The Fourth Annual East Austin Urban Farm Tour

Perhaps the best way to learn about a community is through full immersion in its food, drinks, and conversation. The East Austin Urban Farm Tour enlists many of Austin's brightest and best chefs, artisan food makers, winemakers, distillers, and craft brewers, then divvies them among four urban farms located within blocks of one another on Austin's Eastside. Starting with Boggy Creek Farm in the early Nineties, there has been some reclamation of the fertile Colorado River bottom land that made Austin the onetime Spinach Capital of Texas. Controversies notwithstanding (see "Communication Breakdown"), the food produced by these urban farmers has changed the city landscape, as well as influenced evolving menus in Austin homes and restaurants. Visiting the farms, tour participants will enjoy chef tastings spanning a wide range of flavors created from farm-fresh ingredients, and quench their thirsts with special craft cocktails, brews, and wine. Attendees are encouraged to spend Sunday afternoon experiencing farm animals while engaging in party chatter and heartfelt impromptu Q&A sessions with farmers and fellow constituents. Whether learning local foods' origin stories or solving that head-scratcher from the backyard garden, participation in the EAUFT is sure to broaden horizons.

The East Austin Urban Farm Tour takes place Sunday, April 14, 1-5pm. EAUFT planners encourage participants to either bike or park at one location and walk the neigborhood; the tour goes on, rain or shine. Proceeds benefit the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, an organization that advocates for independent farms and the improvement of the American food system for consumers while promoting sensible, diversified agricultural policies. Wristbands are $45 ($55 at the door; limited) and include entry to all four farms for visitors over 12 years old (children 12 & under are free). See www.eastaustinurbanfarmtour2013.eventbrite.com for more details.

Participating Farms and Vendors:

Rain Lily Farm (914 Shady, www.rainlilydesign.com): Sway, Olive & June, Glass2Plate, Vespaio, East End Wines, Treaty Oaks Distilling Co.

HausBar Farms (3300 Govalle Ave., www.hausbarfarms.com): Dai Due, Komé Sushi Kitchen, Amity Bakery, Hillside Farmacy & the Home Grown Revival, Wahaka Mezcal, Balcones Distillery, Paula's Texas Spirits (Note: HausBar is not producing or selling any products or food for this event.)

Springdale Farm (755 Springdale, www.springdalefarmaustin.com): Péché & Cherry St., Cafe Josie, Confituras, Bola Pizza, Rebecca Creek Distillery, Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Boggy Creek Farm (3414 Lyons, www.boggycreekfarm.com): Wink, Lenoir, Texas French Bread, Olivia, Lick Ice Creams, Live Oak Brewing Company