by Bob Carson

Editor’s Note: The USTA website is pleased to present freelance writer Bob Carson and his popular “Outside the Box” features. This monthly series is a menu of outlandish proposals presented with a wink — but the purpose behind them is serious. The views contained in this column are that of the author alone, and do not necessarily represent the opinions or views of the United States Trotting Association.

Bob Carson

For those who love our sport and enjoy traveling, this idea could be useful. The concept could also encourage some to create a business startup that has the potential to help our sport.

Imagine that ten years ago a couple purchased a large historic home in the Germantown area of Columbus, Ohio. They name their redbrick structure, built in 1878, Garden Spot Manor. They spend time and money returning the house to its original condition and then begin to fill the house with pre-1900 antiques. As the years fell away, they began to regret that their home was beginning to feel like a rarely visited museum or a never shared treasure.

One afternoon, an article in the New Yorker Magazine changed everything and led to new experiences.

The couple enjoyed staying at Bed and Breakfasts. When they traveled, they found them more personal and sometimes more economical than traditional hotels. They had considered trying the new cousin in the lodging world, referred to as Airbnb, where people list their home, or part of their home, to visitors, but never stayed in one.

Both traditional B&Bs and Airbnb have a new twist, a twist that changed their lives. The latest innovation in the Airbnb world is a concept called “experiences.” They are for hosts with a particular passion or for visitors looking for a vacation theme.

The concept of Airbnb experiences grew innocently. Apparently, a man named Tom was renting the back four rooms of his massive Victorian mansion in Chicago. One day, when his guests arrived for their visit, Tom said, “Hope you enjoy your stay. By the way, I am an avid amateur historian. If you would like a historical tour of the city, I’d be happy to be your guide.” His guests were indeed history buffs and accepted the offer.

Tom’s little tour was a wonderful experience for all concerned. In a digital world, the experience spread virally. Soon, what Tom originally offered out of passion, morphed into a business where he charges an additional fee for visitors who want to take a historical spin around the city. Tom quickly developed a business he loved. Travelers interested in Chicago history had a destination.

This concept took root in many places with many themes. Winemaking, touring piano factories, walking tours, trout fishing, curling, genealogy research or piñata stuffing — name a passion that people love, some are out there ready to share and others may be willing to investigate.

The squire of Garden Spot Manor has a passion for harness horse racing and he lives less than 20 minutes from Scioto Downs. In fact, he chose the name Garden Spot Manor because his wife nixed Pocket Trip Palace.

This couple is not desperate for additional income. The idea of opening their door to strangers was slightly intimidating. Still, the idea of hosting was appealing and additional income is always welcome. The squire of the manor had a secret plan to use any windfall from Airbnb revenue for either gambling on harness racing or buying a yearling on his current bucket list. He knew he would enjoy spending time with fellow harness racing aficionados or introducing the sport to anyone who was curious. His wife loves to share their home, her antiques and the history of the house.

Timidly, they listed on Airbnb. They listed the rear suite of Garden Spot Manor for short-term guests. The listing had interior and exterior photos and tags or terms for visitors looking for “experiences — history, antiques, accessible to harness race track.”

The email came quickly: “My cousin and I love harness racing but we live in Nebraska. Next week we will be in the area for a wedding. Are rooms available for June 15 and 16? — Laura Dennison.”

Laura and her cousin Richard were the first guests. The weekend was a smash hit. The squire took Laura and Richard to the track both days (they did not need to rent a car, which they appreciated). Richard wanted to see the Delaware Fairgrounds but time ran out. He is planning a return visit during Jug week.

Should you have the room and the itch to get into the Airbnb game, and if you are located near a racetrack, breeding farm or training center, your “experience” could be a harness racing package.

The squire is working on improving his package by including complimentary issues of Hoof Beats magazine. He is setting up a small bedroom in the house arranged with harness racing memorabilia. He is going to ask a local trainer to agree to meet guests, maybe include clubhouse tickets, breakfast at the track kitchen or a spin in a jog cart.

Your passion could become your side business. Your home could become a harness racing destination.

The “experience” road runs in both directions.

When you travel, the listings on Airbnb make it possible for you to find hosts who are into the game of harness horse racing. Your experience will be deeper staying near your passion, with hosts who feel the same way.

Staying or hosting, business or pleasure, harness “experiences” are only a few mouse clicks away.