Agritourism
Agritourism is a combination of agriculture and tourism. (The Kentucky Department of Agritourism defines it as "Fun on The Farm") Bringing the two together has created a sustainable tourism industry in rural areas. Agritourism gives the visitor an opportunity to get acquainted with agricultural areas, agricultural occupations, local products, homegrown foods, and the daily life of people who live on a farm. It invites them to explore the cultural elements and the authentic features of the area. Mostly, agritourism brings visitors closer to nature and rural activities in which they can participate, be entertained, and enjoy the pleasure of touring, learning and discovering.
An example of agritourism is a farm tour. The day starts with eating breakfast made with farm fresh eggs, harvested pork, and homemade breads. Then it's off to the barn yard to do morning chores. This is the time that tourists get up close and personal with all the animals such as chickens, goats, deer, peacocks, and sheep. Visitors will learn that each animal has different personalities just like people do. They will get to touch and hand feed the animals. A chicken is very soft and content while the goats are furry and like to jump and play. Some will even chew on tourists' clothes. Bottle feeding baby fawns are always a big hit. They think the tourists are their mommies.
Another example of agritourism is a hay ride to a U-pick farm and a picnic on the back of a wagon. Here the tourist can pick blackberries, blueberries, pumpkins, or a variety of vegetables such as green beans and vine-ripened tomatoes. It is according to the season as to what choice the visitors have. Some farmers will surprise the visitors by acting out a play along the trail to the U-pick patch. This could include the reenactment of a working moonshine still. 
Some evening agritourism events start at the barn with a barbeque and a barn dance. The hosts wear long dresses and bibbed overalls. The tourists are entertained with food, music and a few jokes. Adults and children dance and sing all evening long. Late night activities around a camp fire are great ways to relax after a day of fun on the farm. This is for those who are still full of energy. Storytellers gather and tell stories that relate to the local culture.
Agritourism is a fast growing alternative to the typical vacation. There are families that have always lived in the city and have not had the opportunity to engage with farm life. Agritourism is very educational for children and adults. There is no time to be bored on an agritourism tour for there is something exciting going on all day long. The average cost for a tour per day is $100.00 per person which covers expenses of food, lodging, and tour. Most tours are three to seven days long.
Kay Boggs
