{"id":2900,"date":"2025-05-29T18:58:19","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T11:58:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/poplar-farms-and-the-agritourism-model-inspiring-tennessees-rural-future\/"},"modified":"2025-05-29T18:58:19","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T11:58:19","slug":"poplar-farms-and-the-agritourism-model-inspiring-tennessees-rural-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/poplar-farms-and-the-agritourism-model-inspiring-tennessees-rural-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Poplar Farms and the Agritourism Model Inspiring Tennessee\u2019s Rural Future"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"437\" data-end=\"512\"><em><strong>Poplar Farms, Tennessee \u2013 From a \u201cBig Tiny\u201d House to a Thriving Agritourism Business with Airbnb, Farm Experiences, and a Family-Driven Entrepreneurial Spirit<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"437\" data-end=\"512\">When Agriculture and Tourism Join Forces to Shape a New Future<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"514\" data-end=\"946\">At a time when the global tourism and agriculture sectors are searching for sustainable, human-centered, and distinctive business models, agritourism is emerging as a promising and viable direction. Beyond offering supplementary income to farmers, this model provides authentic experiences for visitors, allowing them to reconnect with nature, better understand the food value chain, and embrace a lifestyle rooted in simplicity and sincerity. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"948\" data-end=\"1239\">A leading example of this trend is Poplar Farms, a family-run farm in Tennessee (USA) operated by Amy and Chris Burr. Beginning with a used camper and a modest tiny house known as \u201cBig Tiny,\u201d Poplar Farms has evolved into an agritourism case study worth emulating. <\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"See How Agritourism is Transforming Local Farms and Boosting Entrepreneurship!\" width=\"1020\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vuHWSk0aoPE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1246\" data-end=\"1326\">A Humble Beginning: From an Old Camper to the \u201cBig Tiny\u201d in Rural Tennessee<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1328\" data-end=\"1609\">Poplar Farms\u2019 story didn\u2019t start with a major investment, but with a bold lifestyle choice. Amy and Chris, along with their children, left city life behind and moved to a rural property, initially residing in an old camper for nearly a year. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"1875\">Later, the family built a 55.7-square-meter house affectionately named \u201cBig Tiny,\u201d designed and constructed by their eldest son with help from other family members. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1877\" data-end=\"2140\">For over 18 months, the Burrs lived in this small space while steadily working to turn the farm into their primary source of income. Like many small-scale farming families, Chris continued working off-farm jobs to support household expenses. <\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2178\">An Unexpected Turning Point with Airbnb<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2180\" data-end=\"2483\">A friend suggested listing \u201cBig Tiny\u201d on Airbnb. Initially skeptical, Amy wondered, \u201cWho would drive out here just to stay in a tiny house?\u201d But the response was astonishing. Guests came regularly, drawn to the house\u2019s simplicity, privacy, and feeling of total escape.  <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2485\" data-end=\"2670\">Today, income from Airbnb not only covers their mortgage but also empowers Amy to fully commit to developing Poplar Farms\u2019 agritourism model. She notes: <\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"2672\" data-end=\"2864\">\n<p data-start=\"2674\" data-end=\"2864\">\u201cI\u2019m an introvert. Hosting on Airbnb works well for me\u2014I communicate with guests beforehand, set expectations, explain the farm sounds\u2026 and then give them their space.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"2866\" data-end=\"3004\">The success of \u201cBig Tiny\u201d sparked ideas for expansion: building more tiny homes to create a fuller farm-stay experience.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1702\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1702\" style=\"width: 612px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1702\" src=\"https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Poplar-Farms-va-mo-hinh-du-lich-nong-nghiep-truyen-cam-hung-tai-Tennessee-3.jpg\" alt=\"Poplar Farms v\u00e0 m\u00f4 h\u00ecnh du l\u1ecbch n\u00f4ng nghi\u1ec7p truy\u1ec1n c\u1ea3m h\u1ee9ng t\u1ea1i Tennessee 3\" width=\"612\" height=\"282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Poplar-Farms-va-mo-hinh-du-lich-nong-nghiep-truyen-cam-hung-tai-Tennessee-3.jpg 612w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Poplar-Farms-va-mo-hinh-du-lich-nong-nghiep-truyen-cam-hung-tai-Tennessee-3-300x138.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1702\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tennessee, TN, political map, with capital Nashville, largest cities, lakes and rivers. State of Tennessee. Landlocked state in Southeastern region of the United States, nicknamed The Volunteer State.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 data-start=\"3011\" data-end=\"3069\">Add-Ons: When a Farm Becomes a Living Destination<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3071\" data-end=\"3343\">Poplar Farms offers more than just accommodation. They\u2019ve curated a suite of interactive experiences (\u201cadd-ons\u201d) that bring the farm to life for guests. This is the very essence of agritourism\u2014transforming agriculture into a tangible, emotive, and educational journey. