome,” says Founder Dominique Delobbe.
Tip: Because Dominifarm is a volunteer-run nonprofit, tour dates and times vary, so it’s best to call ahead to schedule a visit.
Fall Markets and Shopping
Start the weekend by sampling the local flavors and chatting with producers at the Meridian Main Street Market. The 2024 season brings a variety of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal products, live music, and food trucks to the market, which is held every Saturday from 9–2 p.m. through October 12.
For unique gifts (and chances to splurge on yourself), stroll through The Village during one of its fall street markets. Peruse handmade items from curated vendors at a Makers Hive Pop-Up Market (this fall, the event will be held on September 7, 2024). Also happening at the Village: the Green Apple Boutique Street Market on September 14. Check it out if you’re looking for handcrafted jewelry, confectionary treats, and other goodies from local artisans.
You also won’t want to miss the Harvest Garden Market at Victory Gardens Nursery on October 5–6. Sip on apple cider while shopping for home decor, baked goods, and other items from over 50 vendors.
In search of more great gifts made by local producers? Visit The Living Land Ranch’s year-round farm stand, open Saturdays in 2024 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Here you’ll find everything from home decor and fresh flowers (when in season) to teas, lotions, soaps, tinctures, and honey.
Tip: The Living Land Ranch also offers classes this fall (via Idaho Skills Collective) which include herbal first aid, foraging, and cooking in season. Visit the website for updated information.
Flowers In Bloom
Even as autumn approaches, Meridian’s flower farms are still in bloom. Exercise your green thumb during a workshop or create your own bouquet right in the field, where a burst of fall colors awaits.
Rustic Blooms opens for flower picking in the summer and fall (as well as for berries and pumpkins, when in season). This urban farm also offers custom garden signs and sign kits, sign painting classes, and parties. Just outside Meridian, Potted Blossom holds U-Pick events for the public on select Thursdays and Saturdays through mid-October (or you can schedule a private event for five or more people). Potted Blossom also holds workshops throughout the growing season.
Tip: September is great timing for peak blooms, but be sure to visit U-Pick flower farms before the first frost, which typically happens around early- to mid-October.
If you want the beauty of a fresh bouquet without picking it yourself, stop by the flower stand at Black Cat Blooms. This quaint flower stand on Meridian’s outskirts sells freshly picked bunches based on the honor system; just bring cash or Venmo.
Tip: While not set up as a U-Pick farm, McCallister Gardens in Meridian also offers dried flower classes throughout the fall 2024 season. Visit the website for current dates and information.
Wine, Dine, and Wind Down
What would harvest season be without a trip to Idaho’s own wine country? The rolling hills of Caldwell’s Sunnyslope Wine Trail are only a 30-minute drive from Meridian. This wine region is situated at a similar latitude as France’s world-class Bordeaux and Rhone regions, and offers picturesque views of orchards via winding country roads. If an urban setting is more your speed, check out a few of Garden City’s many tasting rooms (just 15 minutes east of Meridian).
Tip: Wine tasting works up an appetite! Before beginning your adventure, pick up some grab-and-go lunch items from Create Common Good, a nonprofit that helps community members in need through food service training and workforce development programs.
When bottles are in hand and the sun dips below the horizon, enjoy the local terroir with dinner at one of Meridian’s restaurants. Many offer plates prepared with regionally sourced ingredients and paired with Idaho wines. End the day at your hotel with your feet up and one final toast — to all the reasons fall in Meridian is so special.