Popularity of Agritourism Continues to Rise
Spring is in the air and that means people are beginning to plan for their summer getaways. This year, many Americans will once again choose a visit to the countryside as opposed to a trip to the beach, a waterpark or other more traditional summer destinations.
Recently, a growing number of city-dwellers have opted to connect with nature and experience life in the country for their summer vacation. This is understandable. After all, who can resist waking up to the sounds of a working farm, feeding baby lambs, or gazing at the clear night sky filled with stars.
In most cases, such trips involve staying on an operating farm or ranch. These farms and ranches allow individuals, couples or families to experience country living up close and personal. From cheese-making on a dairy farm in Wisconsin to caring for livestock on a cattle ranch in Montana, these agritourism vacations are all the rage.
Children and adults of all ages will love feeding baby animals, picking blueberries, baking pies, churning butter, eating huge farm-style meals, and sleeping in an old-fashioned farmhouse. The best part? You can travel to far off locations or remain close to home and still get away from it all.
Considering spending some time in the country or on the farm for your next trip but can’t decide if it is right for you? Farmers list the following reasons why agritourism is an outstanding choice:
- Incredible food. City folks may have never experienced the satisfaction of the farm-to-table experience. There is nothing better than breakfast made from eggs you collected yourself that same morning or picking apples for your very own homemade apple pie.
- History comes alive. When you visit working farms that have been handed down from generation to generation, you feel a connection with the land that you would never expect. And depending on where you choose to vacation, you could be on one of the oldest farms in the nation.
- Life slows down. Going off the beaten path saves you from the stress that comes with so many vacations. Instead of rushing to see the next landmark or roller coaster, you can slow down and actually relax and unwind.
Of course, visitors to farms and ranches aren’t the only ones who benefit from agritourism. Such vacations help to support small and family-owned farms. They also may entice young people who have never experienced country living to consider a career in agriculture.
