Agri-tourism

Rural Georgia, including the Woodpecker Trail region, claims a rich agricultural heritage. There are approximately 766 farms in the nine Woodpecker Trail counties outside the predominately urban Richmond County, from wheat production to fish hatcheries.

Many small retail operations, such as Stevens Farm in Hoboken (Brantley County), have high potential for increased visitation. Collins Cotton Gin (Burke County), represent an uncommon chance for visitors to experience farm operations from harvest to processing. For example, Farm Fresh Tattnall, Inc. (Tattnall County), was formed in that county for the purpose of marketing its 18 roadside and “you pick” farms. Important crops include Vidalia Sweet Onions®, pecans, peanuts, cotton, and tobacco.

The newest are olive farms, like the Woodpecker Trail Olive Farm in Glennville. Also prevalent are beef cattle and poultry farms. Several farms have produce stands or retail outlets from which they sell their products in season.

Vidalia Sweet Onions® (Candler, Tattnall)

Probably the most important crop economically and from a tourism standpoint along the trail is Vidalia Sweet Onions. Another onion-related tourism asset in the region is the Glennville Sweet Onion Festival, held in May at the State's Farmers' Market. Many of the onion farms along the trail have posted signs advertising their products.

Bland Farms (Tattnall)

Bland Farms, one of the area's largest onion growers, has already recognized the value of argi-tourism, posting extensive signage throughout the region. On site, Bland operates a country store selling the onions and onion products as well as many other “Southern” specialties. Bland also provides tours to visitors. Several other onion farms in region use similar strategies to attract visitors.

Farms (All counties)

Onion farms appear to be the most visitor-oriented, while most farms producing crops or other livestock either have not realized tourism's potential or are interested.

Pecan Orchards (Appling, Burke, Candler, Emanuel, Tattnall, Pierce)

Pecan orchards are also a fairly common sight along the Woodpecker Trail. Many Farms raise pecans in addition to their other crops, and pecans and pecan products are widely available in the region. Pecan orchards are scenic-row after row of uniform, stately trees. Unlike many crops, pecans and pecan products are available year-round for visitors to purchase.

Byne's Blueberry Farm (537 Jones Avenue, Waynesboro, 706.554.6244, www.bynesblueberries.com)

Come and visit Byne's Blueberry Farm where you can buy the best organic blueberries from the 20-acre patch of Rabbiteye blueberries, a special variety of berries that have a high fructose level for sweeter berries.

Flat Creek Lodge (367 Bishop Chapel Church Road, Swainsboro, 478.237.3474, www.flatcreeklodge.com)

Come and visit Byne's Blueberry Farm where you can buy the best organic blueberries from the 20-acre patch of Rabbiteye blueberries, a special variety of berries that have a high fructose level for sweeter berries.