Success StoryAgritourism is Booming in Lawrence County



Agritourism is Booming in Lawrence County

Author: Laura Maggard

Planning Unit: Lawrence County CES

Major Program: Agritourism Planning

Plan of Work: Community Economic Development and Financial Stability

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

For the past 9 years, the last weekend in September is when everyone gets out in the country, shops local, visits local farms, businesses, churches and spends the weekend enjoying the annual Heritage Harvest Tour. The Lawrence County ANR Extension Agent collaborated with local farmers, business owners and churches to plan the best yet self guided tour through Eastern Appalachia. The tour takes you back into time and shows you how life was many years ago. Tour goers see antique farm equipment, a spinning wheel in action,  and they get home cooked country meals all while shopping for their fall decorations. Agri-tourism in Lawrence County is growing more and more every year. The Heritage Harvest Tour brings individuals from all over Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio into the small community to show support and interest in what the Lawrence County community has to offer. The tour was advertised heavily in the local newspapers, television, and social media. Everywhere you looked, you saw advertisement for the event. One of the ladies who originally helped organize the tour and has been involved since the beginning said the harvest tour has made a huge impact in Lawrence County. "The Harvest Tour gives people the opportunity to connect with the agricultural community on a personal level. And in turn, gives the farmers and small rural businesses the chance to showcase their products, that might not have otherwise been seen. It’s a win-win for consumer and producer.” 10 locations were scattered along the Route 3 and Route 23 tour. The tour-stops during the 2018 tour estimated a total profit of $60,000.00. This is a $4,000 increase since the tour in 2017. The Heritage Harvest Tour is beginning to build a loyal group of supporters. They come out rain or shine to enjoy the tour. The tour stop participants look forward to continue the success of the tour and are anxious to see what the years ahead bring!






Stories by Laura Maggard


Lawrence County Farmer's Market

Lawrence County Farmer's Market

about 6 years ago by Laura Maggard

The Lawrence County Farmers Market has been around for many years. It has provided the residents of ... Read More


What's All the Buzz About?

What's All the Buzz About?

about 6 years ago by Laura Maggard

Sadly, over the past 15 years, colonies of bees have been disappearing, and the reason remains unkno... Read More


Stories by Lawrence County CES


Family Fishing Day

Family Fishing Day

about 6 years ago by Alivia Faris

According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionchildrens mental health is ... Read More


Lawrence County Farmer's Market

Lawrence County Farmer's Market

about 6 years ago by Laura Maggard

The Lawrence County Farmers Market has been around for many years. It has provided the residents of ... Read More