Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Local Tourism Potentials
Economic and Community Development
Judy Hetterman, Chelsea Young, Agricultural Agent
First Impressions
Agritourism Planning
Community Strategic Planning
Owen County is located within 1 1/2 hours of 3.7 million people. There are numerous attractions to visit in adjoining counties, and the county is blessed with a landscape that provides for some beautiful scenery. Some recreational infrastructure is already in place (local winery, golf courses, resorts, hunt clubs, wildlife preserves) & the county has a reputation for a widely diverse wildlife population. A number of artist and craftsmen call the county home. There is great potential for the development of an agricultural-and nature-based entertainment and recreational business. There are presently twelve bed & breakfasts, cottages, inns, and hotels located in the county. The Kentucky River borders the county for 37 miles and a new boat ramp was recently constructed.The county is adorned with 150 quilts squares on barns and other places throughout the area as well as the six agricultural heritage trail murals.
-Owen County to become a destination for tourists who want to experience the advantages that a small, rural, farm-based community has to offer.
-Community leaders complete plan of action to increase tourism to the community.
-Farmer's, landowners, business people & homeowners to develop agricultural, wildlife & entertainment-related enterprises that attract tourists into the county.
-Community leaders to learn about strengths and shortcomings through first time visitors and develop a plan of action to make the improvements to increase tourist to the county.
-Farmer's, landowners, business people and homeowners, recognize the opportunities available to them through an entertainment or tourist based farming business.
-Identify potential improvements to attract tourist to the community.
Intermediate Outcome: Individuals start or expand agri-tourism business
Indicator: Number of individuals making changes in business
Method: Personal observation
Timeline: June 2019
Long-term Outcome:Local leaders complete plan of action to increase tourism to the community.
Indicator: Number of suggestions made by CEDIK that the county implemented
Method: Community leaders implemented the plan of action that was developed.
Timeline: On-going
Intermediate Outcome: Develop a plan of action to increase tourism in the county.
Indicator: List of improvements to attract tourism in the county
Method: Results of First Impressions Projects presented to community leaders
Timeline: July thru June
Audience: Leadership Owen County group, County Officials, Agents, general public
Project or Activity: Leadership Owen County Community Service Project-Trail Town Project
Content or Curriculum: Depending on project
Inputs:leadership group, businesses and community leaders-Owen Co. Community Planner, Country Judge Executive
Date:July-June
Audience: General public
Project or Activity: First Impressions Committee
Content or Curriculum: Using results from First Impressions report
Inputs: Community leaders, government officials, tourism board, chamber of commerce and agents
Date: On-going
Author: Judith Hetterman
Major Program: Agritourism Planning
The Owen County Agricultural Heritage Trail Project began in 2009 as a result of the Owen County Vision Project. The purpose was to document and preserve the rich agricultural history and traditions of farming in Owen County by recording oral histories of our farm families and painting murals on tobacco barns to tell the stories of farming .Through the grant from the Kentucky Oral History Commission, the committee received a grant to interview 34 men and women, ranging in ages from early 40'
