Agritourism is Alive and Well in Kentucky
Posted by Admin
More and more people are hearing the term agritourism and wondering what it is all about. Agritourism is all about the coming together of tourism and agriculture and it is happening all over the great state of Kentucky when people visit farms, ranches, wineries. Of course, this is not just happening in Kentucky but all around the world as people are realizing the value of these agricultural providers. Many people visit these locations just to buy products but others go to be entertained, enjoy a dining experience, camp or spend the night, and take part in a wide variety of organized activities.
The Popularity of Agritourism
This form of tourism is becoming more popular because people simply need an escape. We are constantly sitting in traffic, cooped up in buildings, on cell phones, and simply taking part in modern day life but after awhile we all need a break from this. Agritourism is a great way to escape the stresses of modern life and get back to basics. Many families use this time to teach their kids about how and where food is grown and that everything we eat comes from nature. It seems that the busier our lives get the more exciting a day at a local farm or ranch can be for an individual, a couple, or a family.
A lot of people like go out and experience a farm because they have heard about farming from someone they know. In fact, if most of us look far back far enough we’ll find that our family members farmed. Going out and interacting with nature is something that many of us do because it allows for us to connect in a new way with family members that we may or may not have known. As you can see, agritourism has an emotional appeal in addition to everything else!
Agritourism is Entertainment
Many people do not realize how much fun they could have while they are on a farm or a ranch, or perhaps just camping or taking a hike through the Daniel Boone National Forest. The great thing about when you visit a place like a ranch or a farm is that each day offers something new, experiences that you cannot find just anywhere. You may be able to pick your won fruit, milk a cow, rope a calf, or even stomp some grapes. These are not activities that you are going to find at your local park, making these experiences truly memorable.
Agritourism is a great thing for the young and old alike. This type of tourism is great for all generations because everyone can learn something. When children take part in these activities they may learn for the first time where food really comes from and it will teach them lessons about caring for the land that they will carry with them into adulthood. Adults can learn things about farming or ranching that they didn’t know before, which will make them appreciate every apple or orange that they eat all the more.
Farmers Get in on the Fun
Many farmers love the idea of agritourism because it introduces the people in their community to all that they do. Many believe that farms are a thing of the past and it is this belief that has many farmers struggling to keep things going. Many farmers have been forced over the last few years to sell portions of their land to developers because they just cannot keep up with the costs of maintaining their land and animals. This process of decline in the farming communities around the country has many farmers excited about agritourism because it gives them the opportunity to show people what they are doing. Farmers also realize that through agritourism they could benefit financially by opening fruit stands, country stores, and offering special activities on their land. Many don’t realize it, but agritourism is responsible for keeping many farms up and running.
Making Agritourism a Part of Your Life
There are opportunities to interact with agriculture just about everywhere; you may just have to look beyond the modern forms of entertainment to find them. A day at a ranch or a farm can be a lot of fun, even if you have done it before. You will be exposing yourself and your family to new and exciting things that you cannot see at the movie theatre, on a video game, or anything of that sort. The great thing about agritourism is that you can still incorporate the things that you like into it. If you love wine, visit a winery and learn about how your favorite wine is made. If you love animals, why not visit a ranch. Agriculture is a big part of who we are as a people and finding entertainment value in it is simple, though many people wouldn’t assume that it could be as interesting as it is!
You can make agritourism a part of your life in a very simple way. You can stop at the country store or farmers market down the road, help pick up garbage in the local parks, visit a local winery, patronize local farms and ranches, or take part in organized agricultural events in the David Boone National Park. There are opportunities all around you that will allow you to get involved is these activities, you simply need to go out and find them. In fact, you may already be taking part and not even know it!
Many people find that their involvement in agritourism is very rewarding. When you live a busy life sometimes there is nothing better than getting back to nature and slowing everything down. Leave the cell phones at home, leave the traffic behind you, and simply get away from the city for a few hours. Chances are you’ll come away with new knowledge as well as a new relaxed outlook on life. Agritourism is beneficial for all involved so find some time to get out there and start enjoying your local agriculture!
