Agritourism Grows in Okla.

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Two of Oklahoma’s largest industries, agriculture and tourism, have combined to give local tourist destinations a new level of exposure.

The Oklahoma Agritourism initiative, a partnership between the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Division, recently released an agritourism map and introduced a Web site to give travelers an easy reference to the different attractions across the state.

“With so many different types of attractions and events, it can be overwhelming to know where to go or what to see,’ said Abby Cash, director of Oklahoma agritourism. “These tools can help spark ideas for creating and planning memorable family experiences.”

There are five agritourism destinations in Comanche County, including the Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton. Agritourism attraction owners said the new initiative is a benefit to them as well as the state.

“I love the idea of agritourism and what they are wanting to do for us,” said Pegi Brown, owner of the Stardust Inn Bed and Breakfast in Medicine Park. “We’ve met with the folks and there’s a lot of hope for Oklahoma and the agritourism business in the future.”

Brown and her husband moved to Oklahoma from California more than 18 years ago. While she may not be a native Oklahoman, she still feels strongly about the state’s tourism industry.

“We’re Okies at heart, and that’s what really matters,” Brown said. “Oklahoma is the best-kept secret. The people are great and the products they make here are top of the line.”

The four-room Stardust Inn is located on the edge of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Brown said she and her husband have gone to great lengths to use as many Oklahoma products as possible.

“I would say 99 percent of our art we have on display is from Oklahoma artists,” she said. “From the dishes that we eat on to most of the things you see, everything is Oklahoma. That is why this agritourism is so important to us.”

Brown isn’t sure whether being listed on the agritourism initiative’s list will benefit her business, but she said the work that the initiative is doing is a step in the right direction.

“They’re doing what they can to promote Oklahoma’s tourism and agriculture industries,” Brown said. “That’s what matters. It’s hard to say whether we’ll see the benefits of it, but someone will.”

Edna Hennessee, owner of Dream Valley Farm and Cosmetic Specialty Labs, said she has seen a dramatic change at her business since she opened it to tourism.

“We’ve had these bus tours coming here for a long time. We’re so excited about them coming in,” Hennessee said. “It’s amazing what they bring to our town. We’re blessed to have them.”

Dream Valley Farm, located near Cache, has 60 commercial greenhouses in which aloe plants are grown. Cosmetic Specialty Labs in Lawton offers guided tours that show how cosmetics are made. Hennessee said most tourists are fascinated by the cosmetic process.

“We’ve been here for 23 years and have been doing tourism for more than two years,” she said. “The groups have really grown with this agritourism group and everyone seems to love what we’re doing here.”

Hennessee believes the initiative will help smaller tourist attractions with publicity, which will eventually help with the local economy. She said the initiative will benefit all Oklahomans.

‘The agritourism is going to be really big for local people if they get behind it and promote it and welcome these people who come in,” Hennessee said. “We’ve spent a lot of time planning what we’re going to give the tourists when they come in. We really welcome them.”

Marty Hazelwood, owner of the Winery of the Wichitas, said agritourism is nothing new, but the list will help agritourism in the area.

“They’re working with farmers and those who produce things in the state, and that really helps everyone out,” she said. “It’s a big benefit to everyone.”

Winery of the Wichitas in Medicine Park is a tourist-based operation. Hazelwood said she offers tours of the vineyards and has a wine tasting area for visitors. The vineyard is near the entrance to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife refuge, so it attracts many people visiting the refuge. She said the agritourism initiative is helping to publicize the vineyard in ways she couldn’t.

“I think the agritourism is a great organization and they’re really working for us and doing a great job for a new organization,” Hazelwood said. “Their job is to get the word out there, and they’re doing it.”

Information from: The Lawton Constitution, www.lawton-constitution.com