While the Conestoga wagon was too heavy to make the journey west like the lighter prairie schooners used in the 19th century migration to the California and Oregon territories, they were seen as the OG wagon pioneer. Today they are often the choice for glamping because of their sturdy construction (and headroom!)

In the ever-evolving realm of travel trends, glamping in covered wagons resonates with adventurers, history enthusiasts, and comfort-seekers alike. Get ready to explore this handpicked collection of wagons created by skilled craftsmen, from original built to modern replicas, on 10 working farms and ranches in the U.S. Step into a living storybook where the past meets the present, crafting a unique getaway that’s your story to tell.

1. Forbes Family Farm  |  Manila, Utah

Forbes Family Farm is nestled along the Sheep Creek Geological Loop bordering Ashley National Forest in Manila, Utah, where rolling hills, lush fields, and open skies create a timeless backdrop. Depending on the time of year, you’ll even have the opportunity to purchase fresh garden produce from the farm, perfect for enhancing your dinner with a touch of greens or flavorful tomatoes.

For more information and to book, click here.

2. Blisswood Bed and Breakfast Ranch  |  Catspring, Texas

Spanning over 350 acres, Blisswood Bed and Breakfast Ranch in Cat Spring, Texas immerses you in the serene beauty of the Texas countryside. Once you’ve set up “camp” in your Conestoga Wagon, set out to discover the variety of domestic and wild animals, a beautiful lake for an afternoon canoe trip or fishing, miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. As the day turns to night, settle in to gaze out into the big Texas skies from your private hot tub. 

For more information and to book, click here.

3. Sandy Valley Ranch  |  Sandy Valley, Nevada

Located about one hour from Las Vegas nestled amidst the trees and valleys of the Mojave Desert in Nevada is Sandy Valley Ranch. This wagon sits on a dude ranch that offers an authentic western adventure – so it’s no wonder that you’re invited to sleep in a wagon, explore by horseback, and even participate in the cattle drives and rodeo. You’re invited to shop the general store or opt into breakfast, lunch, or dinner at an additional cost as the ranch is in a remote location, a considerable 21 miles away from the nearest gas station!

For more information and to book, click here.

4. Ocoee Riverside Farm  |  Benton, Tennessee

Ocoee Riverside Farm in the charming town of Benton, Tennessee is a 30-acre, family-owned wonderland right by the meandering Ocoee River. Nestled on the farm alongside the pasture, you’ll discover three distinct covered wagons, each serving as your own cozy retreat. Whether you’re up for a horseback ride, a farm tour, or a hike to the nearby waterfalls, there’s a whole world of experiences waiting for you just outside your wagon’s door.

For more information and to book, click here.

5. Big Quiet  |  Powell, Wyoming

Set amidst thousands of acres Wyoming grasslands and sagebush is a sheepherders wagon at Big Quiet Farm. This farm embodies the rich cultural history of the Big Horn Basin and true to its name, tranquility is the star of the show here. During your time at Big Quiet Farm, you have the chance to discover their sustainable farming techniques – where they’ll gladly share the secrets of how they care for the land thoughtfully, emphasizing the importance of respect and consideration.

For more information and to book, click here.

6. Rooterville Animal Sanctuary  |  Melrose, Florida

In the charming small town of Melrose, Florida, you’ll discover Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, a haven for both you and a diverse community of farm animals. Begin your day just like any other, with a steaming cup of coffee on your own private porch with the sights and sounds of farm animals nearby. The best part, are the joys you get to experience when feeding the pigs, bonding with the cows, and making friends with the goats. All proceeds help them care for the animals!

For more information and to book, click here.

7. Best Nest Farm  |  Glenwood, Iowa

Waiting for you amidst the stunning landscapes of the Loess Hills is Best Nest Farm in Glenwood, Iowa. Handcrafted in the U.S. by PlainsCraft Wagons, the two wagons are surrounded by rolling hills, a lake, sprawling timberland loaded with picturesque hiking trails, and expansive farmland that currently boasts alfalfa fields.  Make friends with the farm animals, cast a line, hop in a kayak, or ride on a paddleboat and take in the wildlife that calls the farm home.

For more information and to book, click here.

