“The pandemic forced people to reconsider their travel options, such as road trips-and RVing emerged as the cheaper, safer, easier, and more adventurous way to travel. “Our membership base has more than doubled in the last year, growing past 200,000 members,” says Joel Holland, the Coloradobased CEO of Harvest Hosts. But for one night at a time, RVers can do what’s called “boondocking” or dry camping, relying on solar panels or generators to power their mini houses on wheels, if needed. There are generally no services such as no water hookups or electricity. Many Harvest Host locations are beautiful, undiscovered gems where no one but RV owners can actually stay. Here’s how it works.Ī fairly new and growing opportunity for RV owners, Harvest Hosts is a nationwide network of more than 2,500 wineries, breweries, farmers, and other attractions that welcome overnight RVers-at no cost-but with an understanding that RVers will patronize their wine tastings, farmers’ markets, or restaurants in exchange for that free-and truly unique-overnight accommodation. The thing that surprises people the most about Harvest Hosts is that, once you join, your RV stays are free. Becoming Harvest Hosts members opened an entire world of unique travel experiences-the ability to park our new wheels where virtually no one else ever stays: gorgeous wineries, innovative breweries, and the most Americana of all small businesses-pastoral family farms. One was a splurge to celebrate our 30th anniversary- a shiny new RV-and the second was a membership that cost less than $100. But our 2021 adventures have been possible because of two purchases. It’s been a complete turnaround, after a pandemic year of shutdowns brought our travels to a halt. Over the past few months, my husband and I have experienced one-of-a-kind travel adventures within an hour’s drive of Harrisburg. New views on life, inspired-likewise-by the unique vistas. Watching the sun set across expansive, rippling farm fields. Conversations with an award-winning winemaker. The opportunity to purchase artisan cheese on the actual dairy farm where it was made. Sipping wine flights on a gorgeous mountainside patio. ![]() Morgan said the new customers discovering their properties through programs like Harvest Hosts is a welcome uptick amid all the uncertainty the pandemic brings for businesses.Witnessing the sun rise, brightening vineyard hillsides. While Hinnant Family Vineyards is open for walk-in tastings and tours outside of grape harvesting season. "But, then it started to happen two and three calls to stay overnight," she added. "I want to say probably about the first of the year actually, we've had at least one every night," Morgan said. Hinnant Family Vineyards has been a part of Harvest Hosts for a few years, however, Wine Club Director April Morgan said the Harvest Hosts business on their property has seen a big uptick since the pandemic hit. ![]() In the Raleigh area, there are three Hosts within about 30 miles of the city including Fair Game Beverage Company in Pittsboro, Carden Farms in Franklinton and Hinnant Family Vineyards in Pine Level. ![]() Members join Harvest Hosts and have access to more than 1,000 locations across the nation where they can stay for free in a self-containing RV. ![]() One way campers are exploring new agritourism destinations is through a membership business, Harvest Hosts. In North Carolina, part of the agritourism growth is in part due to the growing popularity of RV camping off the beaten path. (WTVD) - As many look for activities to do while social distancing, the agritourism industry is booming across the nation as farms, ranchers, and wineries turn their land into a destination.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |