Tennessee’s Agricultural Foundation and the Rise of Agritourism
Historically, agriculture has been the bedrock of Tennessee’s economy and cultural identity. The state’s diverse climate and fertile soils have long supported a wide array of crops and livestock, shaping communities and traditions for centuries. Today, agriculture and forestry collectively contribute an estimated $80 billion annually to the state’s economy and support over 350,000 jobs, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. With approximately 68,000 farms covering 10.8 million acres, Tennessee continues to be a significant agricultural producer.
In recent decades, this traditional sector has witnessed a significant transformation with the emergence and rapid growth of agritourism. This trend reflects a broader societal shift towards experiential travel, a desire for authentic connections to food sources, and an appreciation for rural landscapes. Agritourism, which blends agriculture and tourism, offers farmers a vital avenue for diversification and supplemental income while providing visitors with unique educational and recreational opportunities. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has observed a marked increase in demand for these immersive experiences, recognizing agritourism as a key component in showcasing the state’s authentic character and fostering sustainable rural development. This segment of the tourism industry not only supports local economies but also plays a crucial role in preserving agricultural land, promoting environmental stewardship, and educating the public about farming practices and the provenance of their food.
East Tennessee: Appalachian Foothills to Pastoral Retreats
East Tennessee, characterized by its dramatic Appalachian foothills and serene valleys, offers a tapestry of farm experiences that blend luxury with nature.
Blackberry Farm, Walland: Celebrating 50 years in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm stands as a paragon of luxury agritourism. More than just a hotel, it offers a holistic retreat designed for guests to rest, recharge, and rejuvenate. The property boasts exquisite lodging and a comprehensive suite of nature-centric activities that immerse guests in the profound beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Its renowned "Foothills Cuisine" philosophy emphasizes farm-to-table dining, with ingredients often sourced directly from the farm’s own gardens and local producers. Beyond the culinary delights, visitors can engage in experiences such as guided hiking, foraging for wild edibles, wildflower spotting, expert fly-fishing, and archery. Blackberry Farm’s enduring success underscores the increasing demand for luxury experiential travel that harmonizes with nature, a sentiment frequently echoed by its discerning clientele and a testament to its consistent delivery of unparalleled hospitality and connection to the land.
Sweetwater Valley Farm, Philadelphia: This farm is celebrated for its award-winning cheeses, which are featured in numerous restaurants and eateries across East Tennessee and beyond. Sweetwater Valley Farm invites visitors to delve into the agricultural richness of the Sweetwater Valley. Guests have the opportunity to sample a variety of products at the on-site Seed to Sandwich Café, where they can also purchase gouda, cheddar, Swiss, and other artisanal cheeses to take home. Comprehensive tours provide an in-depth look at the farm’s modern operations, including a visit to its cutting-edge robotic milking facility—a pioneering example of Tennessee’s first Lely XL Dairy Farm. This integration of advanced technology highlights the innovative spirit within contemporary agriculture.
Bolt Farm Treehouse, Whitwell: Offering an elevated escape into mountaintop luxury, Bolt Farm Treehouse provides a unique glamping experience. Perched amidst the rolling hills of Southeast Tennessee, the property invites guests into a thoughtfully curated retreat where sophisticated comfort harmonizes with the natural environment. Accommodations are diverse and imaginative, ranging from upscale treehouses and expansive geodesic domes to innovative reflective mirror cabins. A standout is the "Floating Mirror," an overnight rental suspended between two boulders, featuring walls and flooring designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, creating an illusion of immersion. Beyond the distinctive stays, the farm features a "Wellness Haven" complete with hot springs-style pools, a mirrored sauna, and steam rooms, establishing a serene sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. This innovative approach positions Bolt Farm Treehouse as a leader in experiential luxury travel.
Windy Hill Farm and Preserve, Loudon: This expansive property offers a tranquil retreat from the daily grind, welcoming guests into the scenic pastures and rolling hills of East Tennessee. With elevated stays and a focus on garden-to-table fare at its on-site restaurant, Wilder, the farm masterfully blends rustic charm with refined hospitality. Guests can indulge in a wide array of activities designed to connect them with the farm environment, including engaging barn quilt painting workshops, practical beekeeping sessions, scenic beer and wine hikes, sophisticated bourbon tastings, archery, traditional quail hunting, five-stand sporting clays, educational garden tours, and calming forest bathing experiences.
