The N.C. Department of Agriculture says agritourism attractions throughout the state are taking precautions related to COVID-19 and remain good destinations for families.

Apple picking, pumpkin patches and corn mazes are just a few of the many that are operating. Go to gottobenc.com or visitncfarmstoday.com to find them, or use the Visit NC Farms app.

Bladen County locations to be found include Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery in Elizabethtown, Lu Mil Vineyard in Elizabethtown, Morris Farms in Dublin and Skinner Peanuts & Produce in Dublin.

In adjacent counties are Crooked Run Vineyards in Clinton, Twiddle Dee Farm in Clinton, Cedar Creek Fish Farm in Fayetteville, Powers Strawberries in Lumberton, Locklear Farms in Pembroke, Cukabury Farms in Fairmont, Robinson Produce Farms in Whiteville, Bullock Pumpkins in Chadbourn, Sea Love Sea Salt in Burgaw, Thomas Produce Farm in Burgaw, Bannerman Vineyard in Burgaw and Bear Ridge Farms in Maple Hill.

In a release, agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler says, “Farms that create educational, recreation and entertainment activities are ideal for families looking for fun. Farms already offer plenty of room for social distancing in an outdoor setting. This year, farms that have diversified to include agritourism activities are taking additional measures to ensure that everyone has a safe experience on the farm in response to COVID-19.”

Some farms have limited the number of visitors on site at any given time. Others are offering sunset tours and limited-seating farm dinners. The Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk, in another example, offers small group tours of its alpacas by reservation only.

Check with farms ahead of time to be sure of their operating standards.

Orchards, pumpkin patches and corn mazes have extra hand washing and hand sanitizer stations, along with a number of other safety protocols.

The Agriculture Department, the release says, “encourages those wishing to visit local farms this fall to continue to practice recommendations from public health officials. Wear a cloth mask over your nose and mouth. Wait six feet apart and avoid close contact. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Visitors are encouraged to contact farms directly to learn about specific requirements or restrictions for each farm.”

Alan Wooten can be reached at 910-247-9132 or awooten@bladenjournal.com. Twitter: @alanwooten19.