Have you ever dreamed of escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, immersing yourself in the peaceful countryside, where there are lush green fields, herds of cattle leisurely grazing, and surprisingly fresh air? If the answer is yes, then farm tourism is the perfect experience for you. In particular, the New England region of the United States, with its traditional farms and beautiful natural landscapes, is an ideal destination for you to explore this unique type of tourism. In this article, let’s explore with “Discovery To Wonders” a guide to visiting livestock farms in Maine and surrounding areas, where you can not only enjoy the beauty of the countryside but also have the opportunity to experience the life of a real farmer.
Farm tourism, also known as agritourism, is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, and New England, with its long agricultural history and traditional family farms, has become a hotspot for this type of tourism. Maine, a state in the New England region, is famous for its rugged coastline, fresh seafood, and vast forests. In addition, Maine also boasts a diverse agriculture with many large-scale livestock and crop farms. However, when it comes to a unique and comprehensive farm tourism experience, we cannot ignore Vermont, Maine’s neighboring state, which has pioneering farms that combine agricultural production with attractive tourism activities. One of the most typical examples is Liberty Hill Farm in Rochester, Vermont, a “paradise on earth” praised by the American media.
Why is Liberty Hill Farm Special?
Liberty Hill Farm, located on a large hill in Rochester, Vermont, is a complex of about 30 friendly farms specializing in raising livestock, poultry, and growing crops. What makes Liberty Hill different is not only its impressive scale of agricultural production but also the harmonious combination of production and experiential tourism. Visitors here not only admire the beautiful natural scenery with green cornfields and poetic canals but also have the opportunity to participate in practical agricultural activities, from milking cows and feeding chickens to harvesting vegetables.
Peaceful scenery at Liberty Hill Farm, Vermont, where visitors can enjoy the authentic countryside.
This unique “2-in-1” model has turned Liberty Hill into an attractive tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. It is not just a farm, but also an authentic rural resort where you can relax, learn, and experience rural life to the fullest.
Long History and Proud Family Tradition
Liberty Hill is not only a modern farm but also carries a long history and proud family tradition. The ancestors of the Kennet family, the farm owners, began operating in the livestock sector in 1641 in Alfred, Maine. Through many generations, Liberty Hill has become a rich and famous farm in the United States. A special feature is that this farm operates in a closed model, self-producing, packaging, and selling products directly at the farm. Liberty Hill is also a reputable supplier of seedlings and livestock breeds to other farms in the Rochester area.
Mrs. Beth Kennet, the current owner of Liberty Hill, is the 9th generation in the family to take over and develop the farm. Born and raised at Liberty Hill, Beth has dedicated her entire life to agriculture and farm tourism. Her two sons, Tom and David, have also studied agriculture-related fields to continue the family tradition. Thanks to the efforts and dedication of the Kennet family, Liberty Hill has continuously developed and innovated, becoming an ideal farm model, harmoniously combining agricultural production and experiential tourism.
Beth Kennet (right), the 9th generation of the Kennet family, who developed Liberty Hill Farm into a famous agritourism destination.
In addition to the Kennet family members, Liberty Hill also creates jobs for hundreds of local workers, from those working on small farms to tour guides. The farm also has a team of experts researching agriculture and new plant and animal breeds, including Beth’s two sons and daughters-in-law. These continuous efforts have helped Liberty Hill receive many prestigious awards in the agricultural sector, affirming the farm’s position and reputation.
Secret to Success: Unique “Two-in-One” Model
The secret to Liberty Hill’s success lies in its unique “two-in-one” model, cleverly combining livestock production and experiential tourism. While many other farms only focus on agricultural production, Liberty Hill has seen the enormous potential of integrating tourism into its business operations.
Visitors experience vegetable planting at Liberty Hill Farm, part of the unique agritourism model.
For many years, Beth Kennet has opened her doors to welcome visitors to tour and experience farm life. Here, visitors can milk cows, sow seeds, plant trees, and learn about the agricultural production process firsthand. The farm’s guesthouse, built in 1825, has 7 cozy rooms, providing visitors with a comfortable and nature-connected space to relax. In particular, visitors will enjoy delicious meals prepared by the hostess Beth herself, with fresh ingredients grown right on the farm. Liberty Hill is open to visitors year-round, with reasonable prices, making it possible for everyone to experience exciting farm tourism.
Hands-on farm experience helps visitors understand agricultural processes and appreciate the value of food.
Visitors to Liberty Hill are often guided through friendly animal husbandry areas, where they can immerse themselves in the vibrant production atmosphere of the farm. Children are especially excited about chasing chickens, collecting eggs, or milking cows. A day of experience at Liberty Hill usually begins with a hearty breakfast, prepared from the farm’s agricultural products, and ends with a cozy dinner, where visitors can prepare the “fruits” they harvested during the day themselves. To relax after a day of activity, visitors can participate in a variety of recreational activities on the farm grounds, from golfing and skiing to fishing and boating on the canal.
Young visitors enjoy feeding goats at the farm, a close-up and highly educational activity.
In addition, Liberty Hill also has two coffee shops and a farm produce sales system, serving the shopping needs of visitors and traders. Visitors can buy fresh farm products as gifts, or enjoy delicious coffee in the peaceful countryside setting.
Guide to Visiting Livestock Farms in Maine and Surrounding Areas
Although the original article focuses on Liberty Hill Farm in Vermont, the experiences and suggestions from this farm can be fully applied to visiting livestock farms in Maine and the New England region in general. Here are some helpful guidelines and tips for a fulfilling farm tourism trip:
- Choose the right farm: Maine and New England have many diverse livestock farms, from dairy farms, horse farms, sheep farms to poultry farms. Research the farms carefully and choose a farm that suits your interests and concerns. You can find information on travel websites, websites of local agricultural associations, or travel blogs specializing in agriculture.
- Learn about experiential activities: Most tourist farms offer a variety of experiential activities such as farm tours, learning how to milk cows, feeding animals, harvesting vegetables, horseback riding, cheesemaking, bread making, etc. Learn about these activities in advance and choose the ones that you and your family love.
- Book in advance (if necessary): Especially during peak tourist season or weekends, many farms can be very crowded. To ensure availability and avoid waiting, you should book in advance, especially if you want to stay overnight at the farm.
- Prepare appropriate attire: When visiting a farm, you will be outdoors and in contact with animals and plants. Prepare comfortable, easy-to-move clothing and shoes suitable for walking and light work. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a jacket if the weather changes.
- Respect the farm and animals: Remember that you are visiting a working farm, not an amusement park. Respect the farmers’ workspace, follow farm regulations, and treat animals gently.
- Enjoy local cuisine: Farm tourism is a great opportunity for you to enjoy fresh dishes made from local ingredients. Try farm products such as fresh milk, cheese, eggs, meat, vegetables, and regional specialties.
- Combine with other destinations: Maine and New England have many other attractive tourist destinations besides farms. Combine your farm visit with exploring historic cities, coastal fishing villages, national parks, and other natural attractions for a diverse and enriching journey.
Conclusion
Farm tourism, especially visiting livestock farms in Maine and the New England region, offers a unique and memorable experience. You not only enjoy the beauty of nature and fresh air but also have the opportunity to learn about rural life, experience exciting agricultural activities, and enjoy delicious fresh local cuisine. Plan your farm trip today to discover the simple beauty and traditional cultural values of the New England countryside. Surely, this will be a journey that not only helps you relax and relieve stress but also brings meaningful lessons and unforgettable memories.