Looking for a greener vacation idea that will be both rewarding and affordable? The answer may lay only a short drive or flight away in the form of a farm vacation. Agritourism is on the rise with farm owners realizing the value their lifestyle has with city-slickers. Getting back to nature and taking a break from the pollution and cell phone/Blackberry-addicted stresses of city life may be just the cure for what ails you. In particular, fall is a sensational season for farm stays, with fall foliage colors, the harvest, and plenty of animal activity.
Outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania is known for its lush countryside and the traditional lifestyles of the Amish people, so it would seem appropriate to start here. The state, like several others, has a farm stay association, with a central website (www.pafarmstay.com) offering 24 individual farms, mainly in the east and west. You can choose your ideal farm based on accommodation style, type of farming (dairy, livestock, crops, organic, etc.), animals on site, children or no children, and other facilities and activities on site or nearby. Most of the Pennsylvania farm stays have an expectation or requirement that guests will help out with the chores -- after all that seems to be the main drawing point to this type of vacation.
Alternately there are what are called "gentlemen's farms" that generally cater to those who enjoy the seemingly more masculine pursuits of hunting, fishing and horse-riding. Old Fogie Farm (www.oldefogiefarm.com) is an organic property located in Marietta, in the heart of Lancaster County. Here you can choose between traditional guest rooms with private bath and hearty breakfast, or family suites with a kitchen. Seasonal rates are $95 a couple per night, $15 per child (children under one year old stay free). You'll be helping out with the basic farm chores like collecting eggs, feeding the animals and milking the goats but there's still plenty of time to sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning rural location. Animals on this farm include cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, rabbits, goats, and alpacas. They welcome families, couples, and singles; from September through April, senior citizens are eligible for a 12% discount on the price of accommodations. Their "summertime season" is from April to October and wintertime is November through March, but prices remain the same throughout the year.
Through its website, the Vermont Farms Association (www.vtfarms.org) can hook you up with a farm to visit or stay at. There are over 20 options to choose from, each offering its own type of rural experience. Set amongst the rolling hills and surrounding mountains of Rochester in central Vermont, Liberty Hill Farm (www.libertyhillfarm.com) is a working dairy farm run by a family of farmers who have been here for over two centuries. Their award-winning dairy farm offers visitors a chance to stay in almost 200-year-old home and take part in plethora of farm activities including milking cows, feeding calves, berry picking, fly fishing, egg collecting, hiking, and evening campfires.
Although barnyard chores are optional, it would be hard to resist an opportunity to feed the Holstein cows or pick vegetables for that night's dinner. Meals are home cooked and accommodation here includes a hearty breakfast and a delicious dinner. Nearby, guests can play golf, hike Green Mountain National Forest, go cross country skiing in the winter and explore the many trails in the Moosalamoo region (these are accessible for year-round recreation). Lodging and two meals cost $90 per adult, $70 for teens, children under 12 are $50 and there is no charge for those under two years of age. Vermont's room and meals tax of 9% and gratuity are not included. Guests generally stay from three to ten days.
Still in New England, Maine's Morrill Farm (www.mainefarmvacation.com/morrill/index.html) is a 200 year old property in the town of Sumner in the western mountain foothills. Apart from running a small B&B, Morrill raises beef cattle, has milking cows, pigs, goats, chickens, a dog, and horses on its 217 acre farm. Guests can enjoy nature trails or fishing in the river that flows through the property. In fall the foliage is impressive, and if your timing is right you can experience apple harvesting and apple cider pressing. In winter there is cross-country skiing and shoe shoeing as well as access to snowmobile tracks. Pets are welcome to stay for $15 per night in the farm kennel located on the premises and run by the owners' daughter a veterinary technician. There are three guest rooms, all with shard baths and rates are $65 single occupancy, $75 double occupancy and $15 for each additional guest, breakfast included.
In a verdant valley on Oregon's central coast, you'll find the tranquil oasis of Alsea and Leaping Lamb Farm (www.leapinglambfarm.com). Their farm stay promises a retreat from the stresses of city life in the privacy of a self-contained cabin, including two bedrooms with queen-sized beds; a full bath; complete kitchen and eating area; large, airy living room with a double-futon couch; and, a multi-level deck with views overlooking orchards and pastures. The farm grows hay and corn for the animals and has an extensive herb garden and green house.
Here you can assist with the harvest of fruit and vegetables throughout the summer and fall and get to take home the spoils of your labor with fresh fruit, jams, and cider. In addition to the flora, their domestic fauna includes chickens (farm-fresh eggs for your breakfast), geese, horses, a peacock, and the requisite dogs and cats. They are also in the business of selling pasture-raised Heritage turkeys and grass-fed Katahdin lamb products directly to local customers and restaurants, so depending on the time of year, most of these animals range freely around the property and guests can assist in feeding them. Accommodation including continental breakfast is $125 for one to two people, and additional guests are $25 each in a cabin that comfortably sleeps six. Children three and under are free.
