Agritourism: Swapping the Big Apple for Apple Farms

Written By Brittany Statt

“Come down to Chickum’s Apple Farm!”

Maybe you saw the SNL skit a few years ago. While it’s a hilarious bit, they were also really on to something happening in NYS. In recent years, a unique and exciting trend has been taking root in New York State - agritourism.

So what is agritourism?

Agritourism can be definied as a form of commercial enterprise that links agricultural production and/or processing with tourism to attract visitors onto a farm, ranch, or other agricultural business for the purposes of entertaining and/or educating the visitors while generating income for the farm, ranch, or business owner.

And farm owners are getting creative. From embracing farm-to-table food experiences and on-site pizza making to goat yoga and farm stay Airbnbs, farmers across the country are getting creative. And it’s getting noticed–according to NYSTIA, agritourism is up 10% year to date in 2023.

While Covid heightened the appeal of wide open spaces outside the city, agritourism was on the rise far before then. Born out of a way for farmers to diversify capital and fight against monopolized corporate farming, there’s a certain magic for visitors to get back to their roots and support local farming.

What’s in the magic of farm destinations?

What exactly is drawing people to these rural hot spots? Let’s break it down:

  1. Farm-to-Table Food
    For food enthusiasts, many farms offer farm-to-table dining at a variety of levels, from picking your own fruits, vegetables, and flowers to creating beautiful on-site culinary experiences and collaborating with local vineyards and craft beverage makers for pairing dinners. And some are really embracing this old-school form of dining–the only way to get a reservation at The Lost Kitchen is to mail in a postcard.

  2. Experiences for All Ages
    Agritourism caters to all ages, making it an ideal family-friendly activity. Kids can interact with friendly farm animals, embark on hayrides, and enjoy playful farm-themed activities, and learn about the the world of agriculture in. Meanwhile, adults can partake in wine tastings, farm workshops, and the whole family can enjoy a farm stay Airbnb.even stay overnight in charming agritourism accommodations. From toddlers to seniors, agritourism in New York has something special in store for everyone.

  3. Seasonality & Events
    As New Yorkers, we truly embrace the seasons, and so do the farms. With weekend trips and a strong desire to embrace the heat in the summer, people embrace outdoor activities, outdoor live music, and vineyard trips. When Autumn comes, harvest season is full of festivals, pumpkin-picking extravaganzas, apple cider tastings, and more. When Winter comes, agriculture destinations embrace the snow and cozy winter harvest dining. Tourists can step back in time at Genesee Country Village Museum by warming up by the fire to churn butter for the cold season.

  4. Rustic Charm Accommodations
    As urbanization continues to shape our living, people continue to seek a reprieve from city life. Many farms have taken to offering more than an afternoon experience with their very own rental properties and bed & breakfasts. A quick search on Airbnb’s website will offer a variety of farm stays, from rustic cabins to glamping yurts. Add on a grocery list stacked right from the farm before your arrival or book a tour of the grounds during your stay. These destinations offer guests the opportunity to unwind, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with nature.

  5. Supporting Local
    Beyond its enjoyable experiences, agritourism plays a pivotal role in supporting local farmers and sustaining agricultural communities. By patronizing these farms, visitors contribute to the region's economic growth, helping family-run farms continue for generations to come. And that’s something people feel genuinely good about.

Becoming a Booming Farm Destination

Find that special something about your farm and embrace it wholly. Consider the list above, what your farm already does, and find a connection to build on. Own an alpaca farm? Start running workshops on how to collect its fleece. Does your farm grow berries? Offer winter classes for jamming, preserves, and pie making.

If you’re a farm interested in exploring this new revenue stream–or you’re already doing it but don’t quite know how to leverage it–let’s chat! Our studio specializes in helping farms become agritourism destinations through new programs, branding, and marketing. Current brand & marketing clients include Kettle Ridge Farm, Highland Tree Farm, Knapp Vineyards, and more.

Brittany Statt
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