Midfield Lavender Farm, Bulls Gap: As spring ushers in a kaleidoscope of color, Midfield Lavender Farm prepares for its 2026 U-Pick season, scheduled from June 4 to 28. Visitors are invited to gather fresh lavender bundles, savor homemade lavender lemonade, wander through fragrant fields, explore newly established wildflower trails, and browse handcrafted gifts created by local artisans. The farm also offers the option to reserve professional photography sessions in advance, capitalizing on the picturesque scenery.
7th Annual Regional Farm Tour, Northeast Tennessee: Kicking off on Saturday, June 13, this popular event offers a mobile and immersive take on farm-to-table living. It is a self-guided journey across 25 diverse farms located in Greene, Washington, and Sullivan counties. Participants can explore a variety of agricultural operations, shop for locally made products, engage directly with the farmers who cultivate the land, interact with friendly farm animals, and discover the compelling stories behind the region’s freshest ingredients. This tour provides a vital platform for direct farmer-consumer interaction, bolstering local economies and enhancing community connection to food sources.
Middle Tennessee: Heart of Heritage and Innovation
Middle Tennessee, home to the state capital and vast stretches of rolling hills, presents a diverse array of farm experiences, from historic settlements to cutting-edge culinary destinations.
Southall Farm & Inn, Franklin: Southall offers an elevated stay meticulously designed to immerse guests in the wonders of farm-to-table living. On property, guests can savor exquisite dishes crafted from seasonal fruits and vegetables, often harvested just steps from the restaurant from surrounding gardens and orchards. Beyond the dining experience, visitors can partake in a rich array of farm-centric activities such as beekeeping, berry picking, the ancient art of falconry, archery, axe throwing, honey tasting, and fly fishing. This working farm is deeply committed to conservation and land stewardship, incorporating environmentally responsible practices throughout the property, from its pastures to its luxurious guest suites, setting a high standard for sustainable agritourism. "Southall’s commitment to ecological stewardship sets a benchmark for sustainable agritourism, demonstrating that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist," stated a representative for the property, highlighting their dual focus.
Amish Country, Ethridge: In Ethridge, home to Tennessee’s Amish Country and the largest Old Order Amish settlement in the South, visitors can experience a profound step back in time. Amish Country Wagon Tours, departing from the Amish Welcome Center, offer guided insights into Amish culture and traditions. The area is renowned for its handmade goods, locally grown produce, and artisan products. Unique shopping opportunities abound, with farm stores offering homemade canned goods, handcrafted candies, and skillfully made baskets, furniture, and other traditional items. This region provides a rare glimpse into a community preserving a distinct way of life amidst modern advancements.
Farmington Local Market, Tullahoma: Travelers can experience the charm of a neighborhood-style local grocery store at Farmington Local Market. With a clear mission to provide fresh, farm-to-table products for residents and visitors alike, the market offers a curated selection of locally grown produce, premium Angus beef sourced directly from the family farm, and a variety of handcrafted goods including jewelry, spices, honey, and ceramics. The market exemplifies the growing trend of local food systems, connecting consumers directly with regional producers.
Storybrooke Farm, Winchester: Living up to its enchanting name, Storybrooke Farm offers guided farm tours that provide up-close encounters with the farm’s animals, including its celebrated, award-winning Scottish Highland cattle. Visitors are also encouraged to capture Instagram-worthy photos set against Tennessee’s picturesque countryside, blending traditional farm charm with contemporary social media trends.
The Local Farmer, Pulaski: This establishment successfully blends the best aspects of a farmers market with a farm-to-table deli. The market section features locally sourced meats, fresh produce, and baked goods, while the deli counter serves a menu of sandwiches and salads crafted with the very same fresh ingredients available in-store, ensuring peak freshness and supporting local supply chains.
Oak Grove Lavender, Hohenwald: Lovers of lavender will find a welcoming and fragrant destination at Oak Grove Lavender. Home to scenic event spaces, a dedicated farm store, and expansive lavender fields ideal for U-pick experiences, Oak Grove Lavender celebrates the fragrant bloom each June with its annual Lavender Festival. The event features U-pick opportunities, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, a wide array of artisanal goods, and diverse food and beverage offerings, drawing significant community engagement and tourism.
