A Night on the Farm

Agritourism is booming deep in the heart of Texas

Story by Anne Braly

In the Lone Star State, where vistas go on for miles unending and ranches extend into the sunset, there may be no better place to unwind and get away than a farm or ranch. Farm stays are a big thing these days with agritourism now an alternative to big theme parks and resorts.

It’s a win-win for both guests and farmers. For guests, it gives them a few days off the beaten path.

“It’s a way for farmers to show the inner workings of their farms, what it takes to grow food for their tables, who we are and the stories we hold. Also, it’s nice to welcome city dwellers to our farm to bridge a growing urban-rural divide and offer them our countrysides for relaxation, calm, play and connection,” says Scottie Jones, a farmer and founder of the U.S. Farm Stay Association.

And for small farmers, it’s a way to make much-needed money for new equipment and for upkeep and repairs on old farm equipment and other needs. “In the last decade, the concept of hosting guests on one’s farm has risen to the surface, especially as booking sites such as Airbnb and VRBO have made the daunting task of taking reservations much more easy to handle,” Scottie says.

So if you’re after a chance to unplug, here are some Texas farmers opening their gates to overnight guests.

BlissWood Bed & Breakfast Ranch

Cat Spring, Texas

For animal lovers, this 350-acre ranch on the edge of Texas Hill Country is the place to go with its herds of bison, donkeys and antelopes.

“People have learned the connection to nature and animals is so important to our well-being,” says owner Carol Davis.

Carol bought the ranch 27 years ago and 2 years later opened it to overnight guests who come from larger cities around the state, as well as out-of-state travelers and some international guests looking to disengage from everyday life.

“I wanted to share this lovely place with others who are frazzled and stressed out in the city, offering a place to slow down and relax a bit,” she says.

Overnight accommodations include romantic cabins for the two of you with private hot tubs. Or there are 2-bedroom cabins perfect for a small family and larger houses that will sleep up to 10 people. You can also “rough it” in a safari tent beneath the massive oaks complete with luxury appointments and a private bathroom. 2 RVs located around the show barn with views of the lake offer a different kind of glamping experience.

Rooms come stocked with ready-to-eat breakfast fare — continental breakfasts are included in your stay — and special dining packages with things like pizza, beer and popcorn. Picnics on the ranch or chocolate-covered strawberries with champagne can be arranged.

More information is available on the BlissWood website.

Cottages at Boldheart Farms

Dale, Texas

When was the last time you woke up to the scent of jasmine climbing the garden gate and the sounds of Arabian horses grazing peacefully in the nearby pastures? It’s a scene that puts your soul in the right place.

There are two one-bedroom metal cottages — one in the garden, the other by the pond. Both have front porches where guests can hang out and read, write or even sleep. Owner Maggie Nicol opened the farm to guests with husband, Eric, just 2 years ago.

Picnic by the pond, learn to drive a tractor or tiptoe through the bluebonnets on a sunny spring afternoon.

The cottages offer comfortable bedding, air conditioning, kitchens and TVs, if you must. Guests can also enjoy a day on the farm with its ducks, hens, herbs, tomatoes and manicured gardens. A made-from-scratch breakfast is included in your stay each morning.

“I work diligently to give each guest a wonderful experience,” Maggie says.

More information is available on the Boldheart Farms website.

Scurlock Farms

Georgetown, Texas

Frontage on the San Gabriel River turns the average farm stay into an adventure in the wilds of Texas Hill Country. Wildlife abounds on this 172-acre farm with good fishing, 9 miles of hiking and biking trails, or relaxation with a good book beneath centuries-old majestic oaks.

Guests can interact with cattle, goats and horses or head into nearby Georgetown for shopping, art galleries or a meal at one of several charming restaurants in the nearby village of Salado.

Overnights are spent in one of two homes owners Sheron and Dan Scurlock have made sure will provide comfort for guests. One home has two luxurious king suites, and another is a one-bedroom house, formerly Sheron’s mother’s art studio. Kitchens come stocked with food basics and condiments.

Sheron and Dan have turned their farm into the perfect getaway for romance, work, vacation — whatever kind of escape you need.

More information is available on the Scurlock Farms website.