8. Barons Creekside  |  Fredricksburg, Texas

Discover nature’s allure at Barons Creekside, where Swiss-inspired charm meets the wild. Ducks glide along the creek, friendly cats mingle with guests, and a cast of deer, armadillos, squirrels, raccoons, and gray foxes roam the landscape. Positioned just a quick drive from Hill Country wineries, indulge in the perfect chance to visit a nearby vineyard or savor the flavor of local wine right from the comfort of your wagon.

For more information and to book, click here.

9. Serenity Sheep Farm  |  Belgrade, Montana

Set on a 40-acre farm between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier in Belgrade, Montana, your surroundings at Serenity Sheep Farm come to life with sheep, goats, pigs, cows, chickens, turkeys, a llama, and a miniature mule! Settle down in a bona fide antique sheepherders wagon, crafted prior to 1926 by the Winona Wagon Co. in Winona, MN. Once as renowned as GMC or Ford is today, spending a night in this Winona Wagon is more than just a stay – it’s an encounter with a genuine relic, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.

For more information and to book, click here.

10. Vines and Goats Farm  |  Banner Elk, North Carolina

Nestled within the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Vines and Goats Farm in Banner Elk, North Carolina, surrounds you with the stunning scenery of rolling hills, forests, and majestic mountain peaks that define the region’s iconic beauty. In addition to the scenic views from your wagon, you’re welcome to befriend their charming long-curly-haired Angora goats!

For more information and to book, click here.

(Banner photo by Skeeter Hagler @ Blisswood B&B Ranch)

The post 10 Unforgettable Covered Wagon Farm Stays appeared first on Farmstay.

Since the rise of the Coronavirus and the ensuing stay-at-home orders in many states, all of us have needed to adapt to new norms: Parents are being asked to stay home with their children and home-school them while still needing to accomplish their own workload each day. Families are crowded together in their homes where teenage kids spend hours on social media, all the while desperate for real social connection and something to stave off their boredom. Grandparents long for a meaningful way to connect with their grand kids. Let’s get creative during these times of self-quarantine and social distancing with a teepee in the backyard!

Is it teepee or tipi?

A teepee (or tipi) is a beautiful structure to add to your playroom, your backyard or your land. Nomadics Tipi Makers from Bend, OR have been making Sioux style teepees since 1970 and most notably made all the teepees for the movie “Dances With Wolves.”  Who knew there were kid-sized teepees to set up indoors or that the authentic teepees for a backyard or country property could be constructed in so many sizes?

A sanctuary for the family

Designing a sanctuary for your family, where you can turn off after a long day and gather to chat, read, play music and really connect, could be the saving grace at a time such as now, or any time really. You might choose to decorate your teepee with mattresses and rugs, put beds with electric blankets inside, or comfy chairs to read by the fire. Expect the details for your teepee to stir engaging and creative conversations. Where will it go? How will it be decorated? And the most important question: who gets to use it and when?

The perfect kids hideout

Every child needs a place they can escape and ‘hideout.’ Whether it’s in your backyard or indoors, a teepee creates a safe and fun environment for your kiddos to play and create. If you choose a full-size authentic teepee structure, it can add even more intrigue and fun to your backyard. Sleeping in a teepee, hearing the hooting of the owl, listening to the crackling of the fire, all are memories made for a lifetime. Suddenly, your backyard becomes the adventure.

Adventurous staycation

Staycations are the thing for now, so why not create a home-away-from home, just out of sight of your house and yet a world away? With Nomadics you can find all the accessories to make a teepee a more permanent structure. Spend a few days, weeks or months by yourself or with your friends or family. Maybe this is where home school is taught. Rain caps, Interior Rain catchers, Critter Guard, Mosquito Guard and lockable Zipper screen doors, combined with outdoor essentials from REI such as a port-a-potty, a water tank and solar gadgets are fundamentals for exciting teepee living – and can easily be installed.

Glamping Anyone?

A teepee offers the wonderful and unique option to get outside and into nature while you are stuck at home social distancing and protecting your family. Once we are ready to invite friends over again, your teepee and its stories will be the highlight for many evenings around the fire and may even be turned into a glamping experience for others, if you are willing to trade some personal space for a little extra income. After all , why should you have all the fun?

Let’s Get Started!

