Small farms, I love you. Smithfield Farm, I love you lots…read more I don't eat meat because the way animals are raised and killed on our giant American CAFOs really bothers me. Smithfield Farm -- which produces Smith Meadows Meats -- is the exact opposite of those factory farms that treat their animals like nothing more than commodities: Smithfield animals (sheep, pigs, cows, chickens, turkeys...) are free-range and grass fed. Did you hear that?!? GRASS fed! Like animals are SUPPOSED to eat! Not corn, because it's cheaper and grows faster, but honest-to-goodness grass. The ethical and humane treatment of animals at Smith Meadows Meats is why I don't feel bad breaking my vegetarian diet verrrry occasionally for a bit of their wonderful sausages or ground beef. I know the animal led a great life and was killed humanely. I can totally get behind that practice. We discovered Smith Meadows Meats at the Del Ray farmers' market, and we make it a weekly stop. Husband loves their rosemary lamb sausage, and my parents always pick up the sweet Italian pork. Husband also usually gets a supply of ground beef for burger grilling. There's a huge selection of organically raised, free-range, grass fed meat here, including whole chicken, lamb chops, pork loin, etc. Around the holidays they supply whole turkeys, too. On top of the beautiful meat, there's a selection of homemade pastas which are always really different and delicious -- like nutmeg squash, winter wheat, and lemon verbena. $5 for the pastas, $7 for the ravioli. The pastas are delish, but I find that the raviolis don't have nearly enough filling! Also available are homemade pasta sauces, and this season's newest addition of empanadas. You can find Smithfield Farm at a number of area farmers' markets, or you can go out and visit the farm itself (which I'd love to do one of these days!). There's also a B&B on the property, and all the food served is from Smithfield. Sweet!

My fiance and I stayed at Smithfield Farm on a last minute weekend getaway a few weeks ago and it…read morewas absolutely incredible! We arrived later in the afternoon, signed the guestbook and headed upstairs to our room. The room is huge and absolutely beautiful, I couldn't believe we had snagged the last open room just a few days before. We stayed in the Jacquelin room. We didn't have an attached bathroom but had a dedicated bathroom across the hall that was enormous. There was a big soaking tub that I unfortunately didn't take advantage of (had we stayed more than one night I absolutely would have) as well as a spacious shower. The area around the main house is stunning, and they allow you to walk all around the property at your leisure. The backyard area had a couple little sitting areas and since the weather was nice we took our drinks outside and spent some time hanging out under the gazebo. There's also a farm store on property that is definitely worth checking out. We stocked up on honey from hives that are right there on the farm that was absolutely delicious. They also had lots of fresh meat and cheese, as well as homemade bbq sauce and canned jams. Speaking of delicious, the breakfast served by Ruth and Betsy was to die for. I'll be honest, I'm not really an eggs & sausage kind of girl, but it was incredible. My fiance was even shocked that I ate all of it. Literally the best breakfast I've had in a LONG time. Starting with coffee and tea, they also had fresh biscuits and fruit and then brought out a plate of eggs, sausage and potatoes. I'm sure this all changes seasonally but I'm betting no matter the season that the food is amazing. Ruth and Betsy are the sweetest hosts, they were so kind to us and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our stay and we will most certainly be back!

Family fun farm in the Shenandoah! This farm features a huge pumpkin patch where you can pick your…read moreown pumpkin - and an enormous Corn Maze. The maze is well cut and fun. Other activities included: hay ride , pumpkin bowling, pillow bounce, truck sand pit, basketball toss, football toss, baseball toss, lots of different slides, duck races, pig races and more . They also have animals to see : chickens, goats (and a goat walk), donkeys, ducks, pigs, sheep, and alpacas. They also have tractors you can climb all over. Prices were reasonable for the amount of stuff available. They also have classes for children to learn about how pumpkins are grown and a fun story time session. What could be better ? - some of the games need new balls- as some are worn out and old. They also have a pizza barn, beverages (soda,water), and kettle korn.it would have been nice if they had burgers , hot dogs or sandwiches- but some of that was closed on Friday. Views of the mountains and valley are amazing! Great fun for the family- check them out ! ( Seasonal )

Be very careful folks! Loaded shotgun shell found at this farm, in the dirt by the mini train ride…read moreentrance, while my 4 kids were running around and playing among a couple hundred more kids. I showed it to the manager and she pulled it out of my hands rudely while refusing to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and claiming the shell could've come from outside the farm... I was perplexed hearing only stupid excuses and refusal of acknowledging the danger! I'm gonna take this further with the sherif department!

Went here to learn about raising chicks and to take four chicks home…read more The class about raising chicks was all of five minutes long. The 'instructor' basically said they are wild animals. Well thanks for the lecture Einstein! We were also promised that the chicks would be layers of medium or larger brown eggs. They gave us a Polish chicken that lays white eggs. Don't worry she will be a much loved pet. The cost of the class, the four chicks a bag of feed and the cheapest temu feeder. Over $400!

