City folks used to retreat from the hectic pace of urban life by escaping to the farm of a relative.

But many no longer have relatives living on a farm yet would still like to escape to the solitude of the countryside.

This gives Tennessee farmers an opportunity to increase farm income by targeting tourists who want to escape from city life.

More than 40 million visitors come to Tennessee each year and spend an estimated $7.7 billion. “Agritourism,” giving out-of-town visitors a farm experience, might appeal to some.

“Entertainment farming” is offering the same experience to local customers or groups, such as schools, youth groups and senior-citizen clubs.

What could you offer on your farm? Your imagination is your only limit. Other Tennessee farmers are offering farm tours, storytelling, fee hunting or fishing, farm vacations, camping, cornfield mazes, haunted hayrides and pumpkin patches.

If agritourism or entertainment farming interests you, contact the Agricultural Development Center. UT created the center to assist Tennesseans in evaluation and development of “value-added agricultural enterprises,” such as entertainment farming.

The Center can assist with market research and develop financial plans and feasibility studies. Contact your local county Agricultural Extension Service office. Also visit the the Center for Profitable Agriculture Web site or e-mail the Center at cpa@utk.edu