top of page

Introduction to Agritourism in Barrington Hills, IL

Writer's picture: Chris YChris Y

Updated: Aug 1, 2024

Agritourism combines agriculture with tourism, providing visitors unique experiences that connect them to agricultural activities and rural life. This document outlines agritourism, its benefits, and its alignment with the vision of Barrington Hills, emphasizing non-commercial aspects.


What is Agritourism?


Agritourism involves various activities that bring visitors to a farm or rural setting for enjoyment, education, or direct sales of farm products. The term is often used interchangeably with "agri-tourism," "agrotourism," "farm tourism," "agricultural tourism," or "agritainment."


For the purposes of this ordinance proposal, agritourism is defined as:

  • Agritourism: An agricultural operation that invites visitors to experience an agricultural or horticultural setting for enjoyment, education, or active participation in farm activities.


  • Onsite Activities: Defined as taking place in an agricultural setting to foster agricultural education and community interaction, where visitors engage directly with agricultural activities, learn about farming practices, and often participate in related experiences like picking produce, farm tours, livestock interaction, or workshops on agricultural techniques or specific crops.


Why Agritourism?


Agritourism offers numerous benefits:


  1. Community Enhancement: Agritourism nurtures Barrington Hills' rural identity by supporting sustainable agricultural practices that are essential for preserving the village's pastoral charm. This approach is conscientiously aligned with the village’s dedication to maintaining a non-commercial atmosphere, enriching the community's connection to the land and promoting conservation without altering the existing landscape or social dynamics.

  2. Educational Value: Offers residents and visitors hands-on learning experiences about farming and sustainability. This is particularly valuable in Barrington Hills, where there is an opportunity to educate the community about the importance of conservation and sustainable land use. Agritourism can serve as a platform to promote environmental awareness and stewardship within the community.

  3. Community Engagement: Enhances the connection between urban and rural communities. For Barrington Hills, which prides itself on its serene rural landscape, agritourism fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding among residents and visitors alike. This includes promoting locally grown crops, which can lead to more sustainable consumption practices, increased support for local farmers, and an appreciation for the aesthetic and biodiversity contributions of locally grown flowers.

  4. Preservation of Rural Character: Helps maintain open spaces and the scenic beauty that defines Barrington Hills. Agritourism encourages the preservation of land as close to its natural state, contributing to the community’s goals of maintaining its rural charm and preventing overdevelopment. This aligns with the community's efforts to keep urban sprawl at bay and preserve the unique environmental and aesthetic qualities of the area.


Scope of Agritourism Activities at Our Farm


While agritourism can encompass a broad range of activities, municipalities have the discretion to define and permit the types of agritourism that align with local values and regulations. At our farm, we've tailored our agritourism activities to enhance the agricultural experience without introducing commercial elements that are out of step with Barrington Hills' preferences:


  • U-Pick is defined as an agricultural operation where visitors harvest their own crop directly from the fields. This activity not only enhances visitors' connection to the agricultural process but also provides them with the freshest products and a unique on-farm experience. In Barrington Hills, this supports local agriculture, promotes environmental education, and allows visitors to actively participate in a broader agricultural system, connecting them with the cultivation of both food and floral products, enhancing their appreciation of the local ecosystem and the diverse agricultural landscape.


  • Sale of Agricultural Products involves the sale of crops and other farm products that are cultivated and harvested directly on the farm. At our farm, this includes pre-picked flowers, wool, and plants. In Barrington Hills, this activity aligns with the community’s goals by reinforcing the rural economy in a manner consistent with the village's emphasis on conservation and maintaining open spaces. By providing residents and visitors with locally-sourced, sustainable options, these sales support the preservation of the village's rural character, rather than focusing on agriculture as a primary commercial center. This approach helps sustain the village's sophisticated country lifestyle and enhances the natural beauty and environmental values cherished by the community.


  • Sale of Non-Agricultural Goods is the sale of goods not directly produced on the farm (e.g., t-shirts, decorative vases, and artisanal soaps) that complement the agritourism experience. These products provide visitors with unique, farm-themed mementos and support local artisans. This practice aligns with the community-driven ethos of Barrington Hills, which values and supports small businesses. 


  • Educational Workshops are structured sessions that educate visitors about agricultural practices, sustainable farming techniques, and other related topics (e.g., floral arranging). These workshops are crucial in Barrington Hills for fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of agriculture, helping to educate the community on sustainability practices, and enhancing the overall agricultural literacy of residents and visitors alike.


  • Field Tours offer guided tours of the farm, where visitors learn about various crops, farming methods, and sustainable practices employed on the farm. This activity aligns with Barrington Hills’ interest in preserving rural character and educating the public about the benefits of sustainable land management and conservation practices.


  • Photography involves using the farm as a backdrop for professional or amateur photography sessions, capturing the scenic beauty and agricultural landscape. This activity promotes Barrington Hills as a destination for natural beauty and rural charm, aligning with the community’s goals to maintain its scenic landscapes and promote local tourism in a non-invasive manner.


  • Guided Interaction with Livestock allows visitors to engage with farm animals under supervision, providing educational and recreational opportunities to learn about animal husbandry and the role of livestock in agriculture. This activity supports Barrington Hills’ agricultural education goals and provides an engaging way for the community to connect with farm life and understand the importance of animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.


  • Outdoor Recreational Group Activities are activities conducted in an agricultural setting that promote physical and mental well-being. Examples include yoga sessions, guided meditation, painting lessons, and other group activities that leverage the serene farm environment for relaxation and recreation. Conducting these activities in the picturesque surroundings of our farm aligns with Barrington Hills’ commitment to conservation and nature. It enhances the overall well-being of participants by providing them with opportunities to connect deeply with the natural environment, supporting the village’s vision of maintaining high-quality, accessible recreational spaces.

Future Plans and Community Development


While we are passionate about enhancing our agritourism offerings, our ability to expand is consciously limited by our commitment to personally manage all activities without outsourcing. This approach ensures that every visitor's experience is deeply connected to our family's values and hands-on management style. Our U-Pick visits are deliberately confined to the flower field—a fenced area surrounded by woods—which not only helps maintain a clear separation between our home and the farm but also preserves our privacy and that of our neighbors. This setup keeps the farm activities sustainable and manageable given our full-time jobs and upholds the tranquil nature of our community.


Driven by a passion for growing beautiful flowers, we are here to build roots and strengthen community ties in Barrington Hills. Our vision extends beyond personal gain; we aim to benefit the entire community by providing educational and recreational opportunities that enhance local engagement with agriculture. By introducing others to the joy of local flowers, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for nature and the aesthetic beauty it offers.


We encourage community feedback, ensuring our efforts remain aligned with local needs and contribute meaningfully to our shared environment. By maintaining a balanced approach to growth, we ensure that our agritourism activities enrich Barrington Hills without overwhelming our resources or our community’s rural character. Our commitment is to grow responsibly, preserving the authenticity and intimate nature of our agritourism experiences while respecting the privacy and peace of our neighborhood.


-Farmer Yams


211 views0 comments

Comments


Not open to the public

Seasonal Flower Delivery and Design Serving the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago

Connect with us

  • Black Instagram Icon
  • Black Facebook Icon
  • Youtube
u-pick flowers
bottom of page