02/12/2026
Every winter, we pack our bags and head out to connect with agritourism farms from across the country โ and this year from Canada, the UK, Scotland, and Austria โ at the annual NAFDMA - International Agritourism Association convention.
We found our people there four years ago, and it has quickly become our favorite convention. Itโs where we learn from our community and industry leaders, explore the latest and greatest at the EXPO, and gather inspiration for new experiences, products, and improvements to bring back home to you.
One of the most impactful parts of the trip was spending a day touring Florida farms that were recently hit hard by a record freeze โ a humbling reminder of how resilient and hardworking our farming community truly is.
Our first stop was The Showcase of Citrus. The owner, Tara Arnold, had just wrapped up multiple media interviews about the freeze to their ๐ orange crop when she shared something that stuck with us: โFarmers donโt give up.โ And she meant it. ๐ช
Our next stop wasnโt a โtypicalโ farm visit โ ๐Gatorland Orlando โ but it sparked bold ideas in a whole different way. We were able to connect with their management team and learn more about their employee structure and incentive programs. Growth isnโt just about attractions โ itโs about people. ๐
Our final stop was a farm weโve followed on social media for years. After visiting in person, it easily became one of our all-time favorites. Yes, the attractions were impressive. Yes, the food court-style patio was amazing. But what made it special was the owners.
Southern Hill Farms commercially grows everything from blueberries and strawberries to peaches and vegetables โ growers first, through and through. Even while sharing about working all night to try to save crops from the freeze โ and facing losses still yet to be determined โ their passion for growing & adapting never wavered.
What resonated most with us? Their growth and expansion wasnโt always some perfectly mapped-out strategic business plan. They added things when it felt right for their farm and their customers.
That hit home.
Now weโre back where we belong โ boots on the ground, sleeves rolled up (or should we say coats back on ๐), and hard at work finishing projects and dreaming up new things for our 2026 season. ๐จ๐ป
Keep watchingโฆ youโll start seeing some refreshed favorites and brand-new additions in the coming weeks. ๐
