There's been a growing trend in recent years for what is termed agritourism, a style of vacation that typically takes place on a farm, ranch or vineyard and offers guests a local, communal experience. Fresh, seasonal food is usually the main draw at a tourist farm, where guests are looking for an authentic country life experience without the traditional tourist trappings. But some take it even a step further and actually work — planting crops, harvesting food, feeding animals, cooking — in exchange for lodging and food. Personally, we've been flirting with the idea of taking a working vacation on an organic farm. What about you?
An article in The New York Times on agritourism in Slovenia got us thinking about this again. We revisited a site we've had bookmarked for awhile: Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. WWOOF publishes a printed and online directory of more than 1000 farms that host volunteers in exchange for meals and accommodations. It presents an opportunity to learn practical farming skills, connect with where food comes from and be a part of the real food movement — all while having a fun, inexpensive eco-vacation!
Have any of you ever done a vacation like this? What was your experience?
Image via OnTheCommons.org, "commons lessons learned by two Iowa farm girls working their way across Europe in the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) program."
My husband and I had planned to do some of this on our honeymoon via WWOOF but our European trip was placed on hold as the dollar fell against the euro.
view kmarie's profile
My wife and I stayed at an agriturismo in the Basque country a couple of years ago.
We didn't specifically seek one out but after learning that they can be less expensive than a hotel, are usually located in the beautiful countryside and are run by families, we couldn't pass it up.
This particular agriturismo leased the farming to other people who raised the very special free-range basque chickens. There were also some donkeys in a corral.
I believe there were 3 rooms in the restored farmhouse--two on the ground floor and one on the second floor. There was a "living room" with dining table, tv and a window through which you could just stare out of for a whole day if you wanted to.
Our greatest memory of staying at the agriturismo was after a day of strolling through the little town and buying local charcuterie, wine and bread, we were able to bring it back and have nice farmhouse dinner while staring through aforementioned window.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/art_chel/sets/72157602207226403/
view art's profile
art, that sounds so amazing! I love your photos, too. Thanks for sharing.
view CambriaNYAT's profile
There are plenty of opportunities to stay and vacation on a farm in North America. It's a great experience for folks of all ages. Check out the website www.ruralbounty.com to find farms in the U.S. and Canada.
The Peach Lady
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