There’s a worldwide yearning (because of COVID, perhaps) to get back to what really matters — not only family, friends and the great outdoors but also organic, sustainable and locally grown food. In the not-too-distant past, even though we lived in cities, we knew someone — maybe grandma and grandpa — who lived on a farm or ranch. As the world became more urbanized, many of us lost that connection but still want to reconnect with farm and field. The name for this vacation trend: agritourism.
Farmers and ranchers support agritourism not only to augment their income but also to engage their guests in the process of growing and harvesting food. There’s something timeless about tending heritage chickens, pressing olive oil, making goat cheese or riding out at dawn to check on the cattle. Later, enjoy an early dinner — maybe heirloom tomato-topped pizza in a brick oven, or country-style ribs in cast iron — and stargazing in a night sky unaffected by city lights.
Accommodations vary widely: a hayloft, sheep wagon, bunkhouse, farmhouse bed-and-breakfast, rustic-chic vintage trailer, historic log cabin, wooden tree house … or pitch your own tent in a meadow next to a fast-flowing brook. Wake up to country sounds: roosters crowing, birds chirping and horses nickering. Breathe in the cool morning air. Then savor a field- to-fork breakfast featuring homegrown and locally sourced products.
The best resource for authentic farm and working ranch vacations in the United States is farmstayus.com, where you’ll find a comprehensive listing of accredited properties that offer stays for a day, week or longer. The properties can be a lavender farm in New Mexico, a sheep ranch in Montana, a tropical orchard in Hawai’i or a maple sugar farm in Vermont. For more than 300 listings in Europe, ranging from luxury farmhouse hotels in Spain to stays in Tuscan vineyards and Sicilian citrus orchards, visit farmstayplanet.com. Rates range $75–500 per day and usually include all meals and activities.
If you have a self-contained RV or travel trailer, Harvest Hosts (harvesthosts.com) proves a good resource. Membership ($99–139/year) includes access to more than 2,500 camping possibilities at ranches, farms, orchards, breweries and vineyards across the United States.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 26, 2024The Bishop’s Lodge’s Bunkhouse: A Rustic, Historic Getaway
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a small town that’s big on historic landmarks, buildings, parks and Western lore. Many of its most fascinating structures also happen to be hotels, including Bishop’s Lodge, which extends the city’s specific charms from the streets into the public areas and private suites and rooms. While most of the properties within historic buildings are upscale, Bishop’s Lodge is now a member of Auberge Resorts Collection thanks to a painstaking restoration, luxury appointments, commitment to personal service and wide range of exclusive activities.
Sponsored Content
Revel in a European Summer with AmaWaterways
Pedal through sun-drenched vineyards, hike amidst blooming wildflowers and take a refreshing dip in your ship's sun-deck whirlpool. Indulge in the flavors of the region with delectable dishes featuring luscious Wachau Valley apricots and succulent Serbian plums. As night falls, watch as the cities along the rivers come alive, pulsating with an irresistible electric energy. The sun-soaked days and vibrant nights offer a compelling reason to embark on an AmaWaterways river cruise during the upcoming summer months.
Daily
Apr 26, 2024Book the Ultimate Summer Escape at Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen
Plan your 2024 summer vacation to Mexico. Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen offers travelers special experiences this summer, as well as an all-inclusive offer. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, your significant other or solo, this resort has something for everyone.
Daily
Apr 26, 2024Jamaica Gears Up for Summer with New Hotels and Experiences
Just in time for summer, Jamaica is easier to enjoy than ever thanks to new hotels and excursions. This Caribbean island has never been more alive than this year, and this summer is to be its best one yet.
Sponsored Content
Tips to Plan a Destination Event Worth the Trip
Corporate events can often feel … too corporate. Where to go to get the team out of the office environment to bond and think outside the box? Starting with an unconventional, unique space to make them feel like the all-stars they are will get the juices flowing and make your LinkedIn profile glow.
Daily
Apr 25, 2024Former Massachusetts Glasses Factory Transforms into New Hotel
In the late 1800s, eyeglass manufacturer George Washington Wells became the founder and owner of the largest eyeglass company in the town by merging with several smaller lens manufacturers in Southbridge, Massachusetts. By the early 1900s, Wells was running the largest eyeglass manufacturing company in the world, owning several factories in Southbridge and occupying more than 80 acres on both sides of the Quinebaug River. It was called the American Optical Company, known locally in town as “AO.”
Hôtel Royal Unveils evian SPA, the First in Europe
Daily
Apr 25, 2024Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh Review
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 24, 2024Wolf by Vanderpump Opens at Harveys Lake Tahoe
Daily
Apr 24, 2024eFlyer News
Apr 24, 2024Lufthansa’s Allegris Takes Off May 1
Lufthansa’s new travel experience on long-haul routes starts its scheduled service May 1. Allegris is the airline’s new cabin, marking a new era for Lufthansa. Allegris sees updates and changes to economy, premium economy and business class, with a planned first-class cabin later this year.
Sponsored Content
A New Perspective on Incentive Travel
Incentive travel has long been a way for organizations to drive sales and reward employees with opulent trips to exotic destinations. Today it encompasses even more.
eFlyer News
Apr 24, 2024IHG Hotels & Resorts Introduces 12 New Properties to Vignette Collection in 2024
IHG Hotels & Resorts welcomes 12 new properties to its brand-new luxury and lifestyle brand, Vignette Collection. Vignette Collection is a curation of distinct, hand-picked hotels, each offering one-of-a-kind stays from beachfront resorts to boutique townhouses.
ShareThis