Features > Getaways > Vermont Farm Vacations
For those who want to know what life on a traditional New England farm is like, a Vermont farm vacation can provide a very close up look at that very thing.
There are many farms within the Green Mountain State that offer lodging to guests who are curious about how these farms operate on a day to day basis. Sometimes the lodging is as simple as an extra bedroom located within the family farmhouse. Other farms have cabins dotted over their acreage, providing more privacy to visitors. Most farm stays include at least some, if not all, of the meals during the stay.
The type of farm visitors should choose would depend, of course, of the time of year. March and April are the maple sugaring season. During this time visitors who stay on a maple sugar farm can see how the sticky sweet stuff is made from tap to table.
A stay on a dairy farm is another option. One farm has over 150 head of cattle and visitors are invited not only to learn about the daily work involved in such a farm, but to participate in it as well. Visitors can feed the cows, clean the stalls and pet and feed the barn cats.
This vacation idea is often especially appealing to families with children who are old enough to appreciate the experience. These vacations are not all work, however. One farm has a fully stocked pond in which visitors are encouraged to swim or fish. There are plenty of hiking trails and, in winter, snow shoeing and skiing are popular activities.
In the spring and fall, some farms feature a corn maze, apple picking and pumpkin patches. Some farms offer horseback riding, a grape harvest, sheep shearing and other farm related activities.
Some farms offer special holiday themed stays. One example is the many Christmas tree farms. Visitors learn about the process of growing and caring for these trees and then take one home with them to use as their Christmas tree.
Even when staying on a farm, there will be plenty of shopping and antiquing within driving distance which will allow plenty of opportunities to shop for mementos of the visit.
While there is plenty to do, there is also plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of a quaint New England Farm.
Cindy | May 16, 2009 | Category: Getaways