Latest news with #agritourism
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
8 U-Pick Farms In The South For A Sweet Summer Outing
For Southerners, fresh fruit is best enjoyed outdoors with grass under our bare feet and sunlight overhead. It's easy enough to grab a container from the air-conditioned grocery store, but there's something far more rewarding about picking it yourself. Whether it's biting into a juicy peach or balancing a slice of watermelon bigger than your plate, the experience can transport you back to childhood. If you're looking to spend a day under open skies, with stained fingertips and the scent of ripening fruit in the air, these eight farms offer just that—plus beautiful views and memories worth savoring. Blue Ridge, Georgia Surrounded by mountain views in beautiful Blue Ridge, Georgia, this four-generation, family-owned orchard has been a local treasure since 1943. Mercier is best known for its 50-plus varieties of apples—but fruit picking stretches nearly year-round. Late spring kicks off with the Blueberry U-pick, inviting guests to gather bright, sun-ripened berries destined for jams, cobblers, or straight-from-the-bucket snacking. By August, guests can pick the coveted apples. Both experiences begin with a scenic tractor ride through the fields, but you haven't seen it all until you've visited the on-site market and bakery, where fried pies, apple fritters, and more are all made with the farm's bounty. 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513; 706-632-3411 Explore Blue Ridge Tuskegee, Alabama This 46-acre plot is home to four acres of specialty crops and 40 acres of mixed hardwoods and pines, but it's the two-acre blueberry patch—lovingly tended by Josie Gbadamosi—that turns this place into a beloved summer ritual. Each summer, the gates of Shady Grove Road Blueberry Patch swing open, inviting neighbors and travelers to grab a bucket, brave the sun, and gather ripe, plump berries straight from the bush. Make the most of your visit by planning around the farm's biannual Rhythm and Blueberry Festival, a two-day celebration packed with live music, arts, horse rides, food demos, giveaways, and a bustling farmers market. 690 Co Rd 81, Tuskegee, AL 36083; 334-521-6006 Hendersonville, NC It's not every day that you get to pick your own thornless Navaho blackberries, but this family-run orchard in Hendersonville invites you to do just that starting in early July. (Exact ripening dates depend on the weather, so be sure to check the schedule.) Pick blackberries and select varieties of apples, then celebrate your hard work by unwinding at the on-site Taproom, where you can sip on house-made hard ciders, local beers on tap, and regional wines. For the kiddos—or anyone with a sweet tooth—stop by the bakery for fried apple pies, cider donuts, and more seasonal treats. 187 Garren Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792; 828-974-1232 Explore Hendersonville Lucedale and Wiggins, Mississippi Fruit picking gets all the love, but vegetable picking is just as fun. What began with a single newspaper ad—'Pick Your Own Tomatoes, $5 Bucket'—has grown into a beloved summer tradition across southern Mississippi. At Charlie's U-Pik, now run by the children and grandchildren of founder Charlie Eubanks, families can snag watermelons and warm-weather vegetables like tomatoes, peas, peppers, sweet corn, and the list goes on. The farm's two locations in Lucedale and Wiggins offer a no-frills, deeply rewarding kind of harvest. Produce is charged by the five-gallon bucket (bring your own), so it's easy to load up and linger. 257 Charlies Ln, Lucedale, MS 39452; 3787 MS-26, Wiggins, MS 39577; 601-530-0548 Crozet, Virginia As you drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this farm near downtown Crozet is the perfect roadside stop for fresh fruit mountain views. From blackberries to blueberries to peaches, the property is bountiful in the summertime. Visitors pre-pay by container size, with at least one container required for every two to three people. After your time in the fields, head to the farm market and bakery for creamy soft-serve ice cream. Order a waffle cone outside or enjoy a milkshake inside the 'Clubhouse,' and don't forget to try their homemade hot fudge and fresh cider donuts, both local favorites. Related: 15 Must-Visit Vineyards In Virginia For Wine Enthusiasts Long Creek, South Carolina Set on 200 acres in the Blue Ridge foothills, Chattooga Belle Farm doubles as a lively event space, known for everything from sunset dinners and outdoor weddings to whiskey tastings at its on-site distillery. There's plenty of room to roam, with wide-open views and U-pick fields that shift with the season—blueberries ripen in June and July, followed by early apples in August. As summer winds down, you'll find more unexpected treasures, like crisp Asian pears and sweet Brown Turkey figs. 454 Damascus Church Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658; 864-647-9768 Enigma, Georgia Summer's at its sweetest when the blackberry brambles are full and the muscadine grapes are just starting to blush at this family-run U-pick farm. Blackberries are typically ready from May through mid-July, with muscadines following from July into September. Pick by the quart or the gallon (containers are provided) and when you're done, cool off with a scoop of homemade ice cream or a brightly colored slushie, both made with the farm's Georgia-grown produce. 