Scenic rolling hills. Grassy farmlands. Miles of open fields.
Danville and Pittsylvania County are home to hundreds of acres of farms, picturesque rural landscapes, and a rich variety of farms, festivals, and family-friendly attractions.
This month, let us explore the deep connection between agriculture and tourism in Southern Virginia, and how this relationship is working to grow our economy, preserve history, and strengthen community pride.
Moses Mill Farm
For over a decade, Amy Davis and Joel Keneipp have owned and operated Moses Mill Farm, located in Chatham, Virginia. Here, the couple work to raise a variety of animals and produce handmade body scrubs, butters, and more. Visitors to the farm can tour the scenic property, learn about the historic Cherrystone Creek and Mill, participate in a goat-milking experience, and, soon, enjoy the farm’s own bed and breakfast.
Amy Davis reflects on the importance of agritourism in Southern Virginia, “At Moses Mill Farm, we believe in good food and good stewardship. Our animals are raised on the pasture, where they enjoy fresh air, sunshine, premium non-GMO feeds, and glorious forage. This results in the best beef, pork, and chicken available anywhere–plus amazing agritourism experiences, fantastic compost, and luxurious goats’ milk soaps and body products. With the help of the good folks at Visit SoSi, we launched a website last year and began welcoming guests to milk goats, tour the mill ruins, and enjoy our little piece of heaven. We welcome individuals, families, school groups, and serious homesteaders to learn about life on the farm, how to milk a goat and make soap or cheese, the benefits of rotational grazing, and more.
Location: 1368 Moses Mill Rd, Chatham, Virginia
The Berry Hill Resort
Just a short drive from Danville, the Berry Hill Resort sits on over 70 acres of grand Virginian countryside. This site, which once supported tobacco, grain, and livestock, is now a national historic landmark and is home to fine dining, spa packages, and wine tastings. Guests can explore wooded trails, farm-to-table experiences, and historic suites. The Berry Hill Resort is a shining model of how agricultural history, hospitality, and tourism can intertwine to educate, entertain, and elevate a region.
Location: 3106 River Road, South Boston, Virginia
The Homeplace Vineyard
Nestled in Chatham, the Homeplace Vineyard offers the perfect setting for live music, local wine, and crisp autumn evenings. This family-operated vineyard combines Southern hospitality with a passion for winemaking, welcoming tourists and residents to enjoy a relaxed, rural countryside. By hosting events, such as Flip Flop Fridays and Wine in the Vines Wine Festival, the Homeplace Vineyard has established itself as a key player in boosting local tourism. With every glass poured, this charming vineyard offers memorable experiences and strengthens Chatham’s appeal as a must-see destination.
Location: 568 Rigney Circle, Chatham, Virginia
Why Agritourism Matters
Agritourism, the connection between attracting visitors and promoting agricultural production, is essential in strengthening Southern Virginia’s identity and economy. Agritourism creates jobs, supports farmers, attracts visitors, who are investing in local goods and experiences, and celebrates our region’s rural heritage.
This October, explore a pumpkin patch, shop at a local farmers’ market, or spend an afternoon touring one of our region’s farmlands. When you take time to reconnect with the land and the people who feed and nurture our region, you are helping grow Southern Virginia’s future.
Learn more about the part tourism plays in our region at visitsosi.com.
Read the original article here (Showcase Magazine).
