Farm Sanctuary, a hotel in New York’s Finger Lakes region, encourages guests to ‘pig out’ on animal cuddles.
If you’re the type who loves quick getaways, cuddling animals, and grabbing goat selfies—good news, there’s a hotel in New York’s Finger Lakes region that offers all that and an emotional bag of chips. Farm Sanctuary is the nation’s largest and most effective farm animal rescue and protection organization and is credited with saving and caring for thousands of animals at their Watkins Glen, New York farm, as well as other properties in California.
Even major stars like Jon Stewart and his wife, Tracey, have gotten in on the animal-loving action, and actually partnered with Farm Sanctuary to open their own farm in New Jersey. All animals are kept safe. From the biggest cows to the tiniest little squirrel hands, it’s a vegan paradise within just a few hours of
New York City.
credit: Farm Sanctuary, New York
“These animals are our friends, not our food,” shares a Farm Sanctuary representative. “We educate millions of people about their plight and the effects of factory farming on our health and environment. We advocate for laws and policies to prevent suffering and promote compassion, and we reach out to legislators and businesses to bring about institutional reforms.”
credit: Farm Sanctuary, New York
All the animals who live at Farm Sanctuary have been rescued from neglect or abuse; some were literally taken out of trash cans or off piles of dead animals. Some of the animals were discovered as a result of Farm Sanctuary’s own investigations, while in other cases, the animals were confiscated by local humane societies, animal control agencies or other law enforcement agencies due to neglect or abuse.
The 175-acre farm in upstate New York features “tiny houses” that provide guests with a way to more fully immerse themselves in the Farm Sanctuary experience. On site guests are encouraged to interact with the animals that include goats, cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, and all the regular barnyard favorites, but also to pitch in and help with shelter chores. Tracey Stewart, Jon’s wife, actually decorated the tiny houses herself, which adds an extra cool element to the experience. Kids are also encouraged to join in the fun, and are able to attend tours and interact with the sanctuary’s animal population.
credit: Farm Sanctuary, New York
credit: Farm Sanctuary, New York
You can touch, see, feel, talk to, and yes — smell all the animal residents. The whole concept of Farm Sanctuary is to give guests a broader appreciation of farm animals, though, which is why a vegan lifestyle is supported at the vegan hotel. They offer a totally vegan continental breakfast spread for guests, which we’re betting will be just as exciting as a non-vegan version after having forged loving relationships and cuddles with the animal residents. And if you form a particularly close bond with one of the animals, don’t worry, they’re generally there for life, so you can return season after season to see your new bestie.
credit: Farm Sanctuary, New York
The average room rate for a cabin starts at about $160 a night, and can be booked here.
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