Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Sustainable Tourism: What Can You Do?



Sustainability in the hospitality industry is a big concern for all of us.  Not only are there concerns about water usage but water quality and the use of other natural resources.

Many in the tourism industry are taking into consideration their financial responsibilities, social responsibilities and environmental responsibilities.  Implementation of these three elements of sustainability is a process, not an end goal. 

We must challenge ourselves, our staffs and our guests to be more responsible today than they were yesterday and more tomorrow than they were today.

Buffalo River Farm has implemented a sustainable practices credo for the short and long run.  This started by choosing building materials that were sustainable as well as energy efficient AND by using local talent during the building process.  For example, the outside lights on the 120 foot porch are called "dark sky" lighting.  These lights face downward and do not interfere with the beauty of the night sky.  Here are a few more areas that we are focusing on:

  • Towels and bed linens are not changed daily unless the guests needs and/or request that towels and linens should be changed.  If a guest stays 7 days, the bed linens and towels are changed mid-week. 
  • Local food is purchased from local farms to the extent possible.  
  • Thermostats are maintained at 67 degrees F in winter, we do not use wood for supplemental heat because of insurance liability; air conditioning thermostats are set at 74 degrees F. in summer
  • Grounds will be landscaped with drought tolerant plantings and rainwater will be collected for some watering
So, what can you do?  It is the hope that by reading this, you will develop an understanding that the guest is a vital part of the sustainability effort in the hospitality industry.

We hope to see you soon,
Donna  




Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Why We Should Care About Sustainable Tourism



Last week's post in this series of exploring sustainable tourism, defined sustainable tourism.

This post will explore the "why" of sustainable tourism. 

 Impact:    Over 842 million people traveled internationally in 2007 + this is expected to reach 1.6 billion by 2020.  As a result, travel and tourism was expected to represent 3.6% of total global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2007 and 10% if tourism related businesses like transportation, cleaning, catering, etc. were included! (Source: Global Development Research Center)

Considering the scope of the impact that this could possibly have on communities and tourism dollars in those communities, not to speak of water resources used by hotels, motels etc., sustainability only makes sense.











Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Buffalo River Farm and Studio B&B is ...Sustainable Tourism



This is the first is a series of articles written to explore and inform more about the sustainability effort in tourism. 

What is sustainable tourism?
The Tennessee Department of Tourism promotes sustainable tourism and defines it as: "Sustaining the environment culture and heritage of a region while at the same time sustaining economic growth through tourism.

According to the Sustainable Tourism Gateway, in its purest sense, is an industry which attempts to have a low impact on the environment and the conservation of the local ecosystem.  It is responsible tourism that is both ecologically and culturally sensitive.

There are many variations on this common theme of sustainable tourism and each community's approach will be a little different.  However, I think the most succinct summary of the"Principles of Sustainable Tourism" that I found were these (quoted from source):

  • Tourism should be initialed with broad-based community inputs and the community should maintain control
  • Tourism should provide quality employment to its community residents and a linkage between the local businesses and tourism should be established 
  • A code of practice should be established for tourism at all levels-national, regional, and local. 
  • Education and training programs to improve and manage heritage and natural resources should be established. 
Buffalo River Farm and Studio believes and practices the sustainability model for a number of years and will continue to improve upon our efforts.  

Next time:  A Discussion of Why Should We Care About Sustainability




Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Why Bike the Natchez Trace?


Whether it's pedal bike or motorcycle, biking the Natchez Trace has become a very popular thing to do.

There are three main reasons why:

  • Commercial traffic is prohibited on the Trace.  And the speed limit is only 50 miles per hour (except for the northernmost 14 miles where it is 40 mph)
  • The Trace is a very safe environment.  If you or a friend or family member is somewhat inexperienced and are looking for a place to get started, try biking the Trace
  • There are over 35 B&Bs cottages and cabins spaced out along the Trace as part of the Natchez Trace Bed & Breakfast Reservation Service.  
Free planning can be obtained at the link above.  The planning includes confirmation letters, recommenced bike routes and other useful information for biking the trace.  For this free service you can call 800.377.2770  

Buffalo River Farm and Studio, located 3.3 miles from the Trace,  is a partner B&B with the Natchez Trace Reservation Service and provides indoor storage of bicycles, a great place to stay as well as a hearty breakfast.  

We hope to see you soon!!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Tennessee Travel Tuesdays



Each two or three weeks Tennessee Department of Tourism promotes travel deals across the state with Tennessee Travel Tuesdays.

Buffalo River Farm and Studio has posted a deal on the tourism site.  Visit the farm find out the slower pace of living is wonderful.

See you soon!!


Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Video Tour of Buffalo River Farm and Studio Bed and Breakfast


Buffalo River Farm and Studio is a 456 acre working family farm located in Southern Middle Tennessee.  Take a tour of the studio and bed and breakfast above.

Our friends at Fields of Tara video productions did an outstanding job with the video.  Check out their Fields of Tara YouTube channel for sights and sounds of Lawrence County events.

This is a special place in a very special area of Tennessee.  The Natchez Trace parkway is only 3.3 miles from the farm and you can take the Trace all the way to Nashville for a beautiful drive.  Plan your Natchez Trace Parkway visit here. 

The Amish are a big part of the Lawrence County community and you will be charmed by the horse and buggy parking and horse drinking troughs at the stores, banks as well as other locations. The Amish that reside in Lawrence County Tennessee are Old Order Amish and live very simply without the modern conveniences of television, radio, electricity (of course) telephones, or cars.  Many of the Amish farms can be visited and they have many things for sale.  The Amish farms do not trade on Sunday and many are closed on Wednesday as well.   

Clay Classes at Buffalo River Farm and Studio

This weekend at the studio our first guest arrived!!  and....clay classes were offered on Thursday, January 31 and Saturday, February 2.  This picture is from the class on Saturday and features the teacher, Patty Crocker, from Salisbury, North Carolina teaching our new friend Linda how to work with white clay.  

Patty showed the class how to apply many new textures to the clay object and we have so many to fire!
It was a very productive weekend and hope that our new friends will return for more fun.  


Saturday, February 2, 2013

Now Open...Buffalo River Farm and Studio Bed and Breakfast



The Amish community was a large part of the building process.  We count them among friends. 

After many months of construction, Buffalo River Farm and Studio Bed and Breakfast has opened.  

The farm is a wonderful place to stay for business or travel and offers 3 comfortable bedrooms in the bed and breakfast.  The 120-foot porch which overlooks the pasture westward toward the Buffalo River, is a quiet place to disconnect from the daily grind or dine in good weather.  The studio can accommodate small seated dinners and is a unique place to host an event.  Getting married?  Have a bridesmaid luncheon or party in the studio.   The studio is the creative workspace of Donna Branch, an award winning artist.  

Buffalo River Farm and Studio maintains a philosophy based on sustainable living and was built using local craftsmen who are extraordinarily talented.  

The farm offers space for business meetings, strategic planning sessions, or private parties.   Call today at 931.964.2533 to learn more.

"like" the farm page on Facebook for exclusive offers for our fans!