Sep 12th, 2025

Agritourism: Turning Land into Experiences A First Farm Primer

Agritourism blends agriculture with tourism, offering visitors hands-on experiences with farming, food, and rural traditions. In the Southeast, this sector has grown rapidly as farms look for ways to diversify income and communities embrace the demand for authentic, local experiences. From farm stays and U-pick orchards to corn mazes and culinary events, agritourism creates opportunities for education, entertainment, and economic growth.

Monetizing Agritourism Land

Turn what you already have into a steady income stream. Start small, stay flexible, and build experiences people will pay for.

Admission and seasonal events
Admission & Events

Charge for corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides, or festivals. Even $5 per person adds up quickly when crowds grow.

Farm stand selling goods
On-Site Sales

Sell produce, eggs, meats, jams, honey, or handmade goods. A simple roadside stand can thrive on event days.

Outdoor wedding tent near pond
Special Events

Host weddings, photo shoots, or family reunions. Invest in a tent, plan parking, and use water features as scenic backdrops.

Hands-on farm workshop
Workshops & Tours

Teach something you know: gardening, canning, raising chickens. Visitors pay to learn — and stay loyal to your farm.

Tiny home on farm
Farm Stays

Cabins, tiny homes, or glamping setups rent well. Clean, quiet, and scenic is all you need to bring in weekend guests.

Food truck vendor on farm
Vendor Partnerships

Build relationships with food trucks, florists, and caterers — but don’t lock in. Stay flexible and protect your control of the land.

Quick Tips

Start small. Test one workshop or weekend event before expanding. You’ll learn what works without overcommitting.
Plan for parking. Even 20 extra cars can create a mess without clear entry, signage, and overflow space.
Carry insurance. General liability coverage is a must, especially for events, workshops, and lodging.
Teach what you know. Don't fake it. Guests value real experience — not perfection — when they visit a farm.
Avoid animal feed stations. They seem fun but come with liability concerns. If you include animals, use fencing and clear signage.
Know your seasons. Plan around when your crops peak, when the weather helps (or hurts), and when local schools are on break — timing matters more than you think.

Agritourism by State

Top farm experiences across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Alabama farm scene
Alabama

Known for its peaches and catfish, Alabama farms are opening up with family-friendly seasonal events and tours.

  • Peach Orchard Tours – Pick-and-taste visits in Chilton County.
  • Pumpkin Patches & Mazes – Popular in fall across central AL.
  • Catfish Farm Tours – Educational, hands-on pond visits.
Florida orange grove
Florida

Beyond beaches, Florida offers year-round farm experiences thanks to its warm climate and crop variety.

  • Citrus Grove Tours – Explore working orange groves in Central Florida.
  • Berry U-Pick – Strawberries in Plant City; blueberries in the Panhandle.
  • Ranch Stays – Cattle and heritage Cracker-style lodging in rural FL.
Georgia vineyard and orchard
Georgia

Georgia leads the region in organized agritourism with strong state support and deep farm culture.

  • Peach & Pecan Orchards – Tours, tastings, and direct sales.
  • North GA Vineyards – Wine tasting rooms with mountain views.
  • Fall Festivals – Hayrides, food, and harvest events statewide.
Mississippi farm and festival
Mississippi

Mississippi blends farming with food culture and hands-on seasonal experiences for families and schools.

  • Berry Picking – U-pick strawberries and blueberries in spring.
  • Christmas Tree Farms – Cut-your-own farms across the state.
  • Pecan & Food Festivals – Events highlighting Delta foodways.
Tennessee apple orchard
Tennessee

With mountains, music, and farm culture, Tennessee’s agritourism is built around scenery and traditions.

  • Apple Orchards – Pick-your-own plus cider tastings in East TN.
  • Farm Lodging – Cabins, tiny homes, and glamping with views.
  • Winery & Distillery Tours – Family-friendly venues across the state.

Final Thoughts

Agritourism isn’t just a trend — it’s a working model that helps keep land productive, families on the farm, and rural economies alive. Across the Southeast, farmers are opening their gates not just to sell crops, but to sell experience. And people are showing up.

For new landowners, especially those buying their first farm, this kind of diversification can make the numbers work. It’s a way to generate income early, even while long-term operations (like orchards, livestock, or timber) take time to mature. You don’t need a massive property or a deep budget. You need a story, a bit of space, and something real to share.

Start small. Host a weekend event. Offer a tour. Teach one thing you know. Watch what people respond to — and build from there. Every working farm has something to offer. And every community needs places like these — spaces that reconnect people with food, nature, and each other.

Agritourism doesn’t just help you make money. It helps you build a farm that matters. One that stays in use, stays in the family, and stays part of the land. That’s what makes it worth doing.

More From the Tutt Land Ledger

Tutt land CRP How It Works & Get Started | A First Farm Primer
A First Farm Primer
Tutt land Starting in the Horse Business | A First Farm Primer
A First Farm Primer

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a lot of land to start agritourism?

No. Many farms run successful agritourism operations on just 5 to 20 acres. A small pumpkin patch, flower field, U-pick orchard, or weekend workshop space is enough to get started.

What legal issues should I think about?

Liability is the big one. You’ll need farm liability insurance that covers visitors. Some counties may require event permits, health inspections (if you serve food), or zoning approvals. It’s smart to talk to your local extension office or planning board before opening to the public.