Dreaming of farming organic lavender, or perhaps, of yodeling with the yaks? At these farm stays across the nation, you’ll finally get your chance. Keep reading for all you need to know about planning your next family vacation at a working farm.
LessSituated on a 9,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains, there is no place like Blackberry Farm. Undoubtedly swanky, Blackberry is agrarian at its core and offers families a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature. And in between a visit to the Wellhouse for pampering, fly fishing, biking, hiking, boating or general meandering, your family can learn about what life on a working farm is all about through gardening, livestock, and farm production lessons.
Tanque Verde Ranch is a working cowboy ranch that dates back to 1868 and is home to around 200 horses. And at this all-inclusive dude ranch of your dreams, you'll find horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, yoga, swimming, gourmet meals, and cowboy cookouts.
When you're staying at a working coffee plantation, the odds of actually getting to drink your cup of coffee in the morning—despite being in the throes of parenthood—increase significantly. In addition to staying caffeinated, guests at the Holualoa Inn enjoy perks like tours of the orchards and roasting mills.
The kids will be delighted when you bring them to stay at one of the cottages at B. Bryan Preserve. African antelope, zebra and giraffe, along with eclectic lodging await you in Point Arena on the beautiful Mendocino coast. Take a tour to meet the animals and then enjoy your time in the cottage or hot tub.
This little farm home is in the perfect area to get away, yet is close enough to enjoy nearby city attractions as well. Front porch sitting has a perfect view of a pasture full of horses. And the covered outdoor riding arena makes it a great place to stay if you are traveling with horses, or if you’d just like to schedule a horseback riding lesson.
This property is a treehouse and a farmstay. Sleep in the trees and walk through a fairy forest in the midst of the lavender fields. During your stay, have a picnic or wander the gardens and visit Simon the donkey and Henry the goat. Bring your gear and fish in their well stocked pond.
Blue Pepper Farm is a working sheep dairy in the Au Sable Valley of the Adirondack Mountains. This 46-acre farm sits across the valley from the hamlet of Jay and its historic covered bridge. Guests will enjoy a staggering mountain panorama from the porch, deck, or pool overlooking the lush pastures where sheep and laying hens graze. Harvest dinners from the garden in the summer and fall accompany fresh organically raised lamb, pork and eggs straight from the farm.
Located near Waco, Texas, this expansive farm stay includes an incredibly unique converted grain silo with all the amenities, including a sleeping loft, full bathroom, kitchen and a fishing pond on site. Visit with the sheep and llamas and relax in the peace and quiet.
Seventy acres of serenity is what you’ll find just over the Hood Canal Bridge. Established in 2017 by owners Niall and Natalie, farm animals are the big draw for kids here. They’ll make fast friends with the sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks and Cue, the farm llama. When it comes to navigating the space, look to Niall, who gives tours and explains the farm’s “beyond organic” practices. There’s a good chance he’ll also invite the kids to help feed the animals and look for eggs.
Head to Big Sky Country to experience life on a working sheep farm. You'll sleep in an antique sheepherder's wagon, and get to experience a day of spinning at the wheel, hanging with the sheep, or if you'd rather, just relax (they don't judge).