The
largest industry in South Carolina is agriculture. The second largest
is tourism. Combine the two and what do you have? AgriTourism - which
might be a perfect fit with 'Four Summerton'.
Agritourism
offers a way to supplement a farm income and while also helping
consumers become more aware of the contributions agriculture makes to
their region. It is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel
industry.
Some
examples of Agritourism activities include:
- Tours of local vinyards and wineries
- Festivals celebrating regional foods
- Road side stands selling local produce
- Setting up local Farmers Markets
- Self-harvesting farms , e.g. strawberry's, blueberries...
- Farms offering hay rides, corn mazes...
- Dining on regional cuisine and local produce
- Bed & Breakfast (B&B) Stays on Farms and Ranches
- Feeding, riding and interacting with farm animals
- Holding weddings in rural settings
- Private fishing ponds for visitors
- Touring historic farms or plantations
People have become more
interested in how their food is produced. They want to meet farmers
and processors and talk with them about what goes into food
production. For many people who visit farms, especially children, the
visit marks the first time they see the source of the food they eat.
It seems like Agritourism
is a good fit 'Four Summerton'. The question is - what do we do next?
The town and owners of surrounding farms need to work together to
grow this local industry. Where do we start? With a local farmers
market in downtown Summerton? Participating in SC Agritouism programs
and associations? Joining the SC Ag & Art Tour?Agritourism marketing? Signage programs? Web sites?
Social media...
To help keep things
rolling, check out the following AgriTourism links:
Finally,
AgriTourism
is a close cousin to EcoTourism.
See
Summerton SC: Nature
& Outdoor Recreation web site to
learn more about this emerging industry that is also a perfect fit 'For
Summerton'.
Hopefully, y'all are paying attention to the renovation and use of #4 Main Street in downtown Summerton - that's 'Four Summerton'.
Hopefully, y'all are paying attention to the renovation and use of #4 Main Street in downtown Summerton - that's 'Four Summerton'.
No comments:
Post a Comment