Farm Stays in the CNY Area
Tap into your inner farm boy or girl with a stay at one of these farm sites
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Most people are at least two or three generations removed from agriculture. But a farm stay may help you appreciate your farming heritage a little more.
• The Houses at Beak & Skiff in Lafayette overlook Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards and include amenities like floor-to-ceiling windows, a grand fireplace, outdoor heated pool, jetted tub and (depending on the lodging) walking distance to the Apple Campus. Some can accommodate larger groups, so check out each listing to find which of the houses suits your need.
https://thehouses.beakandskiff.com
• Country Cousins Farm in Evans Mills provides private cabins for lodging. Enjoy the ambiance of the pastured animals, 50 dairy cows, 40 head of young stock and flock of chickens — and if desired, help out with chores like milking and feeding. The farm also offers hayrides, bonfires, birdwatching and farm-to-table dining.
• Estate at Fly Creek in Cooperstown includes a 335-acre property boasting pastures, horse paddocks, woods and a lake. The farm is home to chickens, alpacas and horses. The lodging includes an indoor heated pool and steam room and eight bedrooms with private bathrooms and views of the farm. Kayak, paddleboard, swim or fish on the private lake and relax by the firepit. There’s also tennis and basketball courts and (with reservations) horseback riding.
• Apple Country Retreat in Tully offers a luxury resort getaway with a country twist. Far from roughing it, each place of lodging includes amenities like air conditioning, wifi, robes and more. On the grounds are Hard Cider Tavern, public dining space, a sun porch, pools, private patio, hot tub, the One Bad Apple outdoor bar and children’s area. The lodging varieties include The Hideaway, a converted silo and multi-family guest suites. Though not a working farm, the bucolic countryside around Apple Country Retreat offers a farm-like ambiance.
https://applecountryretreat.com
• Becker Farms in Gasport offers lodgers the choice of staying in the farmhouse, luxurious private cabins and space for glamping or camping in an RV or tent. Explore the playground and petting zoo, shop the bakery and farm market and imbibe at Becker Farms Brewing Company from the farm’s selections of cider, wine and beer crafted from ingredients grown on the farm. Check the farm’s website for special events.
• Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen rescues farm animals. The farm offers furnished tiny home suites and cabins as lodging. Guests receive 90-minute private farm tours after breakfast each morning and may take self-guided tours on the grounds as well. Some of the farm’s accommodations are dog—friendly. The farm isn’t far from Watkins Glen State Park for extensive hiking opportunities in the gorge and along the park’s woodland trails.
www.farmsanctuary.org/accommodations
Many farm stay properties are working farms. Expect different sights, sounds and smells than you would experience at a typical B&B or campsite. Farms can have inherently dangerous conditions. Follow any farm rules to significantly lower those risks. It’s recommended to wear practical clothing, especially closed-toe footwear. Farm lodging may not have ideal wifi or cell phone reception or lack cable television. Take this as your opportunity to slow down and enjoy your time away from distractions.