Episode #6: Raystown Countryside: Discovering the Experiences Beyond the Lake

Join Lissy as she welcomes you back to Raystown Revealed and uncovers a side of the Raystown Lake Region that many visitors may not immediately think of. Raystown Lake is only the beginning. Lissy takes you into the heart of Huntingdon County to uncover the countryside experiences that make this region truly special. Explore ways to reconnect with nature, embrace a slower pace and create lasting memories this summer!

Transcript

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The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. This podcast reflects knowledge and understanding at the time of the recording. The opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and featured guests.

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From relaxation to adventure. From nature's wonders to engineering marvels. From the unexpected past to the icon of today. This is Racetown Revealed, Beyond the Water's Edge, presented by the Huntington County Visitors Bureau. Let's dive in.

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Hello everyone, and welcome back for another episode of the Racetown Revealed Podcast. My name is Lissy Kinder, and today we're diving into a side of the Racetown Lake region that many visitors may not immediately think about when planning their trip. When people hear the word Racetown, they often picture boating on the lake, scenic hiking trails, mountain biking adventures, and weekends spent soaking in the outdoors. And while all of that is certainly a huge part of what makes our region so special, there's another experience here that offers visitors the chance to slow down, connect with the land, and experience something truly memorable. Today we're talking about Racetown's countryside and the incredible agritourism experiences available throughout Huntington County this summer. Now, first things first, you may have heard the word agro tourism before, but what exactly does that mean? Simply put, agro tourism gives visitors the opportunity to experience agriculture firsthand. It allows people to step onto working farms, learn directly from the farmers, and better understand where products come from and take part in experiences they likely can't find at home. And honestly, that's becoming more important than ever. Travelers today aren't just looking for destinations. They're looking for experiences. They want something authentic. They want to learn something new, connect with local communities, and leave with memories that feel meaningful. That's exactly what Racetown's Countryside is all about. Here in Huntington County, agriculture has long been a vital part of our community. Many farms in the region have been family-owned for generations, while others represent newer passions and innovative businesses built around sustainability, education, and local products. Racetown's Countryside brings together numerous incredible local farms, each offering visitors the opportunity to learn, laugh, and grow through hands-on experiences that create lasting memories. And what makes these experiences so special is that every farm tells a completely different story. For visitors who love animal encounters, there are some truly unforgettable experiences waiting. At Woodcock Hollow Farm, guests can experience life on a working sheep farm while learning about daily farm operations and the traditions behind raising sheep. One of the highlights is watching the highly trained sheepdogs in action as they skillfully herd and manage the flock. Visitors may even get the chance to witness sheep shearing demonstrations depending on the season. In addition, you have the opportunity to see the horses that call Woodcock Hollow home too. Depending on the time of year, you may get to learn about raised bed gardening and picking seasonal fruits and vegetables to take home with you. It's the kind of experience that gives people a completely new appreciation for the work that happens on farms every single day. Another incredible stop is Terrace Mountain Alpacas, where visitors can spend time getting close with more than 20 incredibly friendly alpacas. Guests can learn where alpacas originate from, why they're raised, and what happens after shearing as fiber transforms from fleece into finished products. Visitors can even create a bird's nesting basket to take home and shop products available right on the farm. What makes this experience meaningful is that the farm is also accessible to visitors with disabilities, making an opportunity for more people to enjoy. The owners have been raising alpacas for a while. Some may call them true experts on the friendly creatures. They can answer any questions you may have. Then there's Starleaf Farm, where visitors can discover what life is like inside the fascinating world of bees. Their beekeeping experience introduce guests to the honey bee life cycle, the different components of a hive, the science behind honey harvesting, and the incredibly important role pollinators play in our everyday lives. You'll get to see the hive, all the equipment that makes beekeeping easier, and even see some bees up close. And of course, visitors get to leave with local honey, making it both educational and delicious. For those who enjoy hands-on experiences and beautiful scenery, Stone Creek Farm offers something truly unique. Their lavender field experiences allow visitors to immerse themselves in the fields filled with more than a dozen varieties of blooming lavender, while learning about how the plant is grown, harvested, and used in everything from culinary products to handcrafted goods. Guests can pick their own lavender bundles to take home, and for those looking for something even more hands-on, there is also the opportunity to create a handmade lavender wreath using the freshly cut lavender right from the field. It's peaceful, relaxing, and the kind of experience that makes you want to slow down and simply enjoy where you are. A visit to Stone Creek Farm will fully immerse you in the beauty of the outdoors, right here in the Racetown Lake region. Another wonderful stop is Tuckaway Tree Farm, offering a self-guided you pick flower experience beginning in the middle of the summer. Visitors can wander through the blooming flower fields, take their time choosing their favorites, and create their own bouquets to take home. Sometimes the simplest experiences create the best memories. And this is one of those opportunities for families, couples, or anyone simply looking to enjoy a beautiful summer day outdoors. And if you find yourself returning to the Racetown Lake region in the wintertime, there is nothing like the view of a Christmas tree farm covered in snow. Who knows? You may even find the perfect tree that you want to take home for your Christmas celebrations. And then for the food lovers, one stop simply can't be missed. At Clover Creek Cheese Cellar, visitors can experience the journey of cheese from pasture to plate. This working dairy farm allows guests to see where cows are milked and how artisan cheese is carefully crafted on site. Visitors can watch the cheese making process unfold, tour the cheese vat and aging room, and even participate in hands-on cheese making experiences depending on which tour you choose. And of course, it all wraps up with incredible samples of their cheese produced right there on the farm. There's something special about understanding where your food comes from and seeing firsthand the care, science, and craftsmanship behind the products we enjoy every day. But beyond the individual experiences, what makes Racetown's countryside truly meaningful is the connection it makes. Every farm has its own story. Every farmer has a passion they've dedicated countless hours to building. And every visitor who participates gets the chance to step directly into that story. Agro tourism does more than create fun experiences for travelers. It supports local farms, strengthens the rural communities, preserves agricultural traditions, and helps visitors better understand the people and hard work behind the products they use every day. The best vacation truly goes beyond the souvenirs. Long after the lavender fades, the honey jar is empty, the cheese has been enjoyed, the flowers have wilted, the memories of spending time together, learning something new, and connecting with a place in a meaningful way are truly what last. If you're planning a trip to the Racetown Lake region this summer, or even if you're a local looking for something new to experience, we encourage you to explore Racetown's countryside's options. Whether it's meeting the alpacas, watching the sheepdogs work, learning the art of beekeeping, strolling through lavender fields, crafting your own bouquet, or discovering how artisan cheese is made, there is truly an experience waiting for everyone. The Racetown Lake region has always been known for adventure, but sometimes the most memorable adventures happen when you slow down, connect with the land, and discover the stories growing right here in our countryside. To learn more and reserve your farm experiences this summer, visit raisedown.org backslash countryside. Thanks for listening, and we hope to see you exploring our countryside here soon.

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This has been a deep dive into Raisetown Revealed Beyond the Water's Edge, presented by the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau.

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Explore more at raisedown.org.