Greenville County Launches Agritourism Destination

News Summary

A pair of sisters aims to turn a historic 22-acre tract in Greenville County into a vibrant agritourism site, featuring farming activities, artisan goods, and community classes. While many locals are excited, some express concerns over potential disruptions to their quiet lifestyle. As plans progress, the future of this transformative venture hinges on a crucial rezoning vote scheduled for February 4, 2025.

Greenville County’s New Agritourism Venture: Excitement and Concerns from Locals

In the beautiful locale of Greenville County, there’s a buzz of activity as a local business looks to shake things up! A pair of sister entrepreneurs, PJ Green and Austin Neely, have plans to transform a stunning 22-acre tract of land near Keeler Mill Road into a thriving agritourism destination. With a rich history, this land, which features a historic mill, holds special memories for the sisters from their childhood visits. Now, they’re eager to breathe new life into it.

What’s Cooking at the New Farm?

The upcoming agritourism site is set to offer a delightful blend of activities and attractions. Plans are in motion to restore the beloved Keeler Mill, alongside a fully functioning farm that will cultivate a variety of bountiful crops. Expect to see blueberries, microgreens, figs, muscadines, and blackberries flourishing in the fields. Additionally, the farm will raise charming quail and hens, ensuring everyone has a taste of farm life!

But that’s not all! The land will feature stocked ponds for fishing, giving families the chance to bond over aquatic adventures. For those interested in learning more about rural life, classes and tours are also planned. Have you ever wanted to hop on a hayride or pick your own pumpkin? This new agritourism venture promises to deliver all that and more!

Artisan Goods Galore!

Guests can also indulge in shopping for special homemade treats, such as artisanal jams and soaps. The focus on locally made goods adds a unique touch, surely attracting visitors eager to take a piece of their experience home. And let’s not forget the exciting addition of the Sunken Manor, an interactive haunted house that opened in 2024, which will bring spooky thrills as part of the agritourism experience.

Community Response: Mixed Feelings

For some locals, like resident Nathan Crockett, the opening of the haunted house has already been a challenging adjustment, citing it as a local nuisance. Still, many other voices in the community have rallied in support of the agritourism proposal. Councilman Benton Blount has noted the amount of enthusiasm for the project, indicating that many see it as a promising opportunity for economic growth and community engagement.

Next Steps for the Project

To move forward, the business operating under the name 168 Hours is looking to rezone the property from a residential suburban designation to agricultural. This crucial change would pave the way for their ambitious plans to come to life. The Greenville County Planning Commission has lent their backing to this rezoning proposal, with a crucial council vote slated for February 4, 2025.

Conclusion: An Exciting Future Awaits

As this agritourism project begins to unfold, it’s clear that Greenville County stands at the brink of a new chapter. Balancing the desire for economic development with the concerns of its residents will be key as the sisters embark on this exciting journey. Will the community rally behind this venture and embrace the fun and educational activities it promises? Only time will tell, but for now, the anticipation in the air is palpable!

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Additional Resources

• The Progress News: Agriculture to Agritainment
• Google Search: Greenville County agritourism
• Morning Ag Clips: Farm Forest Recovery Resource Days
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Agritourism
• Greenville Journal: Plant-Based Tourism Adventure
• Google News: Agritourism Greenville