Agritourism

HARRODSBURG - The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, Kentucky Tourism Development Cabinet and Kentucky Farm Bureau will sponsor a one-day seminar, "Opportunities in Agritourism," from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Nov. 6 at Anderson Circle Farm on U.S. 127 north of Harrodsburg. Agritourism is an economic activity that occurs when people link travel with agriculture products, services or experiences. It is also a way farm families can diversify their agriculture operation.

Kentucky officials unveiled a new state Agritourism logo to raise public awareness of Kentucky's more than 250 farm-based destinations at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville. The logo appears on the Kentucky Farms Are Fun Web site, an online directory of Kentucky farm attractions that enables consumers to search for Agritourism adventures by activity, region or county. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet launched the Web site earlier this year.

HARRODSBURG - Agritourism is a permitted use in two agricultural zones in Mercer County. That was the decision of the Greater Harrodsburg/Mercer County Planning and Zoning Commission Monday night after hearing a presentation by Pete and Brenda Cashel and their attorney, Bruce Smith. While the ruling by the commission seems simple on its face, the Cashels' Terrapin Hill Farm is used for more than just an educational center. There are two music events each year, one in June and the other during the Harvest Festival held on the Mackville Road farm each September.

Kentucky travelers have more choices for fun fall outings than ever. With gas prices skyrocketing, agritourism destinations offer inexpensive, enjoyable and educational activities close to home. Haney's Appledale Farm is a family-owned apple and peach orchard in Nancy in Pulaski County. Besides its peaches in the summer and its 40 varieties of apples in the fall, Haney's is also known for its unique fried apple and peach pies. "We think they're pretty special," said Don Haney, who co-owns the farm with his brother, Mark.

LEXINGTON - Though Independence Day is now past, there's still plenty of summer left for families to hit the road and reap the bounty of the many agritourism sites in the state. Kentucky has a proud agricultural heritage. Families can cultivate that pride and heritage in their children by visiting the many farms and agricultural businesses that open their gates to the public. On-farm markets, such as those in the Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Roadside Market Program, offer tours that provide unique farm scenery, educational experiences and often include interesting historical perspectives of the farm or region.

Farm tourism operators can register for this month's Kentucky Farms Are Fun Conference for the $75 early bird rate through Feb. 13. The second annual agritourism conference is scheduled for Feb. 15-17 at the University Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Bowling Green. Experts on farm tourism will show participants how to market their farms. Business operators, industry leaders, policy makers, suppliers and academics will have an opportunity to share information and exchange ideas.

Experts on farm tourism will show Kentucky agritourism operators how to market their farms in a conference Feb. 15-17 at the University Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Bowling Green. The second annual Kentucky Farms are Fun Conference will bring together business operators, industry leaders, policy makers, suppliers and academics to share information and exchange ideas. Conference topics will include marketing, business development and personnel management. Early registration fee is $75. After Jan. 31, registration will be $125.

How many ways are there to enjoy the wonder of travel and tourism? There are as many ways and varieties as there are travelers. The basic ones are leisure, recreation and business. Other types fall under a “niche” or specialty category which has evolved in recent years. The most popular types are: cultural/heritage, adventure, agritourism, ecotourism, culinary, educational, excursions, bourbon, wine and others. Based on state surveys, the most popular reasons that travelers visit Kentucky are families, cultural/heritage, agritourism, and adventure.

Lincoln County has a new tourism website. The site is www.stanford-lincolncountytourism.com The site contains information about festivals, events, lodging, shopping, restaurants, historic sites, agritourism venues, Amish stores, outdoor recreation, arts and craft stores, and entertainment. County history and Cedar Creek Lake photos can be viewed as well. A calendar of events is being compiled to update various tourism websites. If you have an event or festival that is scheduled for 2008, we want to include it in our promotions and on the website.

Farmers' market ummits scheduled Farmers' market managers and vendors can get useful information for the upcoming market season from four summits scheduled throughout the state in February and March. The first day of each two-day summit will be dedicated to helping farmers' market managers enhance their management skills with workshops on conducting effective meetings, managing conflict, conducting effective promotional campaigns, working with the media and other subjects.