H & S Farms, Cunningham: H & S Farms offers more than eight acres of strawberry fields, available for U-pick experiences and pre-picked gallons for purchase during the peak season from late April through early June. While strawberries are a seasonal highlight, the farm operates year-round as a dynamic agritourism destination, featuring vibrant sunflower fields, various seasonal blooms, classic pumpkin patches, colorful mums in the fall, and recently added tulip picking in the spring. A range of family-friendly activities are offered throughout the spring and summer seasons, ensuring continuous engagement.
Robertson County’s Farm Network: Farm charm abounds in Robertson County, home to four vibrant community farmers markets and a robust network of family-owned farms. Orlinda Melon Company, which proudly claims its produce is "grown from the sunniest spot in Tennessee," offers fresh melons at the Robertson County Farmers Market. Visitors can start their morning with a quintessential farm-to-table breakfast featuring fresh sausage biscuits from Bernard Farms & Market Custom Cuts, while browsing locally raised pork, beef, and other regional products. Hancock Family Farm and Market Store is particularly known for its exclusive Red River variety tomatoes. Nearby, visitors can peruse a wide selection of garden plants, houseplants, and seasonal décor from Corbin Creek Greenhouse. In Cedar Hill, Head’s Farm provides fresh eggs, seasonal produce, farm-raised meats, and homemade jams, collectively painting a picture of a thriving local food ecosystem.
Shade Tree Farm & Orchard: Visitors should not miss blueberry season at Shade Tree Farm & Orchard, which typically peaks in July. Experiences include delightful blueberry picking, engaging pie-making workshops, and hearty pancake breakfasts, all available by reservation. In August, the harvest seamlessly transitions into apple season, offering pick-your-own opportunities and a variety of farm stand offerings, ensuring seasonal enjoyment.
Lucky Ladd Farms, Eagleville: Lucky Ladd Farms offers fields of family fun year-round across its expansive 60-plus acres. Farmgoers can explore a multitude of family-friendly attractions, including opportunities to feed beloved farm animals, enjoy pony rides, navigate nature and wildlife trails, utilize various playgrounds, experience milking cows, learn from nature exhibits, and much more. The farm also provides seasonal U-pick opportunities, allowing visitors to harvest strawberries, tulips, sunflowers, and pumpkins at different times of the year.
Green Door Gourmet, Nashville: A veritable gem just minutes outside downtown Nashville, Green Door Gourmet’s 350-acre organic farm offers an on-site market featuring a bounty of fresh locally sourced produce, meats, baked goods, seasonal jams and jellies, and fresh flora. Serving as a beautiful event venue, this working farm also hosts a variety of classes, ranging from sophisticated wine tastings to intimate farm dinners where visitors can savor the tastes and aromas of fresh farm finds, bridging the gap between urban living and rural agriculture.
Breeden’s Orchard, Mount Juliet: This female-led orchard, bakery, and cidery offers a vibrant array of activities for the entire family. Guests can enjoy up-close encounters with farm animals, splash in a bubble bin, play in a corn bin, explore a tiny kid-sized town, and experience the thrill of the Hillside Slide. The on-site bakery provides locally made sweet treats and baked goods, while hard cider and seasonal favorites are available at the cidery. Food trucks are often on-site to offer heartier bites. With a full calendar of events slated for the season, visitors are particularly encouraged not to miss the U-pick peach season, which typically begins around June 24.
West Tennessee: River Delta Charm and Vineyards
West Tennessee, characterized by its flatter terrain and proximity to the Mississippi River, offers a distinct flavor of agritourism, often interwoven with viticulture and historical preservation.
Stillwaters Farm, Henderson: Stillwaters Farm offers a charming farm stay experience, featuring a cozy on-site cottage as well as two urban properties located closer to town. While the farm is home to livestock, its primary focus is cultivating crops that enhance the quality of wines produced at its on-site Forty Cannons Winery. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a complimentary wine tasting and can choose to unwind or participate in curated workshops such as candle making, rock painting, cupcake decorating, and photography sessions, blending agricultural production with artisanal crafts.
