Farm Stays in the Rochester 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.
Lazy Acre Alpacas in Bloomfield operates an AirBnB right on the farm. The private bedroom has a private attached bathroom and private entrance. The modern farmhouse offers views of 60-plus alpacas grazing on the farm’s bucolic fields. The farm is also home to dogs and cats.
Canandaigua’s Lincoln Hill Farms isn’t a working farm, but the rusting furnishings of the glampsites and rural location on a historic farm provides the feel of a farmstay. The entire compound, which accommodates up to 22, must be rented to stay at the glampsites, so gather the family for a reunion or plan a getaway for your friends. The amenities include farm-to-table food to delight any foodie, communal firepit, bath house and access to the on-site restaurant and bar. The double-occupancy, luxury safari style tents, each with a covered porch with Adirondack chairs, include lighting, bedding, dresser and side tables. Check the venue’s website for special events, including live music and family activities.
• https://lincolnhillfarms.com
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.
• https://estateatflycreek.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 farmstay 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 Wi-Fi or cell phone reception or lack cable television. Take this as your opportunity to slow down and enjoy your time away from distractions.