Have you ever seen a pig smile?  I have.  In fact, I see it every year when we make our annual summer pilgrimage with the kids to Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York.  If you are within driving range of this place, I promise you it is worth the trip! 

What Is Farm Sanctuary?

Farm Sanctuary is home to chickens, turkeys, pigs, cows, goats, bunnies and other farm animals that have been rescued from abuse or neglect, typically from the large-scale factory farming institutions which the organization is fundamentally opposed to.  They also promote a vegetarian, if not vegan, diet. 

 ( Check Out VEGAN VITTLES for a taste of the vegan lifestyle. )

Bed And Breakfast

In the summer months, Farm Sanctuary rents out three one-room cottages on the farm, each for a very minimal nightly fee.  This fee also entitles guests to enjoy any of the hourly tours of the grounds.  The rooms fill up quickly, so you'll need to call early in the year to book your visit.  The cabins themselves are stark but cozy, and are complete with an alarm clock, a fan, a table and chairs, a dresser and two single beds.  A delicious vegan breakfast  is served in the visitor barn, which also houses the gift shop and restroom facilities.  When the farm is closed, you are essentially alone with the stars, and the sounds of farm animals in the distance.  The covered wrap-around porch is perfect for enjoying the sunset and the serenity of the countryside.  What a peaceful retreat. 

 Animal Companions

In addition to bringing the children, we have also opted on occasion to bring our animal companions, who are also quite welcome in the cabins (but not on the farm, for obvious reasons).   

Visiting The Farm Residents

When WE visit, we go on as many tours as we can.  The kids LOVE touching the animals.  You go right into the field with the cows, and into the barn with the pigs.  If you have never stood next to a full-grown veal cow (for lack of a better term), in the middle of a field, then it is something that you should experience first-hand.  If you've never hugged a pig, you have to.  The animals are so affectionate, and it is so obvious that they are loved and well cared for.  I can't stress enough how heart-warming it is to share this experience with my children.  In the past, we have also adopted an animal by telephone, and then visited our adopted friend during the tour. 

Other Area Attractions

Farm Sanctuary is located just miles from Watkins Glen, which is well known for its raceway.  It is situated in the beautiful finger lakes region of upstate New York, and is surrounded by vineyards, so if wine tasting is your thing, you'll be rather well situated.  The glen itself is absolutely breathtaking, and is worth exploring from top to bottom as well, and the state park also has a large outdoor public swimming pool.  If a visit to Cornell University or Ithaca College is in your future, you might consider staying at the farm on your way to Ithaca, which is just 1/2 hour to the East.  You'll be glad that you did!

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