Working Farm Bed and Breakfasts: Midwest

By Teresa Opdycke

Every state in the union has some form of agriculture from dairy to cherries to wheat; the rural landscape provides the basics of life.  Gigantic corporate farms have pushed out many the family farm, but wait…the true spirit of farm families rises to the occasion.  Still tilling the soil and raising livestock with true entrepreneurial fortitude farm families embrace changes that spread the word of the joys of country living by opening the doors to their homes.  Agritourism, born from a need to diversify in order to survive invites people from all walks of life to spend some time discovering the rural way. 

Rural communities and the Midwest are nearly synonymous.  The land of pigs, cows, and   fields of grain waving in hot whispers of wind beckons those who yearn for a simpler way of life.  The three bed & breakfasts featured, each unique in their own rights, share the common thread of loving a life that embraces the joys of farming and country living.   

COUNTRY HERMITAGE BED & BREAKFAST
http://www.countryhermitage.com/index.php
P O Box 6114    Traverse City, MI    (231) 938-5930

North of Traverse City, Michigan, in the lower peninsula sits a 250 acre cherry farm and bed & breakfast known as the Country Hermitage Bed & Breakfast.  Owned by Nels and Michelle Veliquette, the charm of the house built in 1883 and the beauty of cherry trees in blossom offers a unique rejuvenating experience. 

The renovated home provides panoramic views of the Bay and exquisite sunsets.  The Veliquette’s claim, “Built on a legacy of romance,” speaks to the history of the house itself.  A groom promised his new bride a fine home one day and many years later, he kept true to his promise and built the ten room house for her.  Romantic getaways refresh the soul and the body with special amenities that include a massage in the library by a local masseuse, a manicure or pedicure while relaxing in your room. 

With restaurants and views of Lake Michigan nearby there’s plenty to do, but a quiet walk down the lane with cherry blossoms bursting may be just what is needed to lose yourself in the serene wonder of nature.  A well-stocked fishing pond gives ample opportunity to put out the “gone fishin’” sign and share a picnic while fish nibble at the bait. 

Country Hermitage Bed & Breakfast offers a full-service gourmet breakfast including freshly-brewed coffee, muffins, and scones while awaiting your cherry stuffed French toast entrée. 

Package deals are offered with romantic themes true to farms dancing to the music of the seasons with warm and cool season packages such as Spa and Romance or Wine and Romance.  After a stay in the Country Hermitage Bed & Breakfast, you’ll be ready to face the world with a renewed spirit. 
    
HAPPY HORSE BED & BREAKFAST
http://merrimountmorgans.com/index.html
Holcombe, Wisconsin    (715) 239-0707

With a warm welcome, the owners of the Happy Horse Bed & Breakfast in northwestern Wisconsin, Sandra and Alan, invite your to help with the farm chores anytime.  The couple has created country warmth inside their renovated farmhouse that sits on a 160 acre working farm.  Four guest rooms, each with a theme, entice visitors to relax and bask in tranquil surroundings. 

Fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and just plain relaxing in the rural atmosphere offers a fine change for those who live a more hurried lifestyle.  In the summer sit on the wrap around porch day-dreaming and listening to the quiet of the natural world. 

A full country-style breakfast prepared in the kitchen that plays host to an old-fashioned cook stove includes coffee, juice, fresh fruit, and delicious entrees.  Dine in the breakfast area where you’ll be surrounded on two sides by windows providing grand views of the outside world of Happy Horse Bed & Breakfast.

Craft weekends, held on the third weekend of specific months extends a distinctive experience by learning a new craft.  Learning the ins and outs of quilting occurs in February and in September discover the world of watercolors. 

You’ll come away from the Happy Horse Bed & Breakfast with a fresh perspective, relaxed and ready to face a new day.   

 THE FARMHOUSE B& B
http://www.thefarmhousebb.com/index.htm
2866 270th Street    Fredericksburg, Iowa    (563) 237-5969

Outside of Fredericksburg, Iowa sits a working dairy farm and a newly established vineyard.  Step out of the car and you’ll be greeted by two dogs and maybe one or two of the twenty cats that roam about the farm will allow you say hello, too.  The turn-of-the-century farm house and its five guest rooms stands amid a pastoral scene with grazing cows and llamas. 

The farm established a specialized niche for itself by providing fresh dairy cows to a large dairy operation in the area.  A fresh cow gave birth three weeks prior to being sold and to keep a good flow of fresh cows, pregnant heifers are purchased often.  This unique business allows visitors to the Farmhouse B&B to have the novel experience of feeding calves, if they wish to help.  Guests often witness the birth of calves as around three of the little black and white Holstein calves are born each day.  The dairy farm milks 50-80 head of Holstein cows and visitors are welcome to view the process. 

Besides learning the ways of the farm; walking, biking, and horse back riding gives a close up view of idyllic vistas.  While wandering about you may come across a restored one-room school house that stands on the property.  A renovated farm shed is home to antiques, wine, and  Iowa cheeses and truffles. 

Guests were invited to help pick and stomp grapes for the first time in August. The wine will be sold in the antique shop, but if red wine is your drink of choice, you’ll have to wait for it to age.  It will be ready sometime in 2007. 

Diversifying and discovering unique niches gives these three farms advantages.  While life on the farm may not be the same as in the past, it’s reached new heights of education and relaxation. If finding a weekend getaway or a vacation from the hectic pace of city or suburban life intrigues you getting back to the rhythm of nature and the spirit of farm life may be just the ticket.

Bed and Breakfasts in the Northeast
Bed and Breakfasts in the Southeast
Bed and Breakfasts in the Northwest
Bed and Breakfasts in the Southwest

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