Many people are vacationing in the quiet serenity of the Pennsylvania country side.
As cities get larger and urban sprawl encapsulates more and more natural space, many tourists and travelers are seeking the peaceful getaway to a simpler time, a slower pace and cleaner air. Agricultural tourism in Pennsylvania offers travelers the chance to shed the stress of their busy lives and reconnect with nature, while supporting the agricultural industry.
Staying on a Farm
If your ideal vacation is experiencing an entirely different way of life, or perhaps you grew up on a farm and want to reestablish your roots, agricultural tourism has just the thing--farm stays. Similar to staying at a bed and breakfast, some operating farms in Pennsylvania offer room and board and the opportunity to help out with the daily chores involved in working a farm. Work isn't mandatory, but guests can typically assist with such farm work as stacking hay, collecting eggs, feeding animals and other general tasks. Some farms have as few as two rooms, for a more intimate experience, where others have as many as 10 rooms. Visitors stay in rooms, cabins, suites and sometimes private houses.
Services
The types of services and amenities available to farm lodgers in Pennsylvania vary widely. On some farms, you may expect a private room and bathroom with a TV and wireless Internet access, but this is by no means a standard as the most remote farms will not even have radio reception. When planning a trip, you can search available farms online at pafarmstay.com/searchfarms.php to find one that offers you the experience you're looking for. If the idea of sharing a bathroom with other guests does not work for you, be sure to inquire before booking to ensure that you will have a private bathroom. Each farm offers a different flavor, from fine dining to hearty home-style cooking, and even self-serve cooking, with fun activities like horseback riding, fishing and hunting on or near most farms.
Types of Farms
The agricultural industry in Pennsylvania is diverse, offering tourists a variety of options to make their vacations unforgettable. Travelers can opt to stay at an organic farm and learn about growing vegetables and raising animals without chemicals. Most farms will have a mixture of crops and animals, but many farms are strictly livestock-based, including horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, goats, rabbits and some exotic animals. Guests can stay and help out at dairy farms to learn about raising and caring for cows, as well as collecting milk and making other dairy products. For the lower-key vacations, travelers can stay at small gentlemen farms that offer the peace and beauty of nature without the bustle of farm operations and equipment.
Safety
Operating farms have inherent risks that tourists should be aware of before deciding to stay on one. Safety will be an important issue at any farm you might stay at, but ultimately it is up to you to ensure that any activities you participate in are suitable you activity level. The essence of farm work is that it is difficult and labor-intensive and while you are not required to participate in the chores, it is part of the complete experience; if you have any physical condition or health issues that prevent you from participating, make sure there's something besides work for you to do before you book a room.
Best Times
Pennsylvania winters can be brutally cold and unpleasant, which makes the months of November to March the off-season for agricultural tourism there. If the weather is not a bother to you, it is often easier to have your pick of locations during these months since farms operate year-round. You may also be able to save on rates during these months since it is not typically a busy tourist time. If preparations, planting and baby animals are your thing, than you'll want to book a room in the spring. If you want to learn about crop maintenance during the height of summer, than book in July or August. To learn about the methods and processes of harvests, book in September or October.
Considerations
Life on a farm is probably very different to what you are used to, and an agricultural vacation is sure to give you an unforgettable experience. You may not be able to get any cell phone reception at all, and most farms will have set meal times. You'll want to bring plenty of changes of clothes and prepare for unpredictable weather whenever you plan to go, but in the winter bring very warm clothing, socks and boots. Bring games and books in case of rainy days, and always be sure to follow the host's house rules. Consult your physician if you have heart problems or any other health issues that could be complicated by an agricultural vacation.
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