Join farmers, artisans and agricultural professionals as they celebrate agritourism in northeast South Carolina with Ag-Cited™! Ag-Cited™ is an agritourism initiative created by the Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau. The intent of Ag-Cited™ is to increase tourism in the northeast region, primarily the Pee Dee, by offering family-friendly events every weekend of a season, beginning March 20th.
Schedule for spring 2010:
1. March 20, 2010
Tobacco Greenhouses
Quiet Brook Produce
417 Quiet Brook Rd.
Darlington, SC 29540
843.650.2064 or 843.479.3839
Follow the modern tobacco growing process - from the coatings on the seeds to make them large enough to handle, to the planting in the greenhouses. Grown hydroponically, the plants are given a quick mowing by the automated cutters to ensure large leaf size once planted. Additional displays provide an insight into the modern machinery to harvest and cure the golden leaf.
2. March 25-27, 2010
Spring Planting Weekend & Easter Egg Hunt
williamsvineyard.com
Williams Muscadine Vineyard & Farm
21 Gabriel Place
Nesmith, SC 29580
803.397.1859 or 843.354.2169
Thursday and Friday are open for school groups to plant vegetables and/or flowers. Come for a farm tour, educational activities and an egg hunt. On Saturday, there is a planting demonstration, an egg hunt and other activities for children. Saturday is open for church groups, Girl and Boy Scouts, and the general public.
3. April 3, 2010
Spring Planting Event
www.horrycountymuseum.org
L.W. Paul Living History Farm
2279 Harris Short Cut Road
Conway, SC 29526
843.915.5320
L.W. Paul Living History Farm is gearin’ up the mule to set tobacco and plant corn for the summer. Come out and join them as they recreate old days on the farm. The farm uses traditional tools and techniques for planting and cultivating crops. The public is invited to try their hand at setting tobacco with hand setters, and see mules work the fields. There will be various demonstrations of traditional crafts and music, including blacksmithing, butter making and soap making. Food and gifts are available for purchase in the visitors center.
4. April 8-11, 2010
Plant & Flower Festival
www.pdfarmersmarket.sc.gov
Pee Dee State Farmers Market
2513 W. Lucas St.
Florence, SC 29501
843.665.5154
Get ready for spring! Choose from the tremendous array of flowers and shrubs to add to the landscape. Handcrafted items on display will entice you to take home a bit of the Pee Dee authenticity, and locally grown fruits and veggies will encourage you to try some new recipes.
5. April 17, 2010
Celebrating Rural Heritage - Past, Present & Future
www.clemson.edu/public/rec/peedee
Clemson University Research Education Center
2200 Pocket Rd.
Florence, SC 29506
843.669.1912
This educational and entertaining outdoor event will highlight the natural resources and industries that shaped the rural heritage and lifestyles of the Pee Dee. The event will feature exhibits by a range of agricultural organizations and the many learning centers on the Clemson University Outdoor Education Trail.
6. April 24, 2010
Freewoods Farm Festival
www.freewoodsfarm.com
Freewoods Farm
9515 Freewoods Rd.
Myrtle Beach (Burgess), SC 29588
843.650.9139 or 843.650.2064
The annual Freewoods Farm Festival includes a tour of the farm, as well as story telling, live music and lunch. Don’t forget to take home Freewoods Farm syrup, peanuts and sweet potatoes.
7. May 1, 2010
Key West Music & Wine Fest
www.labelleamie.com
La Belle Amie Vineyard
1120 Saint Joseph Rd.
Little River, SC 29566
843.399.9463
Bring a blanket and chair, and enjoy the music at the La Belle Amie Vineyard Key West Music & Wine Fest! This event will feature two live bands, a wine sampling, tour of the vineyard (2pm), and plenty of food vendors and artisans/crafters. Admission is $8 per person, and individuals under 18 and over 80 are admitted for free. Folks who donate at least two canned or dry foods items will receive a ticket discount of $3.
8. May 7-9, 2010
Race Weekend Farmers Market Event
www.pdfarmersmarket.sc.gov
Pee Dee State Farmers Market
2513 W. Lucas St.
Florence, SC 29501
843.665.5154
While you're on the way to the Darlington Southern 500 NASCAR race, stop by the Pee Dee State Farmers Market for a special gift for Mom. Mother's Day isn't complete without a hanging flower basket or a rose bush to show her how much you care. Special vendors will be set up for this weekend, selling locally produced syrups and preserves, handmade soaps and candles, and of course, Blenheim Ginger Ale!
9. May 15, 2010
Strawberry Festival
www.macspride.com
McLeod Farms
Hwy. 151 S.
McBee, SC 29101
843.335.8335
Experience live entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides and strawberry pickin’ at the Strawberry Festival. There’s an inflatable jump castle and slide for children, as well as face painting and a strawberry dessert recipe contest. And don’t miss the homemade strawberry ice cream and shortcakes!
10. May 22, 2010
Wine Tasting
www.hymanvineyards.com
Hyman Vineyards
6027 Old Bucksville Rd.
Conway, SC 29527
843.397.2100
Sample nine different wines at Hyman Vineyards during their weekend wine tasting event. Also, listen to the wine-making process and hear stories of grape-growing and the transition from growing tobacco to grapes. Find out if you’re a “Palmettovore” and why you should be! Don’t forget to visit their general store.
For more information, please contact the Florence CVB at (843) 664.0330 or visit them online at www.visitflo.com.
About Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau
Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the city and county of Florence SC whose primary mission is to market and promote the Florence area as the optimal site for conventions, sports, and leisure travel. More information may be found at www.visitflo.com.
Media contact:
Holly Young Beaumier
Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau
Director
(843) 664-0330
(800) 325-9005
mailto:holly.young@florencesccvb.com
