Trend Alert: 5 Fabulous Farm Vacation Rentals
Sure, a stay at an oceanfront 5-star resort sounds like the perfect place to get away from it all. But, what if you swapped all the fancy amenities for something a little simpler? "In search of more authentic connection and a need to slow down, more and more people are choosing to spend their vacations down on the farm," says Anne Banas, Executive Editor of Smarter Travel. "Experiential travel is a huge trend right now, and farm stays offer a chance to live like a local (and more simply) while being able to participate in the action. These ranch vacations break up your typical escape plans creating a unique blend of relaxation and first-time experiences for many of the guests. "A lot of people from the city have never been in the quiet, pet a potbelly pig, or seen stars," says ranch owner Galiena Jacobs. "It's truly therapy to be surrounded by nature and away from the city noise." Trade in stress at home for a crowing rooster at one of these unique ranches Airbnb has to offer.
Rustic Antique Sheepherder's in Wagon, Montana
Back in the day on the Oregon Trail, amenities included dying oxen and dysentery. Luckily, this antique covered wagon only comes with a sky full of stars and grazing animals. Cozy up for only $99 a night (it sleeps two) and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of rolling pastures and mountains. Just minutes from Bozeman, you're conveniently located near humanity yet surrounded farm animals.
Island Farm Retreat in Portland, Oregon
What do you get when you combine organic farm-to-table meals, stunning views, a private casita, and a Redbone Coonhoud pooch? A modern farmhouse to rent for $79 a night, located just 15 minutes from downtown Portland on Sauvie Island. According to the listing, "It is the perfect place to write, relax, read, take photos, celebrate, and/or get away and recharge for a bit." Situated on five acres of a working farm, two cats, 10 chickens, six ducks, and two bunnies are also included.
Love Nest in Morongo Valley, California
We've heard of the love shack, but this is the Love Nest, a.k.a., a private room for $125 a night that sits above a barn and has a deck where you can take in the desert surroundings. Part of the Genuine Draft Horse Ranch, you can get a taste of Western life with a nearby old-fashion saloon and horses roaming the property. "Visitors really get a taste of the ranch life," says owner Jacobs. But, it's not just farm chores they have to offer; massages and facials are available upon request and you can rent the whole property out for a wedding.
Post & Beam Cabin on the Hill in Gansevoort, New York
You don't have to trek out to the wild West to get a sense of the farm life. Situated on a hundred acres overlooking the Hudson Valley in New York's Adirondack mountains, a cozy off-the-grid cabin is available for $90 a night. Along with access to a private dock for kayaking/canoeing and country roads for cycling, you'll be able to watch the sunrise from bed. But, like the good ol' days, you'll have to rely on an unheated outhouse for your business.
Designer Farmhouse in Shohola, Pennsylvania
Who says living on a farm means roughing it? This designer farmhouse from $400 a night is better suited for the pages of glossy magazine (and has actually been featured in several). You and 11 others can stay in this newly renovated 1866 boarding house that has six bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a gourmet kitchen. "You can hike, kayak, paint, cook, or just do nothing," says the host, Cooper Boone. "After all, we all retreat in different ways."
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