True Tourism—Ag Style!
AgriTourism at its finest and most authentic is an exciting part of the True South treasure waiting to be explored and enjoyed in Mississippi. Our agriculture and its great heritage have not only flourished over the years, but have also produced a growing AgriTourism industry exhibiting some of the most enticing and diverse attractions in the South. Where once cotton was king, now industries such as catfish farming and buffalo ranches along with family farms are springing up to extend Mississippi’s warm southern hospitality as they welcome visitors. Here they can experience life on the farm and indulge themselves in a culture that has made this country great.
Many of Mississippi’s farming operations hold quite a few surprises for any visitor. Far from the old ways of growing crops, the farm has become a haven for advanced technology. GPS technology tells a farmer exactly where his fields lie and exactly the path to follow to cut interesting designs in a corn field to become a themed attraction for young and old alike. And believe us when we say that people are coming in droves to discover the thrill of being lost and found in these mazes. Add a little “fright night” thrill to the maze, which some of our agritourism farms are doing, and a hair-raising, adrenaline-pumping escapade emerges “until the field lies silent”. In addition, attractions are charming visitors with demonstrations of everything from catfish feeding, sorghum making, dairy farming, alligator viewing, cheese making, cotton farming and vegetable gardening to pumpkin chunkin’ – and don’t forget the making and tasting of the delectable libation brewed from the fruit of the vine. It’s all here, and more, in Mississippi.
Sprinkled across the kudzu splashed rolling hills, palmetto designed coastal plain, meandering fertile delta, the river region of the deep old antebellum south, and the black prairie pines of the lush Mississippi countryside, the diversity of AgriTourism makes its presence known. Farms, each unique in their adventurous offerings, old country stores from the 1800s, farm living history museums, pottery shops, farmers markets offering the best in fresh produce, old historic plantations - many now B & B’s, old operating gristmills, and old country bakeries all proclaim their ties to this famed “Mississippi mud”.
Travel our AgriTourism Trails guiding visitors to all these locations in every region of the state and discover the heart and soul of the True South.