Black Georgia Farmers Welcome New Airbnb Stays and Experiences – WSB-TV Channel 2

Get ready for unique stays and experiences in Southwest Georgia.

the New Communities Land Trustan organization founded in 1969 to provide a safe haven for black farmers, launched the Southwest Georgia Agri-Tourism Trail – a collection of extraordinary stays and experiences on Airbnb throughout Southwest Georgia.

Led by USDA Co-Founder and Equity Commissioner Shirley Sherrod, the Southwest Georgia Agri-Tourism Trail will help participating farmers access local tourism economic opportunities through accommodations, while raising awareness about the history and current needs of black agriculture. communities.

the New Communities Land Trust – the first community land trust in the United States and a collective of over 6,000 acres of farmland owned and operated by black farmers – works to create generational wealth by supporting and educating its members on sustainable farming and agribusiness practices . The organization is headquartered in Resora, a former plantation near Albany that was originally owned by one of Georgia’s largest slave estates and now represents and promotes racial reconciliation and healing.

“When New Communities acquired Resora over a decade ago, we envisioned it as a place where we could cultivate the land, nurture people’s spirits and empower our community,” Sherrod said in a statement on the project. “I look forward to the possibilities this new partnership will bring to our members, the rich stories that will continue to be passed on by guests, and the kind of relaxation and restoration that only being in nature can provide. “

Through Southwest Georgia Agritourism, guests will experience accommodations and activities on a variety of farms, from quiet retreats to one of the largest pecan producers in the south. Bookable stays and experiences include:

• Stay through Resora, a 1,638-acre oasis getaway and historically significant site. With its majestic cypress trees, serene pond views, and early 19th-century mansion, this place is definitely a stone’s throw from the norm. Resora is also home to a wealthy and active farm, as well as an agricultural research laboratory for testing, on-site learning, and food production.

Resora will accommodate guests in three cabins and cottages across the property, all with stunning views and access to its natural surroundings and amenities. Reflecting the history of Resora and the area, each home is named after notable members of the local civil rights movement: the Monroe Gaines Cottage, named after a founding New Communities board member in 1968; the Slater King Cabin, named after the vice president of the Albany Movement — a desegregation and voter rights coalition formed in Albany, Georgia, in 1961 — and another founding board member of New Communities; and the Rose Mary Mack Cottage, named after a participant in the Southwest Georgia Civil Rights Movement, a member of the Southwest Georgia Community Education Project, and a community organizer for new communities.

• A unique tour of Resora, taking guests through its rich agriculture and important role in Southwest Georgia’s civil rights history. Visitors will board the Bird Wagon and cycle through all the highlights of the farm: from the 200-acre pecan orchard and Muscadine grape vineyard to the Bee Boxes and Duck Pond. And of course, since guests will be right in the heart of citrus country, no visit would be complete without a stop at the Satsuma Orange Grove, to learn about the history of citrus production in the region, as well than on Mrs. Josie. Miller, a hero of the southwestern Georgia civil rights movement and for whom a historic building near the Orchard is named. Throughout their stay at Resora, guests will be treated to even more stories about the founders of New Communities and their work organizing for justice.
• A special “Taste of the South” experience at Vicks Estate, Farm & Fishery. Farmer Clinton Vicks will delight guests with a delicious barbecue, cooked over a wood and charcoal fire. In addition to sharing these traditional techniques, guests will have the chance to stroll through the farm’s market garden beds, picking fresh vegetables and herbs to enjoy during their meal. And when lunch is served — after a game or two of corn hole — Clinton will share stories from four generations of farming history.

“Travel has long opened new doors of discovery – and the very nature of hosting lends itself to telling stories, sharing traditions and understanding history first-hand,” said Catherine Powell, Head of hosting world. “We are thrilled to launch the Southwest Georgia Agri-Tourism Trail with Shirley and the New Communities Land Trust, not only to introduce these families to lodging, but also to the global Airbnb community about the past, present, and future. of black agriculture.”

Starting today, guests can book stays and experiences on the Southwest Georgia Agritourism Trail at airbnb.com/swgatrail.

As part of this new partnership, Airbnb has made a donation to New Communities, in support of its larger mission to uplift black farmers in southwest Georgia.

For those who live in rural destinations and want to earn extra income by hosting, visit airbnb.com/host for more.

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