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3345\" data-end=\"3380\">Notable activities include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3382\" data-end=\"3556\">\n<li data-start=\"3382\" data-end=\"3471\">\n<p data-start=\"3384\" data-end=\"3471\">Guided farm tours (led by family members)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3472\" data-end=\"3492\">\n<p data-start=\"3474\" data-end=\"3492\">Goat milking lessons<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3493\" data-end=\"3519\">\n<p data-start=\"3495\" data-end=\"3519\">Feeding farm animals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3520\" data-end=\"3556\">\n<p data-start=\"3522\" data-end=\"3556\">Gardening basics and hands-on practice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3558\" data-end=\"3756\">During these visits, the Burr family shares their honest journey\u2014how they came from non-agricultural backgrounds, learned everything from scratch, embraced mistakes, and adapted with resilience.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3763\" data-end=\"3840\">The 11-Year-Old Tour Guide and the Spirit of Youth Entrepreneurship<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3842\" data-end=\"4002\">One of the most memorable aspects of Poplar Farms is Maisie, the Burrs\u2019 fifth child, who at just 11 years old leads the farm tours.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4004\" data-end=\"4270\">Her one-hour tours follow a handwritten checklist. Maisie speaks with confidence, clarity, and infectious energy. Guest feedback consistently praises her knowledge, charm, and strong sense of responsibility.  <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4272\" data-end=\"4551\">When asked why she enjoys giving tours, her candid answer was: \u201cTo make money.\u201d Maisie is saving up to buy a pony. Beyond financial motivation, she says she enjoys meeting new people and sharing what she knows about the farm.  <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4553\" data-end=\"4725\">These experiences not only impress visitors but also provide meaningful learning opportunities for the children\u2014instilling life skills, work ethic, and entrepreneurial thinking from a young age.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4553\" data-end=\"4725\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1703\" src=\"https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Poplar-Farms-va-mo-hinh-du-lich-nong-nghiep-truyen-cam-hung-tai-Tennessee-1024x408.jpg\" alt=\"Poplar Farms v\u00e0 m\u00f4 h\u00ecnh du l\u1ecbch n\u00f4ng nghi\u1ec7p truy\u1ec1n c\u1ea3m h\u1ee9ng t\u1ea1i Tennessee 3\" width=\"1020\" height=\"406\" srcset=\"https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Poplar-Farms-va-mo-hinh-du-lich-nong-nghiep-truyen-cam-hung-tai-Tennessee-1024x408.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Poplar-Farms-va-mo-hinh-du-lich-nong-nghiep-truyen-cam-hung-tai-Tennessee-300x120.jpg 300w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Poplar-Farms-va-mo-hinh-du-lich-nong-nghiep-truyen-cam-hung-tai-Tennessee-768x306.jpg 768w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Poplar-Farms-va-mo-hinh-du-lich-nong-nghiep-truyen-cam-hung-tai-Tennessee.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4732\" data-end=\"4779\">From \u201cBig Tiny\u201d to a Sustainable Agribusiness Model<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4781\" data-end=\"5036\">Poplar Farms proves that agritourism doesn\u2019t require grand beginnings. A single tiny home, a modest-sized farm, and a family willing to experiment can build a sustainable, impactful ecosystem. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5038\" data-end=\"5112\">The Burr family\u2019s model not only diversifies income but also:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5114\" data-end=\"5323\">\n<li data-start=\"5114\" data-end=\"5173\">\n<p data-start=\"5116\" data-end=\"5173\">Strengthens family bonds through collaborative work<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5174\" data-end=\"5251\">\n<p data-start=\"5176\" data-end=\"5251\">Provides rich, informal learning for their children<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5252\" data-end=\"5323\">\n<p data-start=\"5254\" data-end=\"5323\">Inspires others in the community to reimagine rural livelihoods<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"5330\" data-end=\"5386\">Poplar Farms: A Testament to the Power of Small Beginnings<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5388\" data-end=\"5679\">The Poplar Farms story offers a compelling reminder: you don\u2019t need to be a professional farmer to grow food, nor a tourism expert to craft memorable experiences. All it takes is an authentic space\u2014and a genuine story\u2014just like the Burrs created with Big Tiny.  <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5681\" data-end=\"5898\">In doing so, they\u2019ve built more than a tourism venture. They\u2019ve invited guests into the real, resilient world of rural America\u2014where meaning is found in simplicity, persistence, and trust in goodness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Poplar Farms, Tennessee \u2013 From a \u201cBig Tiny\u201d House to a Thriving Agritourism Business with Airbnb, Farm Experiences, and a Family-Driven Entrepreneurial Spirit When Agriculture and Tourism Join Forces to Shape a New Future At a time when the global tourism and agriculture sectors are searching for sustainable, human-centered, and distinctive business models, agritourism is&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2418,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[342,402],"tags":[421],"class_list":["post-2900","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-agricultural-and-rural-tourism-en","category-tourism-news","tag-poplar-farms-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2900","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2900"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2900\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2418"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2900"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2900"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2900"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}