By Victor Block
Bobby Chase and Sarah Butler were excited when their parents told them they were each going on a family vacation to a working farm. They looked forward to sharing stories about their experiences when they returned home. Much to their surprise, however, 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.
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.
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 that welcome guests to enjoy an immersion in a way of life they might not otherwise experience.
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 interact 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.
Some farms are home to animals beyond the usual chickens, cows and other familiar beasts. The Heritage Farm in Flora, Indiana, for example, 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.
History also lives at the White Stallion Ranch nears Tucson, Arizona. Its original house was built in the early 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 activities that include archery, rock-climbing, tennis, a swimming pool, and a spa and fitness center.
Guests at the Abbey Road Farm Winery in Carlton, Oregon, sleep in an even more unusual setting. Their comfortable suites are in three silos, two of which were part of the property's original grain-storage facilities. Today they are outfitted with plush beds, heated floors and Jacuzzi tubs. This vineyard produces small-batch wines that guests can sample, along with gourmet multicourse breakfasts prepared by the onsite chef.
Those seeking a more basic place to lay their heads at night might 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 can take a tour to learn about regenerative farming practices, which include such environmentally friendly approaches as topsoil renewal, biodiversity and resilience to climate change.
It'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, birdwatching 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.
It's easy to guess what awaits at the Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins in Harland, Vermont. Honored as that state's best farm by Yankee Magazine, the owners invite 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 can check out the Nigerian Dwarf goats — miniature dairy animals whose milk has high butterfat content that makes it well-suited to turning out butter and cheese.
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.
WHEN YOU GO
thefarmex.com
leapinglambfarm.com
heritagefarmevents.com
whitestallion.com
abbeyroadfarm.com
ottercreek.eatfromfarms.com
bisonranchlodge.com
fatsheepfarmvermont.com
Victor Block is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
A child interacts with a lamb at the Fat Sheep Farm in Harland, Vermont. Photo courtesy of Fat Sheep Farm: Suzy Kaplan.
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