Dig Deeper Blog

After spending years welcoming guests to our own farm and now working with hundreds of farms across the Farmstay community, I've learned something simple:

The perfect farm stay looks different for everyone.

For some people, it's a quiet cottage overlooking rolling hills. For others, it's feeding animals, gathering eggs, learning a new skill, or spending a weekend reconnecting with family.

One of the beautiful things about farm hospitality is that there isn't one right way to experience it. 

If you're wondering how to find the farm stay that's right for you, here are a few places to begin.

Start With the Experience You're Looking For

Before choosing a farm, ask yourself a simple question:

What sounds enjoyable to me?

Some travelers are looking for a peaceful retreat and a chance to slow down. Others want hands-on experiences, farm tours, workshops, animal encounters, or opportunities to learn about agriculture.

There is no right answer. The perfect farm stay is the one that matches the experience you're hoping to have.

Understand That Every Farm Is Different

Unlike hotels, farms aren't built from a standard template.

One farm may be a vineyard. Another may be a goat dairy. A third may be a family orchard that has welcomed guests for generations.

Take a little time to read the farm profile, browse photos, and learn about the hosts. The more you understand about the farm, the more likely you'll find a stay that feels like a great fit.

Consider Who You're Traveling With

Traveling with young children? Looking for a romantic getaway? Bringing your dog? Planning a solo retreat?

Many farms cater to different types of travelers, and paying attention to amenities, lodging options, and activities can help narrow your search.

Think About the Season

One of the wonderful things about farms is that they change throughout the year.

Spring may bring lambs, kids, calves, blossoms, and planting season. Summer often means gardens bursting with color, u-pick opportunities, and long evenings outdoors. Fall is filled with harvests, pumpkins, apples, and crisp countryside air. Even winter can offer cozy cabins, snowy landscapes, and a chance to slow down.

The same farm can feel entirely different depending on when you visit.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions

During our years hosting guests, some of our favorite visits started with a simple email asking, "What is there to do on the farm?"

Don't be afraid to reach out. Most hosts genuinely enjoy helping guests find the experience that's right for them.

If you're wondering about animal interactions, accessibility, workshops, family-friendly activities, or what a typical day looks like, simply ask.

Sometimes the Best Farm Stay Is the One You Didn't Expect

Some of the most memorable farm experiences happen when travelers step a little outside their comfort zone.

Looking back on our time welcoming guests to the farm, some of the happiest visitors were the ones who fully embraced the experience. They spent the morning picking cherries in the orchard, gathered fresh herbs from the garden, cooked dinner with ingredients from our farm stand, and ended the day watching the sunset over our tiny vineyard with a glass of local wine in hand.

Those moments weren't necessarily what brought them to the farm in the first place, but they were often the memories they talked about long after they returned home.

That's one of the joys of farm hospitality. It invites us to stay curious, slow down, and discover experiences we may never have found otherwise.

Wherever your journey takes you, I hope you find a farm that feels like the perfect fit.