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Department of Tourism
Bed & Breakfast Association to Launch "Farm Stays" Trail with Free Open House and Press Tour
FRANKFORT, Ky. (September 7, 2005) – The Bed & Breakfast Association of Kentucky (BBAK) is launching a new statewide Agritourism Trail called “Kentucky Farm Stays.” To celebrate its debut, a free Press Tour & Open House for aspiring “Farm Stay” innkeepers is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005 from 2-5 p.m. at participating charter members of the Kentucky Farm Stays Tourist Trail. This date is also National Country Inn Bed & Breakfast Day across the U.S.
The Kentucky Farm Stays Program was created to encourage agritourism, which is defined as any business conducted by a farmer for the enjoyment or education of the public, to promote the products of the farm, and to generate additional farm income. Agritourism is a way to preserve the family farm and green spaces by opening it to the public as a bed-and-breakfast inn, a winery or ranch where visitors may purchase farm products and plants, find a place to eat a meal, or take part in farm activities or entertainment. Through this program, farmers are able to diversify their operations and sources of revenue.
Tourism and agriculture rank among Kentucky’s largest industries, accounting for billions of dollars of sales each year. Agritourism is an excellent way to educate the public about the importance of agriculture and its contribution to the economy and quality of life.
Farm owners who are interested in becoming bed-and-breakfast innkeepers through this agritourism program, as well as media representatives, are encouraged to visit one or more of the inns listed below for information about operating a bed-and-breakfast inn and further expanding the agritourism industry in Kentucky.
The following Kentucky Farm Stays members will be participating in the Press Tour & Open House on Oct. 2, from 2-5 p.m. Attendees are welcome to tour one or more locations. Admission is free. Media representatives are being offered complimentary overnight accommodations in exchange for a feature article regarding the launch of the Kentucky Farm Stays Agritourism Trail. Aspiring innkeepers are being offered discounted rates for overnight accommodations the day of the event, which vary among the participating B&Bs. Advance reservations are required––please contact the innkeeper at your desired Kentucky Farm Stay location for overnight accommodations.
Bluegrass Region:
Swann's Nest at Cygnet Farm––Tea Plantation & Tea Room
3463 Rosalie LaneLexington, KY 40510 Phone: 859-226-0095 www.swannsnest.com swannsnest@alltel.net
Canaan Land Farm Bed & Breakfast––Sheep Farm, Woodworking
700 Canaan Land RoadHarrodsburg, KY 40330Phone: 859-734-3984 www.canaanlandfarm. commcintal@aol.com
Country Charm Historic Farmhouse B&B––Walking Trails
505 Hutchison RoadParis, KY 40361Phone: 859-988-1006 dlsnell@bellsouth.net www.countrycharm.net/
Heartland Region:
1851 Historic Maple Hill Manor B&B––Alpaca & Llama Farm, Fiber Farm Store,and Fruit Orchard
2941 Perryville RoadU.S. 150 EASTSpringfield, KY 40069Phone: 859-336-3075 www.maplehillmanor. comstay@maplehillmanor.com
Springhill Winery & Plantation B&B
3205 Springfield RoadBloomfield, KY 40008Phone: 502-252-9463 Springhillbnb@iglou.com www.springhillwinery.com/
Old Kentucky Home Stables––Saddlebred Horse Farm
115 Samuels RoadCox's Creek, KYPhone: 502-349-0408 bluegrasshorse@aol.com
Louisville Metro Region:
Tucker House Bed and Breakfast––Herbs
2406 Tucker Station RoadLouisville, KY 40299-4529Phone: 502-297-8007 tuckerhouse1840@aol.com www.tuckerhouse1840.com
Western Region:
The River House B&B––Wildflowers, Dried Flowers, Herbs
1510 Riverview DriveLewisport, KY 42351Phone: 270-295-4199 www.riverhousebnb.com /TheRiverHouse@tds.net
1869 Shaker Tavern––Variety of Farm Animals & Demonstrations
Highway 73South Union, KY 42283Phone: 502-542-6801 www.shakermuseum.com shakmus@logantele.com
Eastern Region:
Blue Heron B&B and Retreat Center––Goat Farm
270 E. Prong RoadRichmond, KY 40475Phone: 859-527-0186 www.kentuckybb.com/blueheron.html blueheronbb@aol.com
Snug Hollow Farm B&B––Organic Farm
790 McSwain BranchIrvine, KY 40336Phone: 606-723-4786 www.snughollow.com info@snughollow.com
South Central:
Farm House Inn - Variety of Farm Animals & Demonstrations
735 Taylor Branch RoadParkers Lake, KY 42634Phone: 606-376-7383 pegtaylor1@highland.net www.farmhouseinnbb.com/
Additional Kentucky Farm Stays can be found at the Bed & Breakfast Association of Kentucky web site: www.kentuckybb.com.
Meanwhile, the Bed & Breakfast Association of Kentucky will be hosting a one-day Aspiring Innkeepers Training Session as part of its 15th annual conference, which will take place at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. This unique workshop will be conducted by professional trainers, featuring an introduction to the B&B Lodging Industry, overall business planning, setting up business operations, guidance related to housekeeping, and marketing and promotion of your new B&B.
Educational training manuals, materials, handouts, lunch, and refreshments are included in the Training Session Fee of $149 for the first person and $99 for a second person. There will be a special emphasis on Kentucky Farm Stays involving a panel of experienced Farm Stays Innkeepers for a question-and-answer session. Attendees will receive a discount for the BBAK Annual Conference on Nov. 7 and 8, 2005, offering further educational workshops, industry speakers, and a B&B Vendor Trade Show. For more details, please visit the BBAK web site www.kentuckybb.com or call Todd Allen, BBAK President, at 859-336-3075.
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