Farm and ranch vacations
Stay at a farm or ranch and learn where your food comes from. An eyeopening exprience for the entire family.
Bobby Chase and Sarah Butler are childhood friends, so they were excited when their parents told them they were going on a family vacation to a working farm. Because the adults don’t know each other, the youngsters understood that they would be heading to different places. They looked forward to sharing stories about their experiences when they returned home.
Much to their surprise, their accounts had little in common. The Chases visited the Dogwood Hills Guest Farm in Harriet, Arkansas, which invites the public to “Stay with us and learn.”
Among tasks that Bobby enjoyed were gathering freshly laid eggs, feeding animals, picking berries and helping in the garden. His parents took classes in cooking, cheese and pasta making, quilting and other crafts. (For more information log onto thefarmex.com.)
Much of Sarah’s time at the Leaping Lamb Farm in Alsea, Oregon was spent hiking, taking nature walks, fishing with her father, observing the resident donkey and peacock, and playing with the cats that live in the barn. (leapinglambfarm.com)
In each case, the young people experienced just a sampling of activities and attractions that were available. That variety is typical of many farms and ranches which welcome guests to enjoy an immersion in a way of life which otherwise they may never experience.
Unwind and meet animals at farm and ranch vacations
For those seeking a relaxing respite from city life, or a change of pace from their daily routine, going to a farm or ranch can provide an opportunity to slow down, take part in some new kinds of tasks, and get up close and personal with a variety of animals. A number of these sanctuaries also offer an unexpected selection of things to see and do, along with always comfortable, in some cases luxurious, accommodations.
There are farms that are home to animals beyond the usual chickens, cows and other familiar beasts. For examples, the Heritage Farm in Flora, Indiana touts itself as a petting zoo. The big attraction is a herd of dozens of alpacas, and among chores involving them are feeding, helping the shearers and assisting with their health care. A 400-foot zip line provides a much faster experience, and accommodations range from a modern guest house to an 1850s log cabin. (heritagefarmevents.com)
Some farm and ranch vacations immerse guests in history
History also lives at the White Stallion Ranch nears Tucson, Arizona. Its original house was built in the 1900s of mud and straw adobe brick, and a section of that early construction is still visible. Accommodations have greatly expanded to include 43 guest rooms and a four-bedroom hacienda. Given the name, it’s not surprising that activities are focused on horseback riding, cattle sorting and penning, and other cowboy-related routines. In addition, the ranch offers a choice of other things to do that includes archery, rock climbing, tennis, a swimming pool and a spa and fitness center. (whitestallion.com)
Guests at the Abbey Road Farm Winery in Carlton, Oregon sleep in an even more unusual setting. It has comfortable suites in three silos, two of which were part of the property’s original grain storage facilities and that are outfitted now with plush beds, heated floors and Jacuzzi tubs. This vineyard produces small-batch wines which guests may sample, along with gourmet multi-course breakfasts prepared by the onsite chef. (abbeyroadfarm.com)
Learning about ecofriendly practices during farm and ranch stays
Those seeking a more basic place to lay their head at night may be interested in knowing about Otter Creek Farm in Johnsonville, New York. The choices there include a new rustic “corn crib” creek side cabin and comfortable, well-stocked tents. Along with walks around the 465-acre spread and hobnobbing with the animals, guests may take a tour to learn about regenerative farming practices, which include such environmentally friendly approaches as topsoil renewal, biodiversity and resilience to climate change. (ottercreek.eatfromfarms.com)
There’s no surprise what the main focus is at the Bison Ranch Lodge in Pingree, North Dakota. This third-generation family farm and ranch operates as a hunting outfitter for customers who come to fill their freezer with bison meat. It also offers fishing, bird watching and enjoying the serenity of the open prairie. The Lodge utilizes reclaimed barn wood and other items acquired from the property and nearby farms and ranches. (bisonranchlodge.com)
You may meet and greet some unusual creatures while vacationing at a farm or ranch
Given its name, you probably can guess who awaits at the Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins in Harland, Vermont. Honored as that state’s best farm by Yankee Magazine, it invites visitors to help feed the animals, collect eggs, milk the sheep and – depending upon the time of year -- learn about cheese making. Anyone looking to come face to face with different denizens of the spread may check out the Nigerian Dwarf Goats, miniature dairy animals whose milk has high butterfat content that’s makes it well suited to turning out butter and cheese. (fatsheepfarmvermont.com)
Websites are available to help people seeking a farm or ranch visit narrow their search. FarmStayUS.com employs filters that zero in on the kinds of facilities and activities users are seeking. These include accommodations, activities and amenities.
FarmStayPlanet.com offers visits to farms, vineyards, ranches and other related venues around the world. It donates part of its revenue to charities that support small farmers in East Africa and work to reduce animal suffering in the agriculture industry.
Victor Block
Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He believes travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn. He loves to explore new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won many writing awards.