3131 Vickers Church Rd, Enigma, GA 31749; 229-533-4314 York, South Carolina This family-owned farm in the heart of South Carolina's Piedmont has been growing peaches for more than a century. July is prime time for picking the Southern stone fruit, but early June offers the last of the season's bright-red strawberries. After your harvest, stick around for lunch at the farm café, where meals are made with fresh produce and grass-fed beef. For dessert, there's house-made ice cream, and the farm store is stocked with honey, jams, jellies, and pantry favorites sourced from across the region. 1800 Black Hwy, York, SC 29745; 803-684-2333 Read the original article on Southern Living
BBC News
26-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Surrey farmers able to bid for funding to aid growth
Farmers in parts of Surrey can now apply for grants from Surrey County Council to help boost of up to £120,000 is available to help farmers in the districts of Tandridge, Guildford and grants will aim to support ideas like opening farm shops, generating sustainable energy and "developing agritourism", the council suggests."As committed custodians of much of Surrey's fantastic countryside, farmers play a key role in everyone's way of life," said councillor Matt Furniss. A total of £360,000 is available from the government's Rural England Prosperity Fund for 2025/ council is calling it a "competitive process" and says it will "focus on supporting a small number of large-scale, high-impact projects".Applications can be made on the Business Surrey website and closes at the end of farmers and landowners can also apply for separate Business Growth Grants from the Surrey Economic Growth Fund, which are open until the end of May.
ABC News
26-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Agritourism booms in WA as farmers look to future-proof businesses
Agritourism is helping farmers in southern Western Australia future-proof their businesses and legacies as experts predict the sector will continue to boom. The CSIRO estimates the industry, which involves farmers using a combination of tours, accommodation and hospitality to attract guests, will be worth $18.6 billion by 2030. Raquel and Murray Johnson have been leasing part of their regenerative farm, Galloway Springs at Bridgetown, to the third-party owner of a tiny house for more than two years. "Agritourism has been a really positive shift for our farm," Ms Johnson said. "I was reluctant in the beginning to have people come on our farm, but it's proved to be so positive. "We started off with just some bookings and two years later we're back-to-back pretty much all of the year." Ms Johnson said since they started leasing the land the couple's agritourism operations had expanded. A separate farmstay offering was added and they were considering the addition of a second tiny house. "We've had visitors straight from South Korea and from Singapore," Ms Johnson said. The farm was also diversifying its income streams via other regenerative practices. "I do my own farm tours, so that's exactly why they're booking — to get onto farm and to see farm animals," Ms Johnson said. "I get the opportunity to explain farming to them and … why healthy food matters and why supporting farmers locally or directly is really important." Olio Bello general manager Brett Roberts said his olive farm's expansion into agritourism had been a "holistic" process. He said the shift, which began seven years ago, had helped to create connections with prospective customers. "We're a certified organic property, so with that comes costs," Mr Roberts said. "Tourism plays a major part in getting people to the property and — if they like our products and like our story and understand what we're about — it helps in the way we sell them." Mr Roberts believed the marriage of farming and tourism was essential for his business. "Without the tourism experiences, people wouldn't come to Olio Bello," he said. "So they do piggyback each other, but if we didn't have the farm, then we wouldn't have the tourism facilities here. "While they rely on each other, we didn't start out to be a tourist destination — it was a way for us to get our story out." A study led by University of Western Australia Associate Professor Kirsten Martinus identified location, authenticity, interaction and learning as key areas of importance for agritourism operations. She also highlighted the need to reframe competition as collaboration. "If you're in agriculture, agriculture itself is quite difficult financially," Dr Martinus said. "It's also highly competitive, but the question is, should you be competing or should providers be collaborating?" She said WA winemakers had shown the way in working collaboratively. "Places like wine-growing regions have been really good at this, because it's not just about going to buy the wine," Dr Martinus said. "They've got chocolate, they've got cheese — you've got all sorts of other experiences you can have. "You start to broaden out the cohort that might be interested. "If you can collaborate with others … suddenly, you grow your market."
