Get Your Hands Dirty | Exploring Agritourism at Moses Mill Farm
When you imagine Southside Virginia, you might think of children laughing and playing in the newly opened Riverfront Park, the smell of delicious cuisine at downtown bistros and bakeries, or the grand Dan River, winding its way through our city. But beyond the bustle of downtown living lies another side of the region that offers rolling farmlands, open pastures, and unique experiences that tie tourists directly to the land. Moses Mill Farm, located in Chatham, Virginia, welcomes residents and visitors to enjoy sweet country living, step outside their comfort zone, and maybe bring home a lesson or two on the power of the land.
A Story to Tell
Owner Amy Davis discovered her calling through the pages of The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan. Inspired by the book’s exploration of the food system and where our food comes from, she purchased Moses Mill Farm in Chatham in 2013 with a simple goal: produce better food.
“Better food means healthier people, and we produce better food here,” said Davis.
As Davis settled into life on the farm, she began uncovering the property’s rich history through conversations with longtime community members and her own research.
“It wasn’t long before we started to discover the farm’s rich history through folks who stopped by to tell us about it and through our own research,” said Davis. “When we launched our website in 2024 with the help of a Visit SoSi sponsorship, descendants of the Moses family started finding us, calling and visiting to share stories about their ancestors.”
That history stretches back more than 150 years and includes the original Moses family, a devastating flood in the 1940s, and historic structures that still stand today, including the farmhouse and barn.
Visitors can explore that history firsthand during guided farm tours and view the site where the property’s gristmill once operated before being destroyed in 1944, along with remnants of the mill and its concrete boiler stack. These landmarks serve as tangible connections to the people and stories that shaped the land long before it became the farm visitors experience today.
Sunrise to Sunset
Life at Moses Mill Farm is anything but predictable. From feeding animals and maintaining pastures to welcoming guests, preparing for farmers markets, and managing the business side of the operation, there is always something demanding attention. Davis cares for a variety of animals, including cows, chickens, horses, more than a dozen goats, and even two resident farm cats.
“A typical day for me looks nothing like a typical day. Mother Nature is always throwing new surprises at you, some of them quite nasty, and the more souls you have to take care of, the more divided your attention can get. Oh! The balls that I juggle!” remarked Davis.
Farm Fun
Visitors to the Moses Mill Farm can enjoy a variety of experiences, including goat cuddling sessions, farm tours, goat milking, and a newly-opened bed & breakfast right on the historic property.
“Goat-milking season is in full swing at the farm, and the fireflies are at their very best this time of year,” said Davis. “It’s the perfect time for a vacation to the Pittsylvania countryside.”
Goat milking, one of the farm’s most popular activities, gives guests the opportunity to learn about goat husbandry and proper milking techniques and equipment. Lasting about an hour, the experience is ideal for families, animal lovers, and even couples looking for a unique date night.
Moses Mill Farm also offers guests a chance to slow down and connect with the land. “When folks from our surrounding cities need a break from traffic and corporate burnout, a quick trip to Danville and Pittsylvania County could rejuvenate their souls. Moses Mill Farm and farms like ours are here to provide excellent opportunities for such rejuvenation whenever it’s needed.“
The Power of Agritourism
How does Moses Mill Farm tie into the local economy? According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia’s agriculture sector contributes more than $82 billion annually to the state’s economy, through products like poultry, cattle, crops, and more. This sector is also made visible through agritourism, the enriching blend of agriculture and tourism. To put it simply: when visitors connect with the land, the region’s economy is supported.
Agritourism takes shape in many ways: overnight stays on working farms, farm-made products like soaps, farm-to-table dining, and hands-on experiences.
“I wish more people would understand that good food means better personal health and a healthier environment. I wish more people would understand why it’s so critically important to spend as many dollars as possible locally,” said Davis.
By welcoming guests onto the farm, Davis hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for agriculture and encourage visitors to support the farmers, producers, and small businesses that help sustain Southside Virginia’s rural economy.
Stay Tuned
Davis looks ahead, “Visitors in the coming months can expect great opportunities for lovely walks around the farm and to the mill ruins, excellent cow- and goat-gazing opportunities in the early mornings over coffee and in the late evenings over cocktails, and a myriad of opportunities to take classes in soap-making, cooking, fermenting, and canning. Call to schedule!”
Curious residents or tourists can visit www.mosesmillfarmva.com to learn more and plan their getaway.
The City of Danville supports agritourism attractions and experiences in Southside Virginia, through the regional tourism program, Visit SoSi. From goat milking at Moses Mill Farm and pumpkin patch adventures at Owen Farm to wine tastings at The Homeplace Vineyard or live rodeos at Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex, agritourism shines bright in our region, and we are here to help share these rich stories. So, what will you explore? Visit www.visitsosi.com to start your journey.
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