Some vacations are all about cramming in as much action as possible at Disney World. Others are about spending time with your girlfriends, whether it's on the beach or in a big city. These destinations are all about disconnecting with the hustle-and-bustle of daily life and spending time in nature. And what better place to do that than a real, working farm? Especially one that has a pool, zipline, or spa. Sign us up.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Harrodsburg, Kentucky
Slip into a slower pace of life at Shaker Village, which is home of the largest restored Shaker community in America. During your stay, the land's farmers lead overnight and day guests through a variety of programs like quality-time with the animals, a walk through the vegetable garden, lessons on beekeeping and gardening, and more. Vegetable enthusiast? The garden's produce is used at The Trustees' Table, where you can enjoy farm-fresh fare year-round. Bonus: Honey from the apiary and apples from the orchard are used for cooking and served onsite.
For more information, visit shakervillageky.org.
The Inn at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga, Alabama
Start your farm fairytale aimlessly wandering the grounds, where "the welcoming committee" is a herd of 30 longhorn cattle. Then, take a stab at sporting clays at Orvis Shooting Grounds or retreat to the Spring House Spa. Hungry? The resort boasts a handsome restaurant, pub, and grill that uses herbs, veggies, and grass-fed meats from the grounds. Whatever you do, don't leave without a round at FarmLinks, "the world’s only research and demonstration golf course."
For more information, visit pursellfarms.com.
Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm in Millboro, Virginia
They have us with those happy hour views alone, but Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm proves far more than simply an idyllic setting to uncork a bottle of wine. A fresh air getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains, navigate winding trails by foot or bike (the lodge provides bikes and helmets) or explore three miles of private river access for canoeing, swimming, and more. Digs range from rooms in the main lodge to hand-hewn log cabins with stone fireplaces, but you likely won't be spending much time indoors between water-time and checking out constellations from the stargazing platform. A bustling working farm, enjoy some of the property's bounty at the 19th century Lewis Gristmill restaurant for dinner (you can even purchase eggs, produce, and other foodstuffs to take home).
For more information, visit fortlewislodge.com.
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo in River Ranch, Florida
Westgate may be an hour south of Orlando, but you'll feel thousands of miles away from city-and-Disney life. Perched on 1,700 pristine acres (and surrounded by an astonishing 400,000 acres of protected land) get your dude ranch on amongst buffalo, longhorn cattle, goats, cows, horses, and other animals which live on-site. To keep you busy, horseback ride or hit the archery range, mini golf or enjoy a swamp buggy ride. Come slumber time, rest your weary limbs in standard hotel rooms or glamp in luxury 651-square-foot Teepees.
For more information, visit WestgateRiverRanch.com.
Lodge at Woods Hill in Bath, New Hampshire
New Hampshire delights with its imposing mountains and green landscape, but most of all, the Granite State feels like one (very) big small town. Bath is no exception, with the White Mountains setting the backdrop for your peaceful getaway at the Farm at Woods Hill. The farm, which provides all protein for its Concord, Massachusetts restaurants, Woods Hill Table and Adelita, is 15 miles to the Appalachian Trail, and around 30 miles to Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain Ski Resort. After a long day of spelunking outdoors, retreat to this 3,200-square-foot cabin — we'll see you by the fireplace — which sleeps up to 10 guests.
For more information visit airbnb.com.
Red Reflet in Ten Sleep, Wyoming
You know vacation has really begun as soon as you set your eyes on the awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs in the ranching community of Ten Sleep. Once you're settled, take a yoga class in a beautiful sanctuary with floor-to-ceiling windows, go for a zip-line ride, swim in the natural watering hole (a veritable "cowboy waterpark" with swing ropes), and more. Toast your ranch vacation with one of 100+ wines paired with farm-to-table dining (which includes beef and wild game from the ranch).
For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.
Gettysburg Farm RV Campground in Dover, Pennsylvania
Open seasonally from April to October, if you and your kids love feeding and caring for animals, you've come to the right place. In addition to RV storage, Thousand Trails' Gettysburg Farm offers visitors an assortment of vacation rental options in the verdant countryside by Conewago Creek. Entertain yourself hiking, poolside, playing mini-golf, or partaking in one of the many themed events offered on-site like the tractor show and "Barnyard Olympics" or a luau and pig roast.
For more information, visit rvonthego.com.
Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee
There's good reason this Smoky Mountains oasis has racked up countless accolades, including being named one of the winners for Southern Living's South's Best Resorts 2018. 40 minutes outside of Knoxville, the serene grounds play host to cycling, farmstead field school, paddle sports, and many other fun pastimes. Muscles feeling it the next day? Why, you deserve a healing herbs and flowers massage.
For more information, visit blackberryfarm.com.