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Zawya
Oman: The raw potential of Khabita Village for agritourism
Across the verdant valleys and rugged mountains of Oman, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Traditionally reliant on agriculture, many small villages are now beginning to explore a new path—embracing agritourism to diversify their income streams and bring fresh vitality to their communities. This shift offers a promising way for local farmers and villagers to not only sustain their livelihoods but also showcase their cultural and natural heritage to international and domestic visitors alike. The raw potential of Khabita Village for agritourism In a world where globalisation and modernisation often threaten the survival of rural communities, these villages are recognising the potential of opening their doors to tourists. Agritourism—where visitors are welcomed onto farms to experience local traditions, partake in harvests, or simply enjoy the scenic beauty—presents a unique opportunity to foster sustainable development. For many small-scale farmers with modest lands and limited market access, this can be the difference between stagnation and revival. One such village leading this movement is Khabita, nestled in the heart of North Al Batinah Governorate, about 48 kilometres from the centre of Sohar. Known locally as 'the blossom of the valley,' Khabita offers a picturesque landscape framed by the sweeping Western Hajar Mountains. Its geographical charm is complemented by fertile plains, lush orchards, and a thriving agricultural community—a true oasis of green amid stark mountain terrain. The raw potential of Khabita Village for agritourism The village's lush farmlands extend up to five kilometres along the banks of Wadi Ahin to the south and Wadi Sadam to the north, creating a fertile corridor that has sustained generations of farmers. The local community cultivates an array of crops, from date palms, limes, and mangoes to barley, wheat, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and cabbages. These are irrigated by a meticulously maintained traditional falaj system—an ancient underground irrigation channel—coupled with a modern well that ensures water supplies during dry seasons. The raw potential of Khabita Village for agritourism Despite its remote feel, Khabita boasts excellent connectivity. Modern infrastructure, including roads, electricity, water, and telecommunication services, has been developed to serve the residents. A new bridge now links the village with surrounding communities, including Al-Atheel, Al-Sumaym, and Sadm, improving access to education, healthcare, and markets. This infrastructure has made it feasible for villagers to welcome visitors and promote agritourism initiatives. The raw potential of Khabita Village for agritourism The visual appeal of Khabita has caught the attention of photographers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Mani' Al-Rubaie, a prominent photographer, recently visited the village and shared his impressions. "Khabita is a place with pure and authentic nature," he said, recalling the serenity and agricultural diversity he witnessed. During his visit, he was particularly captivated by a mango tree over 300 years old—an enduring symbol of the village's deep-rooted connection to the land. The raw potential of Khabita Village for agritourism Al-Rubaie explained that photography played a crucial role in his experience. 'Documenting Khabita was about capturing its essence—its colours, its traditions, its resilience,' he said. 'It felt like the place was alive, pulsating with stories and history, waiting to be told.' His images aim not just to promote tourism but to preserve Oman's rural heritage by shining a light on its natural beauty and cultural richness. This narrative of rural resilience is mirrored elsewhere in Oman, particularly in the villages of Jabal Akdhar, a mountainous region famed for its seasonal produce. Three villages—Al Aqar, Wakan, and another lesser-known locality—have long attracted tourists during harvest seasons. During the pomegranate and rose harvests in Al Aqar, and the apricot blossom season in Wakan, these villages welcome hundreds of visitors seeking the picturesque landscapes and fresh produce. Al Aqar, for instance, has earned a reputation as a tourist hotspot during peak harvest periods. Visitors are drawn to the fragrant rose fields and vibrant pomegranate orchards, often participating in traditional harvesting and processing activities. Yet, despite the influx of tourists, there remains limited structured infrastructure to ensure local villagers benefit economically. The raw potential of Khabita Village for agritourism Similarly, Wakan's renowned for its stunning foliage during apricot blossom season, offering a breathtaking spectacle that pulls in large crowds annually. Many visitors come to wander through the orchards, photograph the vibrant blossoms, and experience the tranquillity of mountain village life. However, these villages have yet to develop sustainable systems that translate tourist footfall into real economic benefits for local residents. The potential for growth in these rural communities is substantial. With strategic investment—such as developing local accommodation options, improving signage, offering guided tours, and promoting village crafts and cuisine—these villages could significantly boost their economies. Moreover, by establishing collaborations between local farmers, artisans, and tourism operators, they can create a comprehensive visitor experience that benefits everyone. The raw potential of Khabita Village for agritourism In Khabita, for instance, initiatives such as organising farm stays, cultural workshops, and guided nature walks could transform it into a year-round destination. Similarly, Wakan's stunning orchards and natural beauty could serve as a hub for eco-tourism and cultural experiences. The key lies in balancing growth with conservation—ensuring that villagers are not only beneficiaries of these new opportunities but also stewards of their environment and heritage. With supportive policies, community-driven development, and targeted investment, Oman's rural villages can rewrite their stories, becoming vibrant centres of sustainable tourism and local enterprise. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
