Fields of Gold: How Agritainment Is Turning Farms Into Experiences

In the rolling hills of Kentucky, a fifth-generation farm now doubles as a bourbon-pumpkin festival, complete with hayrides, artisanal cocktails, and a giant corn maze shaped like Elvis. It's not a one-off—it’s a business model. Across America, farms are transforming themselves into weekend destinations, tapping into a growing market known as agritainment. “We’re still growing crops,” says Maddie Proctor, co-owner of Hollow Ridge Farms in Tennessee. “But now we also grow memories—and profit.” Agritainment, the fusion of agriculture and entertainment, includes everything from petting zoos and pumpkin patches to wedding barns and sunflower selfie trails. According to a 2023 USDA report, agritourism and recreational services accounted for over $1.4 billion in on-farm income—nearly double the total from a decade earlier. ... [text continues here with all single quotes doubled] ...