Monday, July 16, 2007

Agritourism

Every region in the Western United States has prospered from itsagricultural heritage and the influence it has on the culturaldiversity and traditions of local communities.
Agriculture is a major player in sustaining the economic wellbeing of the West, and it has brought global attention to thepremium food products that are grown and produced here. FromTexas barbeque and the Southwest famous styles of chili tocolorful produce shipped in crates labeled, fresh fromCalifornia and "Hand Picked Washington Apples," consumers aroundthe world relish the quality foods and cuisines that aredistinctively from the West.
When traveling, you are bound to pass orchards and farm fields.But to really understand and appreciate a regions agriculturalbounty, you need to visit the farms and ranches, meet thegrowers, learn about historic and modern farming methods andtaste foods fresh from the fields.
http://www.leisuregrouptravel.com" Agritourism encompasses many different types of experiences that can rangefrom viewing thousands of acres of blooming fruit orchards towalking the fields of a small organic farm. It also sheds lighton many aspects of modern farming, providing visitors anopportunity to learn about advancements in farm equipment,irrigation systems, packing and shipping of food, labor and manyother related issues. Here are some examples of different typesof agritourism options found in the West. MORE... A HistoricalPerspective
The http://www.leisuregrouptravel.com Farmand Ranch Museum in Las Cruces, NM, is dedicated tothe states 3,000-year agricultural history. The museum sits on47 acres and offers a variety of unique experiences for visitors.
At the 25,000-square-foot indoor museum there are exhibitsshowing the evolution of farming in the area. The displays startfrom the times of the first farming tribes and show the ancienttools and living quarters used by the natives. Other exhibitsidentify different crops and methods implemented from the earlyyears of farming to modern times. Of special interest are theold-time general store, memorabilia and artifacts from arearanch families, living history demonstrations and videopresentations.
http://www.leisuregrouptravel.com outdoor exhibits feature several animals, including longhorn cattle,dairy cows, goats, lambs, sheep and burros. Visitors also enjoythe working dairy and demonstrations of vintage farm equipment.There are opportunities for visitors to learn to rope, observethe techniques of saddle making and participate in Southwest andon-the-range cooking classes.
The museum also operates the Purple Sage Restaurant thatspecializes in New Mexico style cuisine. There is a StahmannMuseum Mercantile that offers a selection of fresh and roastedpecans, gift baskets, pecan candy and souvenir items made frompecans. Family members from area farms and ranches are activelyinvolved in the work of the museum and are available to sharetheir personal agricultural experiences and knowledge withvisitors.
Two special events are held each year: La Fiesta de San Ysidroin May and Cowboy Days in October. These events feature theheritage influences of the region and celebrate Mexican andcowboy traditions. Contact: 505-522-4100,http://www.frhm.org"> www.frhm.org
Source: http://www.grouptravelblog.com/more.php?id=A52_0_1_0_M Grouptravel Blog
For more information Visit http://www.leisuregrouptravel.com LeisureGroupTravel

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