Agritourism takes root in Arizona
by
via AZ Big Media
More than 30 years ago, Mark and Carrie Schnepf developed a concept closely tied with agritourism. It’s a word, in fact, for which they could scarcely imagine would eventually become the local and national phenomenon it has. Introducing “agritainment.” While Arizona is undoubtedly rich in agritourism offerings such as Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek Olive Mill, The Farm at South Mountain, Red Rock Lavender Farm, The Orange Patch, Hayden Flour Mills at Sossaman Farms, Tolmachoff Farms, Blue Sky Organic Farms, the state’s growing wine industry and many more that attract visitors from near and far, something more is at work — or shall we say play. From the East to West Valley and everywhere in-between, people aren’t simply touring the agricultural wonders of Arizona, they’re experiencing the wonder that is agritainment.
From concept to district
Once upon a time, agritourism was embedded within the idea of human beings’ natural desires to reconnect to the land, absorb local agricultural history, combined with the vision of those who could provide the land and resources to take these concepts to the next level. And take it to the next level is exactly what many local agritourism entities have done.
The advent of agritainment has been a unique process. Again, Mark and Carrie Schnepf, who actually coined “agritainment” many years ago (and admittedly maybe should have trademarked the phrase), began to think beyond agritourism as a one-stop visit to encompassing a memorable, dynamic and diverse experience. From humble beginnings as a producer of potatoes and cotton, Schnepf Farms has become a local and national hot spot for famous events like the Pumpkin and Chili Party, Peach Blossom Celebration and Winter Wonderland, in addition to hosting weddings, corporate occasions and even serving as Queen Creek’s premier glamping locale.
