How Permaculture Could Play a Role in Rural Tourism

Photos submitted by Glen Miracle of Laughing Frog Farm. 

Permaculture is a land design philosophy that emphasizes incorporating natural surroundings and processes as well as growing an abundance for both individuals and groups. 

The objectives of any permaculture project are to make something out of what looks, to most people, like nothing. Through permaculture, rural tourism providers are able to use the natural resources at their fingertips to build a business that will support them and their community for decades to come. 

Any rural tourism effort with a permaculture bend will continue providing for the community even after a business shuts down. It will be like food insurance for your community, creating a spot designed for hands-off growing and public consumption. 

In rural areas it will always be difficult to get investment from large companies or the state—let alone federal—government. When rural communities do get funding for projects, there are rules attached that inevitably change the nature of the community and slowly kill the unique aspects of it that made it a tourism destination in the first place. 

By combining rural tourism with permaculture projects, communities can take back  control of their financial health from distant interest groups, and place success within reach of those who make a rural community what it is. 

This type of tourism also encourages the health and well-being of area residents who take on these self-sufficient projects and pass on good food, unique experiences, and economic prosperity to their peers.

Nationwide Examples of Permaculture Tourism 

Rural areas across the country are benefiting from a reorientation of their economics from agriculture and manufacturing to tourism. The Finding Country team talked with three permaculture tourism businesses in various regions of the country: Tennessee, Texas, and California. 

We wanted to get an idea of how this hybrid of rural tourism and permaculture - what we conclude is “permatourism” - plays out in different parts of the country where knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices and the acceptance of tourism as an economic factor varies.

The Relaxation Station at Swan Center 
Summertown, TN
Owner: Kathleen Rosemary 

For the past four years, Kathleen has been developing 11 acres of rolling forest and meadows into a permaculture oasis with gardens and a courtyard in addition to rustic dwellings, porches and swings, all constructed with sustainability top of mind. 

She combined her passion for holistic healing with her belief that our national and global food supply are in danger through the creation of her business. As a Licensed Massage Therapist and energy medicine teacher, Kathleen offers 30, 60, 90 minute healing sessions, but the most lucrative sideline for her is the Airbnb lodging, space for tent camping, and camper and RV hookups. 

“I’ve been booked quite a bit in the last year,” she said. 

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Nugget, a lovable billy goat that lives on Shanti Permaculture Farm butts heads with a visiting WOOFer. | @shantioccidental

Overnight stays range from a weekend to a couple of months at a time. A construction worker drove from Summertown to Spring Hill, Tennessee every day for two months because he enjoyed the ambience of Kathleen’s facility so much. 

The main “product” Kathleen is selling isn’t necessarily commercial. Many companies say they're selling peace of mind; Kathleen is actually creating it and inviting others to experience it. ​

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