Agritourism Provides Fields for Fun & Learning
All photos credit: Welsey Wells Farms and 2K Ranch
Although Florida is known for sunny beaches, epic amusement parks and major historical sites, Agritourism has recently been attracting visitors throughout the First Coast region. Agritourism is unique because it allows local farm owners to share their passion and knowledge of agriculture, as well as their love of nature and animals, with people of all ages—many of whom have never experienced a farm firsthand.
And Agritourism is booming in Florida! The latest numbers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that the state’s farms generated over $15.7 million per year from Agritourism in 2017.
Wesley Wells Farm in St. Augustine
One such location is Wesley Wells Farm in St. Augustine, owned by Wesley and Amanda Wells. Five years ago, after working his whole life on his family farm, Wesley decided to start his own farm growing feed corn.
However, during COVID, a homeschool science project for one of the Wells’ six children led them to plant pumpkins in an unused part of the farm. After they realized they had more pumpkins than they could handle, they offered “you-pick-it” pumpkins to the public via a Facebook post. The huge response led the Wells to begin offering more than just pumpkins, and in just a few short years, they now have 30 acres of you-pick vegetables, fruits and flowers.
They also offer three festivals throughout the year—the spring Tomato Festival, the fall Pumpkin Festival and a Christmas festival.
“Our Pumpkin Festival in the fall is hands-down the most popular activity all year, and we can’t blame them because it is so much fun to harvest your own pumpkin right off the vine in the field,” says Amanda Wells. Visitors can also enjoy handmade market vendors, food trucks and more.
The Wells family is dedicated to educating the public about agriculture and offers field trips and workshops for children and families and summer camps for children ages 5-15. They also offer unique “glamping” events that are fun and educational.
“Not only do you get to participate in animal feed-up and you-pick, but you get to sleep on the farm in an air-conditioned bell tent,” says Wells.
Wells says that Agritourism plays an important role in maintaining the health of the agricultural industry.
“When farms like ours open to the public and encourage them to visit for fun events, they are receiving an eye-opening experience of just how important it is to know not only where their food comes from but also the process to get it there. In turn, they are more educated in agriculture to elect well-suited individuals as our representatives who can protect this industry,” she says.
2K Ranch in Bunnell
Situated in Bunnell, 2K Ranch offers a rustic, natural getaway for anyone looking to enjoy horseback riding on one of its scenic trails, hiking or events in its covered pavilion.
2K Ranch opened just a few years ago during COVID, and owner Karla Key says that she has seen the business grow as more people look to get outside and enjoy nature in a unique way.
“A lot of parents want their children to get involved in some sort of sport. We’re getting a lot of kids that want to do horseback riding that take the lessons,” says Key. “We also have people who used to ride who have since moved and they don’t have horses anymore. They want to get back in the saddle, so they’re very happy to be able to do it without having the expense of their own horse.”
2K Ranch is currently home to 19 equines—including 12 horses, a mini horse, three donkeys, a mini donkey and two mules.
In addition, 2K Ranch also hosts a variety of events in its brand-new open-air pavilion. The ranch has hosted events, including fundraisers, pig roasts, engagement parties, military events and more.
“It’s particularly good for kids because they can run around without being in danger,” she says.
As they continue to build their clientele, 2K has some plans to help engage visitors and make it a fun experience for all. They are working on converting an existing building into an Old West jail and are considering adding other attractions like Western-style skits on horseback and even building an Old West town.
“There’s really not any place quite like this around here. You have to drive up the driveway and stop and see. It’s just such a zen-like, peaceful, beautiful place. It just makes everybody feel good,” says Key.
Dylan McGuire
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