Website Features Affordable, Family-Friendly Agritourism Roadtrips in PA

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- There's still enough summer remaining for Pennsylvanians to plan a fun roadtrip to agricultural destinations statewide through Keystone Country, an interactive website at www.visitPA.com/KeystoneCountry, Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding said today.

"Pennsylvania agritourism destinations are affordable, family-friendly and can serve as a getaway for a few hours or a few days," said Redding. "With plenty of options close to home this summer—from fairs and farmers markets, to wineries and horse and harness race tracks—experiencing Pennsylvania has never been easier."

Governor Edward G. Rendell declared August as "Agritourism Month" in Pennsylvania, citing Pennsylvania's two leading industries – the $61 billion agriculture industry and $27 billion tourism industry.

Agritourism connects the public to the state's 115 county and community fairs; six horse and harness race tracks; 1,200 farm markets, farm stands and pick-your-own operations; 120 wineries and wine trails; and 50 farm-stays and bed and breakfasts that have ties to agriculture.

Consumers can also visit local restaurants that use PA Preferred products, tour some of the state's renowned arboretums and botanical gardens, visit a historic barn, explore a corn maze and pumpkin patch, or cut a fresh Christmas tree.

"When consumers support local farms and agribusinesses, they help to reinforce the important role our leading industries play in keeping Pennsylvania growing," said Redding.

The Keystone Country website features eight agritourism roadtrips:

• I-80 Ag Tour – an agricultural field trip that takes travelers across the northern part of the state, from Penn State University to the markets and shops of Grove City;
• Farm Fun in Butler County – this two-day road trip of picturesque Butler County includes stops at seasonal festivals, a visit to an alpaca farm, shopping at a farm market, adventure at a state park and a stay at a country bed and breakfast;
• Wine and More on I-79 N – it's a three-day wine-lover's dream come true, with stops at regional vineyards, a farmers market and buffalo farm;
• To Market to Market on I-79 S – travel scenic I-79 South for a taste of farm living and fine wines;
• Going Dutch on I-78 – experience the Pennsylvania Dutch Country by exploring its markets, wineries and scenery, including a stop at the Allentown Turnpike Plaza Farmers Market;
• Vineyards and Markets – wineries, farm markets, corn mazes and ice cream are only a few of the agricultural delights you'll find in the Lebanon and Lehigh valleys;
• Rural Roadways – explore Washington County over three fun days, even getting an opportunity to help a farmer with his morning chores; and
• Pittsburgh Farm Tour – Allegheny County has more to offer than many people would expect. Take a three-day roadtrip and see what agricultural adventures await you in the Pittsburgh region.

In addition to roadtrips, Keystone Country features interactive maps with links to farm stays, farmers markets, fairs and wineries, and a personal roadtrip planner.

For more information about Pennsylvania agriculture, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Nicole L. C. Bucher, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture