$100 million recommended for Maine's rural tourism

Maine Public Radio airs Adams-Catlin Professor of Economics David Vail who authored a report on behalf of the Maine Center for Economic Policy recommending the state invest $100 million in tourism efforts for Maine's rural areas.

Rural Kansas Project links over 40 small communities

  The Kansas Sampler Foundation and the Kansas Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Division joined with over 40 partners to tell us where to go, what there is to see, do and learn in rural Kansas. This is a first result of the "Rural Kansas: come and get it!" project -- to promote rural communities in the State.
  Towns are grouped by region or by theme, such as the Amazing 100 miles, the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway, and the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area. In Freedom's Frontier, for example, where the bitter rivalry of the past between Kansans and Missourians is brought to light, seven communities are linked -- such as Lecompton, the political birthplace of the American Civil War, Piqua, Atchison, Fredonia, Garnet, Tonganoxie, and Yates Center.
  Tourists take the communities "as is" and start their journey by first getting off the main highways and slowing down. The Project is to entice tourists to explore, to feel good about spending money in small Kansan towns, and to interact with the locals.

Over 90 Nebraska Maps feed U of Nebraska's Rural Initiative

 94 maps are available as a rural resource to residents of Nebraska via the University of Nebraska's Rural Initiative, including terrain, bedrock geology, demographics, surface and groundwater, crops, infrastructure, trails, canoeing, pasture-fed meat producers, GIS and others.

These maps form one of the four pillars for rural resources in the State: website search of rural resources, rural development programs, internet access, and Nebraska maps.

The Wineries Map, for example, displays 12 existing wineries, and lists 8 soon-to-be-open wineries, their location and web/email contact link. There is a renaissance in the Nebraskan wine industry. The Nebraska Trails Map shows all historic and recreational trails in the State. The Scott Lookout Trail, for example, lists the management, length, usage and surface type of the trail. Other maps of interest to the rural tourist include: Christmas Tree Growers Map, the Nebraska Speed Limits Map,  and the Nebraska Game and Parks GIS Land Atlas.

These maps can be accessed via Nebraska Rural Living, "the brainchild of two sisters who returned to their small town rural roots". Their mission is to market the rural lifestyle, spotlight the successful rural entrepreneur, highlight amenities, and provide links to rural resources in Nebraska.

"During our years living out of Nebraska, we read dismal articles describing the out-migration of rural Nebraskans, the declining farm economy, and drought. However when we visited back home, we noticed prosperous entrepreneurial businesses, safe streets, a nurturing quality of life for families, excellent schools and affordable housing. We also noticed communities seemed to be well governed, by citizens who cared."

Creative Economy Forum helps redefine Rutland, Vermont

Residents of Rutland, Vermont, met to discuss new directions to develop their community reported the Rutland Herald. A vote at the Creative Economy Forum, moderated by the Vermont Council on Rural Development, identified two key projects: develop a railroad or children's museum and work to brand Rutland's identity. The goal is to revitalize rural Vermont in this area -- to re-invent itself. [[VPRradio

The Vermont Creative Communities Program presents how 12 rural communities have developed priority projects to pursue. 40 projects included the building of creative economy associations, development and communication of creative economy assets and maps, entrepreneurial platforms, and specific, directed events. 
[[VPRradio

Rural RoundUp returns to Winnemucca

Winnemucca (cowboy country) celebrated Nevada's 20th annual Rural RoundUp 24-26th March 2010 and hosted the State's Rural Tourism Conference. Nevada Lt. Gov. Brian K. Krolicki says it's "one time each year [rural tourism stakeholders] can learn new tactics to market their areas or events". The event is marketed to an international audience.

Speaker Roger Brooks, with Destination Development held an educational session on “The New Age of Rural Tourism”. He spoke about attracting new business, new residents and increased tourism spending, about what rural communities have done, and are doing, to put themselves "on the map" and on the road to long term success.

Travel advertising specialist with Google, Ryan Denny, spoke about the "Top 10 Wins" on on-line advertising, measuring success, and your Website.

Delaware Agritourism

YouTube - Agritourism Agritourism can add several benefits to a farm. Rob Leeds, Extension Educator from Delaware County, discusses why agritourism experiences are good from the operators and customers point of view. Included are things to consider when adding agritourism to your business, along with trends coming in the industry.

Eagles are main attraction in AgriTourist events

Photographers flock to watch eagles in an agricultural setting.

The village of Sheffield Mills, Nova Scotia, Canada, hosted its 19th Annual Eagle Watch event this winter, 2010. Also, Carson Valley, Nevada, USA, held its 8th Annual Eagles and Agriculture Event this past winter. These events bring economic activity into rural areas.

Post any other eagle or bird watching events that attract tourists to rural, agricultural settings.

Agritourism directory for the USA and Canada

Rural Bounty lists places to stay and things to do on farms throughout the USA.

One can search by:

Farm Product

Shopping & Dining

Lodging

Farmer's Markets

Wineries

Farm Name

Location