Town of Cambria, N.Y.- Niagara USA's expansive farmlands and fertile soil has created ideal growing conditions for various fruits and vegetables. At Coulter Farms visitors are able to pick their own produce, offering a unique look into where our food comes from.

 It might surprise many visitors to the Niagara USA region, but agriculture is one of our region’s major industries.

The fertile soil and unique micro-climate found between the shores of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment have provided unique opportunities for not just local farmers, but visitors to the region.

Not only is Niagara USA a renowned wine region, but its expansive farmlands and fruit-filled fields make for an exciting agri-tourism adventure for travelers young and old.

From mid June to Early July, Niagara’s farmers produce a crop of sweet strawberries, which are offered at fruit stands and local farmers markets across the region.

But for those looking to put in a little work and have a unique experience down on the farm, the opportunity exists for visitors to head out to many of Niagara USA’s farms and pick the summer-time staple for themselves.

At Coulter Farms in Lockport, NY, it’s the way it’s been done, well for almost 125 years. The family-run establishment located at 3871 N. Ridge Road Lockport provides the bushel and a bit of guidance, but leaves the picking up to you.

And let me tell you the juice really is worth the squeeze.

Getting a little dirty down at Coulter Farms offered me unique perspective and appreciation for where our food comes from and what steps are taken to produce and harvest it.

Dave Coulter, whose great-grandfather founded his Lockport farming operation in 1889 said the educational appreciation is really what it’s all about.

“A lot of times you ask children where food comes from and they will say the supermarket,” Coulter said. “This farm shows them that food is not some plastic widget, it is a beautiful process. We are dependent on the miracle of food and at an operation like this we call all experience that.”

During other times of the year, Coulter Farms produces crops such as Raspberries, Blueberries, Cherries and Peas all which can also be picked by visitors.

Coulter Farms is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit Coulterfarmsllc.com.

Here is a full list of "Pick Niagara" farms that offer unique agri-tourism opportunities.

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