1. Determine your location – inside, outside, on the ground, on the deck?
2. Open fire pit or stove inside?
3. Electricity?
4. Your interior decor will determine the size
5. Your creativity will determine the artwork

The rest is easy: Call Nomadics Tipi Makers
and request an estimate. Let the fun begin.

ph: 1-541-389-3980
e-mail: nomadics@tipi.com
www.tipi.com

The post Your Own Stay-At-Home Sanctuary Made Easy with a Teepee appeared first on Farmstay.

Rêves de Moutons translates roughly to “the dreams of the sheep” or “sheep dreams”, which sounds a lot like sweet dreams, which becomes reality when you find you can stay on a sheep farm in the heart of Paso Robles wine country!

Meet Evan and Kristy Bishop – a lovely young couple who opened their Inn, farm, and fromagerie in 2014, following their own dream to create a place where they might ultimately retire, but while still young could enjoy a region of their choice and be productive participants in the landscape and community.

Evan and Kristy raise sheep and goats for milk, cheese, meat, and wool. They are working to become a certified dairy (hopefully by spring), and then will be able to sell their cheese to their lucky guests.

Evan spent summers at the family dairy in Maine and is a photographer by trade; Kristy was in the health industry until the couple settled down to make their way on the farm.

Best of all, rather than keep their beautiful farm to themselves, they decided to open an inn for guests! Here you can stay in luxury retro style campers with plush queen sized beds and fully equipped kitchens, as well as an intimate community courtyard for hosting a group retreat or meeting the other guests. If you prefer, there are two rooms in the farm house shared with the Bishops.

Daily farm tours and meet and greets with the flock of sheep and goats allows guest to get the farm experience without having to muck out the pens! Or, if guests want the full hands-on experience, that can happen too. Evan is happy for the help with the feeding and the milking, and Kristy will hand you an extra muck rake if you are willing.

Pricing starts at $149 per night in the glamping trailers, identified as Bliss, Harmony, and Joy. Or rent all three for a family reunion or holiday with friends for $349. The two rooms in the farm house are available on Airbnb (search for Rêves de Moutons) for $129 per night, and these include breakfast.

The lodging is bordered by a vineyard on one side and the farm’s livestock on the other. Use the farm as a base camp for all there is to do and see in the area. It’s a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of life and you might just find that you don’t go anywhere but fall into the gentle rhythm of the countryside with a glass of wine and a good book!

For more information, check out the Rêves de Moutons listing here at Farm Stay USA, or visit them on their website, Facebook, or Instagram (a must follow, for more of these gorgeous photos)!

All photos courtesy Rêves de Moutons.

The post Rêves de Moutons in Paso Robles, California appeared first on Farmstay.

“Life follows the rhythm of the seasons.”

THIS BLOG WAS PUBLISHED IN 2015. KINNIKINNICK FARM NO LONGER OFFERS LODGING BUT THEY DO OFFER DAY VISITS. THERE IS A LINK TO THIS ON THEIR PROFILE.

This is not your ordinary campground. Located on a certified organic farm in the rolling hills of northern Illinois, Kinnikinnick Farm’s Feather Down farm tents (part of the Feather Down Farms franchise) offer guests a charming and authentic farm stay experience.

From spring through fall, guests can stay in the spacious wood-floored tents and enjoy beds made with European style linens; wood stoves, along with kindling and wood to cook and keep warm; and fresh, local foods. With no electricity inside the tents, evening light is provided via oil lamps and candles. Hot showers and flush toilets are located in a nearby bathhouse.

The farm was originally founded in 1849, and has been in continuous production since. David and Susan Cleverdon purchased the farm in 1987 and began their organic garden in 1993. Now, they sell their certified organic produce directly to farmers market customers and Chicago-area chefs, as well as partnering with a program that helps feed Chicago’s homeless.

Food and Chores

Guests are welcome to help out with some of the farm chores, like collecting eggs, feeding animals, and harvesting crops, or they may choose to simply explore the countryside and relax.

At Kinnikinnick Farm, guests can purchase meal components like meats, eggs, and produce, then grill outside or cook over their woodstove. The farm also offers “arrival meals” for the first night, and during particular times of year, the outdoor wood-fired oven is available for build-your-own pizza nights.

To learn more about Kinnikinnick Farm visit their listing here on Farm Stay U.S., then head over to their website to book next year’s vacation!

(All photos courtesy Kinnikinnick Farm and Coral VonZumwalt)

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