UNC Asheville’s N.C. Center for Creative Retirement will offer one of its popular behind-the-scenes tours on Saturday, Oct. 6. The day-long tour will explore the Buncombe County agriculture scene that is using new strategies and new methods to keep local farming alive and profitable. The tour departs from UNCA and is open to the public.

The tour will begin with a talk on "The Health of Local Agriculture" by Kenneth Reeves, director of the Buncombe County Agricultural Extension Service. Guests will then visit Claxton Farm in Flat Creek and discover how local agri-tourism is evolving from historical patterns, such as the hospitality of country inns. A full farm-style lunch follows. The tour wraps up with a visit to Hickory Nut Gap in southeast Buncombe County. Other highlights include sampling apple cider and organic produce and one-on-one talks with new generation farmers.

The $60 registration fee includes transportation and lunch.

For more information or to register, call the N.C. Center for Creative Retirement at 828/251-6140.

Media Contacts:

• Dr. Ron Manheimer, N.C. Center for Creative Retirement Director, 828/232-5180
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant, 828/251-6526