Cultivating Fun – North Alabama Agriculture Adventures Trail is launched

VINEMONT — Cotton is king in North Alabama; with soybeans and corn not far behind.

To celebrate the importance of agriculture and its heritage in the region, the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association has launched the North Alabama Agriculture Adventures Trail.

The trail was unveiled during a ceremony at Sullivan Creek Ranch in Vinemont.

“The North Alabama Agriculture Adventures Trail is one of eight self-driving trails and part of our overall initiative to attract more visitors while supporting local businesses,” said AMLA President/CEO Tami Reist. “Farming is important to local communities offering environmental, economic and cultural benefits so we wanted to create a fun and informative journey to support the many farmers and agriculture-based businesses that serve a critical need in North Alabama.”

With fertile soil, excellent growing seasons and the Tennessee River flowing through the region, North Alabama offers an ideal setting for farming. The trail highlights 35 locations throughout the 16 northernmost counties of the state, showcasing the array of agricultural activities the region has to offer.

The Agriculture Adventures Trail provides direct access to fresh, locally-produced farm products by connecting them directly with farmers and producers, many of whom established roots generations ago, and a chance to enjoy hands-on agricultural experiences.

There are a variety of things to experience on the Agriculture Adventures Trail including hands-on farms, orchards, farmer’s markets, made-on-the-farm products, farms with animals, U-pick farms, vineyards and wineries, farm-to-table dining, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, living history farms, farm festivals and more.

“People are looking for a local, authentic experience and the new North Alabama Agriculture Adventures Trail is a way to showcase the flavors unique to the region,” said Reist. “Not only will they get a chance to tour, taste and learn about local agriculture, the experience benefits the farming industry by adding another source of revenue with direct-to-consumer sales.”