For the past 8 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 sorghum cooking, apple butter being stirred in a hot copper kettle 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 radio. 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.” 14 locations were scattered along the Route 3 and Route 23 tour. The tour-stops during the 2017 tour estimated a total profit of $56,000.00. This is a $10,000 increase since the tour in 2015. 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!