Local farm taking the leap into agritourism

ALDERSON, WV (WVNS) — Agritourism is booming in the Mountain State according to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

Agritourism is any activity in any field of agriculture that is open to the public for entertainment or education.

The Alderson Strawberry Festival is a returning staple of interest here in West Virginia. Sunset Berry Farm has been the largest supporter since the start.

Now, in an age where tourism has become a billion-dollar industry in the state, according to West Virginia Tourism, Sunset Berry Farm has decided to make the turn into agritourism. Co-owner Jennifer Gilkerson said it is time.

“Sunset Berry Farm has decided to dive right into agritourism. Tourism all over West Virginia is huge right now, it’s just exploding,” said Gilkerson. “And so agritourism is also exploding right now and so it just seemed like the way to go right now.”

The state is now home to 38 Christmas tree farms, 27 U-pick farms, and over a dozen different farm stay/day visit farms.

Sunset Berry Farm already qualifies as a U-pick farm for their amazing strawberries! The opportunities for agritourism are endless.

Gilkerson said Sunset Berry Farm is going to start by focusing on the aspect they know best.

“We’ve been doing our Alderson Strawberry Festival for several years now and that’s been an amazing success, so we’re building on that and we’re going to add several more festivals to our program.” explained Gilkerson.

This includes the Monroe County Peach Festival coming up at the end of August, the West Virginia Watermelon Festival at the beginning of September, and the Sunflower Festival towards the middle of September.

Sunset Berry Farm is receiving a bit of help from another agritourist farm for their Peach Festival.

Orr’s Farm, in Martinsburg will be providing a large load of peaches to assist with festival produce. Gilkerson said switching up the focus of their farm will allow them to focus on fun!

“We really want to sort of specialize more in family entertainment and we want to be a destination for families with children to just get out of the house and explore West Virginia and just have a good time.” said Gilkerson.

The next time you are looking for a day trip that would be fun and educational for the whole family, take a look at agritourism. You never know what you will end up enjoying!

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