Farm sanctuaries are wonderful places to visit and perfect for long weekend summer family trips. I thought it would be fun to compile a few sample itineraries for the various farm sanctuaries in New York to help you see some of the activities you can do with your loved ones around visiting a sanctuary.
Here’s the first one, for Farm Sanctuary’s New York shelter near Watkins Glenn.
Please note: These itineraries are just for inspiration, I have not tested out the activities, restaurants, etc.
Farm Sanctuary New York: A 175-acre shelter is set amidst rolling green hills and forests in the Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York. It is located next door to Sugar Hill State Forest, just west of Watkins Glen. It is a 45-minute drive west of Ithaca and a 1½-hour drive southeast of Rochester. They care for hundreds of animals and receive thousands of visitors every year. The “People’s Barn” is a unique visitor center filled with displays, literature and videos and also includes a “Kid’s Korner” and gift shop.
Itinerary Summary
Day 1: Arrive at Watkins Glen, NY
Day 2: Farm Sanctuary / Guided Tour
Day 3: Farm Sanctuary / Volunteer
Day 4: Corning Museum of Glass / Vegan Wine Tasting
Day 5: Shopping, Museums, Hiking, etc.!
Day 6: Leave Watkins Glen
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Watkins Glen, NY
Today you’ll arrive at Farm Sanctuary near Watkins Glen, New York. You’ll lodge at Farm Sanctuary’s own Bed & Breakfast where you’ll enjoy continental vegan breakfasts. Every cabin overlooks the sanctuary. Farm Sanctuary’s B&B fills up fast so book far in advance.
Day 2: Farm Sanctuary / Guided Tour
Your day will begin with the sound of crowing roosters. Today you’ll spend your time getting to know the animals as you take a guided tour. You’ll meet the rescued pigs, cows, and other farm animals and learn their individual stories of survival. After the tour, you can visit the education center which provides literature and videos for your enlightenment. The education center also carries gift items. The schedule for the guided tours can be found here.
When you’re done hanging out with all of the amazing animals you can head over to Wildflower Cafe & Crooked Rooster Brewpub to enjoy vegan burgers and sandwiches.
Day 3: Farm Sanctuary / Volunteer
Today you’ll volunteer at the sanctuary pitching in with chores and helping to take care of the animals. You’ll learn more about the sanctuary itself and the work they do to protect farm animals. Volunteer work is only available on the second Saturday of every month from April to November. The volunteer work starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM. You’ll need to attend a mandatory orientation. For any child between ages 12 and 17 there must be a parent or guardian accompanying. Chores include activities such as administration, beautification, and shelter maintenance.
After your day of work and playing with the animals you can have dinner at Stonecat Cafe which offers organic regional cuisine with many vegan options.
Day 4: Corning Museum of Glass / Vegan Wine Tasting
After your vegan breakfast, you can hang out with the farm animals for a bit and then drive to the Corning Museum of Glass. This amazing museum offers exhibits entirely dedicated to the history and making of glass. For an extra cost, you will also be given the opportunity to create your own glass souvenir. No experience is necessary for the class as you will be instructed by experienced glassworkers. The museum is open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Continue your day by driving 40 minutes to the Herman J. Wiemer Vineyard where you’ll experience wine at its best. This vineyard does not use any animal products in their wine making process. Also, they do not use herbicides or insecticides and their wines ferment on natural yeast. Tastings starts at 8:30 AM and the last tasting is at 4:45 PM.
When you get hungry try Seneca Harbor Station Restaurant which offers views of the lake and has many vegan options. You can finish your day by visiting the Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor which offers homemade soy ice cream and vegan soft serve.
Day 5: Shopping, Museums, Hiking, etc.!
For an enjoyable home cooked meal, go to Geka’s Soul Vegetarian Restaurant which offers 100% vegan food. Geka’s Soul Vegetarian Restaurant is 40 minutes away from Watkins Glen State Park and an hour away from Farm Sanctuary.
Day 6: Leave Watkins Glen
This will be your last day to experience the wonderful sights and sounds of the sanctuary. Say goodbye to the adorable animals you’ve befriended throughout your stay. Then tell your friends and family about the amazing animals you met and the important work Farm Sanctuary is doing to protect them!
You can learn more about Farm Sanctuary and the work they’re doing for farm animals on their website by clicking here.
End of itinerary
Would you take your family on a long weekend trip to a farm sanctuary?
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