How many ways are there to enjoy the wonder of travel and tourism? There are as many ways and varieties as there are travelers. The basic ones are leisure, recreation and business. Other types fall under a “niche” or specialty category which has evolved in recent years. The most popular types are: cultural/heritage, adventure, agritourism, ecotourism, culinary, educational, excursions, bourbon, wine and others. Based on state surveys, the most popular reasons that travelers visit Kentucky are families, cultural/heritage, agritourism, and adventure.

In the horse-heavy Bluegrass region of Kentucky, there doesn't seem to be much room for the rest of the state's agricultural resources to get face time. That's not the case, however, at Serenity Hill Fiber and Living History Farm in Nicholasville. The working sheep farm offers visitors a chance to see how a sheep farm runs as well as what happens with the wool from the animals. It's an operation that Nan Riekert, one of the owners of the farm, called "agri-tourism. " "We're just a small farm ?

LEXINGTON - Though Independence Day is now past, there's still plenty of summer left for families to hit the road and reap the bounty of the many agritourism sites in the state. Kentucky has a proud agricultural heritage. Families can cultivate that pride and heritage in their children by visiting the many farms and agricultural businesses that open their gates to the public. On-farm markets, such as those in the Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Roadside Market Program, offer tours that provide unique farm scenery, educational experiences and often include interesting historical perspectives of the farm or region.

Farm tourism operators can register for this month's Kentucky Farms Are Fun Conference for the $75 early bird rate through Feb. 13. The second annual agritourism conference is scheduled for Feb. 15-17 at the University Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Bowling Green. Experts on farm tourism will show participants how to market their farms. Business operators, industry leaders, policy makers, suppliers and academics will have an opportunity to share information and exchange ideas.

Experts on farm tourism will show Kentucky agritourism operators how to market their farms in a conference Feb. 15-17 at the University Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Bowling Green. The second annual Kentucky Farms are Fun Conference will bring together business operators, industry leaders, policy makers, suppliers and academics to share information and exchange ideas. Conference topics will include marketing, business development and personnel management. Early registration fee is $75. After Jan. 31, registration will be $125.

A futurist, a farmer and a food marketing expert will show Kentucky producers how to "Grow Your Cash Crop in Kentucky" at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's inaugural Direct Marketing Conference Nov. 13-14 in Lexington. Economist, futurist and author Dr. Jay Lehr of Ostrander, Ohio, will talk about megatrends in agriculture and the future of sustainable agriculture. Innovative farmer Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley will speak on diversifying for profit, product and pleasure.

Kentucky officials unveiled a new state Agritourism logo to raise public awareness of Kentucky's more than 250 farm-based destinations at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville. The logo appears on the Kentucky Farms Are Fun Web site, an online directory of Kentucky farm attractions that enables consumers to search for Agritourism adventures by activity, region or county. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet launched the Web site earlier this year.

Lincoln County has a new tourism website. The site is www.stanford-lincolncountytourism.com The site contains information about festivals, events, lodging, shopping, restaurants, historic sites, agritourism venues, Amish stores, outdoor recreation, arts and craft stores, and entertainment. County history and Cedar Creek Lake photos can be viewed as well. A calendar of events is being compiled to update various tourism websites. If you have an event or festival that is scheduled for 2008, we want to include it in our promotions and on the website.

FRANKFORT - The new Web site for farm-based tourist destinations in Kentucky will be unveiled at the 2008 Kentucky Agritourism Summit Feb. 21 at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset. "The new 'Kentucky Farms are Fun' Web site will enable Kentucky agritourism operators to market their attractions quickly and efficiently," Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. "Tourists from near and far will be able to find Kentucky farm destinations that the whole family will enjoy.

Two different Kentucky agritourism enterprises will celebrate annual harvests this month at Chateau du Vieux Corbeau Winery in Danville and the Mennonite Community in Allen County. At the 27-acre winery adjacent to the Old Crow Inn in Danville, proprietor Andre Brousseau invites visitors to observe the harvest and processing of grapes on Sept. 22, weather permitting. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., activities will include viewing the vineyards, participating in the harvest, taking a wagon ride around the farm and walking the trails to glimpse deer, turkey and other wildlife, Brousseau said.