Agri-Tourism hasn't quite caught on in the United States yet the way it has elsewhere, particularly in Europe, New Zealand and Australia. But more and more families are considering agri-vacations for organic, eductional fun that also helps farmers and the agricultural industry thrive. These unique getaways feature festivals, farm animals, sugar plantations, pineapple farms, picturesque settings, educational activities and endless recreation. For more information on Farm Stays in the U.S., your best bet is to request information from local tourist boards throughout the country. Below are links to a handful of domestic locations, and numerous links to world-wide Farm Stay directories.

Massachusetts: For more information on Agri-Tourism in Massachusetts, contact the state's Department of Food and Agriculture at (617/626-1700).

Pennsylvania: For a directory of Farm Stay opportunities in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, visit www.800padutch.com/mem-farm.shtml.

Vermont: Shadowbrook Farms (802/ 524-7062); a working maple syrup farm in rural Vermont that also hosts a large herd of Jersey Heifers, ripe for milking.

North Carolina:
The Inn at Celebrity Dairy (877/742-5176); a working dairy farm in North Carolina, where deer graze at dusk.
Rising Meadow Farm (336/622-1795); also in the rolling hills of North Carolina, with a stocked pond for fishing and 128 acres of meadows and woodland for relaxing.

Oklahoma: To get news, useful information, calendar of events, and resources on agri-tourism in Oklahoma, visit  www.oklahomaagritourism.com or call (405/522-5652).

New Jersey: For family-friendly activities, recreation, education, farm festivals, wine tours, and hands-on opportunities, visit www.visitnjfarms.org to learn more about New Jersey's stunning farms and agriculture.

Hawaii:  From 2-acre coffee farms to 15,000 -acre sugar plantations, Hawaii has a dazzling array of agri-tourist attractions.  Imagine exploring pineapple, macadamia, sheep, and cow farms along oceanside settings with your family. For more information on activities, festivals, and opportunities, visit www.newfarm.org.