White Squirrel Winery, Kenton: Wine enthusiasts can savor some of Tennessee’s finest selections at White Squirrel Winery. With an overnight loft available on the property, guests can enjoy award-winning wines before taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding vineyards, offering a complete sensory experience.
Crown Winery, Humboldt: Crown Winery offers a stunning Italian-inspired villa experience and is widely recognized for its award-winning wines. Visitors can choose from a diverse range of experiences, from casual tastings accompanied by live entertainment to elevated stays featuring curated wine and food pairings, informative vineyard tours, and luxurious overnight accommodations in upscale cottages. Guests are encouraged not to miss signature events such as the Annual Grape Stomp, the popular Second Sunday Brunch, relaxing yoga in the vineyard sessions, and private picnics set amidst the scenic landscape.
Donnell Century Farm, Jackson: Donnell Century Farm delivers excitement for kids and the young at heart, providing memorable family-friendly experiences throughout the year. Seasonal spring and fall festivals showcase the beauty and bounty of each season, from vibrant tulip blooms in the spring to expansive pumpkin patches and intricate corn mazes in the fall, alongside fresh produce, food, and beverages. Beyond the festivals, the farm features more than 20 activities, including an obstacle course, charming cow train rides, engaging gemstone mining, exhilarating carnival swings, adventurous bee zip-lines, a unique corn barn, and ample opportunities for Instagram-worthy moments. As a "Century Farm," it signifies continuous ownership and operation by the same family for over 100 years, adding a layer of historical significance.
Holt Family Farms, Dresden: Holt Family Farms is a place where "harvesting memories" comes easy, whether strolling through vibrant blooms during the Spring Tulip Festival, gathering for authentic farm-to-table dinners, selecting the perfect pumpkin in the fall patch, or purchasing locally sourced pork. The farm emphasizes seasonal experiences and direct consumer engagement.
Green Frog Farm, Alamo: Preserving West Tennessee’s rich agricultural history and heritage, Green Frog Farm offers a peaceful retreat set against Tennessee’s beautiful farmland backdrop. Primarily a wedding and event venue, the farm is also home to four historic cabins dating back to the early 1900s. These structures have been thoughtfully revitalized into restful retreats, meticulously maintaining their one-of-a-kind architecture and historical integrity, offering guests a unique blend of history and hospitality.
Lavender Kisses Farm, Hollow Rock: A tapestry of vibrant purple awaits at Lavender Kisses Farm. Offering intimate wagon tours through fields of the fragrant bloom, the farm also handcrafts a variety of products such as soaps, body butters, bath salts, and fresh lavender bundles. Visitors are warmly welcomed by the farm’s "Moo Crew," featuring charming Scottish Highland cows, miniature goats, friendly donkeys, and loyal farm dogs, adding an engaging animal interaction element to the experience.
Economic and Cultural Implications of Tennessee’s Agritourism
The burgeoning agritourism sector in Tennessee carries significant economic and cultural implications. Economically, it provides vital diversification for farm incomes, allowing agricultural businesses to remain viable in an increasingly challenging market. It creates jobs in rural areas, supports local artisans and food producers, and attracts tourist dollars that ripple through surrounding communities. Culturally, agritourism plays a crucial role in preserving Tennessee’s rich agricultural heritage, educating a new generation about where their food comes from, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication involved in farming. It offers a tangible connection to the land, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship as core values. Tourism officials often emphasize that "experiential travel, particularly within agritourism, strengthens local identity and fosters a deeper appreciation for the origins of food and the stewardship of the land."
Future Outlook for Tennessee Agritourism
The future of agritourism in Tennessee appears bright, poised for continued growth and innovation. Trends suggest an increasing consumer demand for authentic, sustainable, and personalized travel experiences, all of which Tennessee’s farm charm readily provides. The state’s diverse geography, combined with the entrepreneurial spirit of its farmers and a supportive tourism infrastructure, positions Tennessee to be a leader in this evolving sector. As more farms embrace new technologies, diversify their offerings, and actively engage with visitors, Tennessee’s agricultural landscape will continue to offer enriching, memorable, and impactful experiences for travelers seeking to reconnect with the land and its bounty.
