Though the name is new, agritourism has been around for a while. Farmers and ranchers offer unique adventures that give a glimpse of a simpler agrarian lifestyle. Whether you get lost in a corn maze, fire off a pumpkin catapult, sample wine in a vineyard, or shop at a bustling farmers market, on America's Byways, you'll find a bounty of opportunities to escape the harried pace of city life and modern suburbia.
Farmers' Market (CA) [1]
Few places exemplify this growing industry like California's Central Coast. On Route 1 -- San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway, you'll find all of the mainstays of agriculture-related tourism. Spend the night in a farmstay – typically a bed and breakfast on the farm property – and get as close of a glimpse of farm life as you'd like. Wake up at the break of dawn and help out with the chores, or sleep in and enjoy a home-cooked breakfast. Don't just visit this area on a weekend, though. San Luis Obispo's Farmers Market sprawls across six blocks every Thursday night, inviting locals and tourists to sample barbecued ribs and live music while perusing fresh produce.
Farther north on the West Coast, travel Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway through the Umpqua Valley in Oregon. The valley experiences three subtly different climates and 150 different soil types, making it an ideal place to grow fine wines. Take in the crisp air among the grapes in the vineyards and delight your palate in the tasting rooms of the wineries. You can also sample local wines in one of many local cafés or restaurants, perhaps while enjoying a dinner of expertly prepared trout caught minutes before in the North Umpqua River. Agritourism is generally linked with sustainable practices; these family farms and vineyards generally avoid pesticides and chemicals to preserve their land and attract visitors.
Many cattle ranchers distinguish themselves from the more traditional dude ranch by inviting visitors to stay on a living, working ranch. Travel Beartooth Highway in Wyoming and Montana and spend a week or so living the rancher's lifestyle. Amble across the open range atop a horse, herd cattle, and help out with the daily work, or devote your time to wildlife watching and mountain biking. Evenings promise fresh air, home-cooked meals and quiet sunsets.
A journey among American agriculture destinations requires a trip to the heartland of the nation. Try something unique like the Chase County Prairie Fire Festival in April. This weeklong event on Kansas' Flint Hills Scenic Byway consists of seminars and events dealing with the yearly prairie burn. Enjoy good food, live music, and the flickering flames in the distance as fire refreshes the landscape. While there, try and snag one of the hottest summer tickets around and experience classical music in the North America's largest native tallgrass prairie during June's Symphony in the Flint Hills.
The taste of fresh fruits and vegetables plucked straight from the tree defines the quintessential agritourism experience. Many of America's Byways run through farm country, such as the Great River Road from northern Minnesota to southern Mississippi, the Mohawk Towpath Byway in New York State, or Alabama's Talladega Scenic Drive. Take a hayride out to an orchard and pick your own apples and cherries. Visit a local restaurant and feast on fresh raspberry pie or pancakes loaded with farm-fresh butter and maple syrup. In addition to fresh berries and fruit, many farms and ranches along America's Byways also offer holiday fare. Pick out and chop down the perfect Christmas tree, hunt for Halloween pumpkins for scary Jack 'O Lanterns, or bring your children to play with baby bunnies, chicks and ducklings at Eastertime.
As the nation continues to congregate in cities, some pine for days gone by when families lived on farms or ranches. When city life gets you down, agritourism along America's Byways offers the chance to get back to the simple life for a bit and enjoy some slow-paced days in the country's wide open spaces.