We had such a good time here! Came for an Easter egg hunt event and it was so much fun! Every staff…read moremember was friendly and very helpful! The food was good, we tried the pretzel and hot dogs. Reasonable prices! The ciders are delicious, my favorite was the Strawberry Lemon & sangria! I hope they bottle those as they are only on tap right now. Lots of seating area inside and out! Dog friendly and close enough to DC for a day trip! They have lots of other events so excited to be back soon!

This is a must stop if you are in the area, or worth a drive if you're not. The sandwiches,…read morepastries, etc. are all so good. Plus they have tons of other goods such as candles, soaps, lotions and other items. Everyone that works here is so kind and welcoming as well. Very clean with space to sit and eat breakfast, lunch or you can get your food to go. The cinnamon rolls are one of the best I have ever had. Cannot recommend the sandwiches enough as well.

I love how friendly the staff was. So welcoming since the moment you walk in and ordering and when…read moregetting your food. I love that he explained the menu items to me. Mentioned that they can use GF bread for all their sandwiches. Oh man I'm drooling about that bbq sandwich I had. Plus the cookie. YUM. The chips were bomb too. I usually stop by here when I visit West VA and I will never stop coming!

Goat Milk Soap - Cold Process in Small Batch - I LOVE IT, especially "orange blossom". The bars are…read moreoversized and can easily be cut in 1/3 and used in multiple showers on next to sinks. I loved it so much I went back to get more. Sometimes something small can make a big difference in this is one of those.

Stopped by on a Sunday afternoon to find the farm was closed, but we were still able to purchase…read moreeggs and ground beef. The eggs were about $8.50 per dozen, and the ground beef cost a little over $12 per pound. While the eggs were great, the ground beef had a very strong, gamey flavor and smell that we didn't enjoy--disappointing, especially given the price.

We decided to try this place out after spending some time at Great country farms. It is literally a…read more2 minute drive to Dirt farm Brewing. There is plenty of parking and many areas to sit down. Tip - call ahead and reserve an outdoor seat in the shade as it can get very hot up there and many of the tables do not have umbrellas. If a manager is a reason this - I think it would be very useful to add additional umbrellas to the lower decks so that patrons will stay longer. It just gets way too hot sitting by an uncovered table. It's "self service" and you order at the counter and pick up your food. They have many options for beers. I think the only non- alcoholic option was cokes. We ordered the cheese pizza which was fine. I mean you don't really come here for the food- it's more about the view , vibe and drinks. Although they did have a great food truck the day we went that sold smash burgers and fries which was really nice. The bathrooms are clean - although one of the soap dispensers and taps were not working. Also- they ran out of paper towels to dry your hands. I think it was just very busy when we went. I did appreciate that they had a stool in the bathrooms for younger kids - which is very helpful. I did see many patrons brought their dogs which is quite nice that you can enjoy some drinks and food with your furry friends. My kids just loved it there. They could run around on the grass and roll down the hills. Like I said - it's just such a great vibe. They also had a band playing which was really nice. I also noticed a little craft market / vintage market next to the restaurant as well. If you are in the area and want some grown up drinks and a vibe - go check this place out.

We did the trail loop which was about an hour and a half 3.7mile hike, the trail was great! Some…read morechallenging steep climbs but overall very rewarding and enjoyable. The treat afterwards was the beer & burgers from the food truck. We got the arnold palmer beer i think, and the Fire starter beer - both absolutely delicious and refreshing! For food we both got the Hot Hot Heat burgers and omg SO GOOD! The jalapeños hit perfectly!! The view to sit down and eat put everything together for us. Overall we loved it will definitely be back with friends and family!

Such a beautiful farm and property overlooking the countryside! I just went over the weekend so a…read morebit later in the season for apple picking, but we still found a decent variety of apples to pick (albermarle pippen, braeburn, pink lady, granny smith, gold rush). Dog friendly farm. Love that I got to bring my dog along for the fun! In addition to apples, they had dig your own potatoes and a variety of salad greens, pumpkins and gourds available to pick. Since we went toward the end of the season, we were able to cut sunflowers for free. Apple cider donuts, bakery, and lunch items available on weekends only. Jarred items available for purchase at the stand. I got some baby dill pickles, which are delicious! I recommend you check their website (https://hollinfarms.com/current-available/) here before you go. They update it weekly with their current crop availability, weather changes, etc.

The farm was exactly what we expected based on the website. Once you park, staff are there to…read moreexplain how picking works and help you get the lay of the land. There were variety of apples available the day we went. The options depend on timing and the growing season. We got to try Arkansas Black, which are delicious. In addition to apples, there were a variety of salad greens and pumpkins available to pick, you could even dig up potatoes. Because we went toward the end of the season, we were able to cut sunflowers for free with our apple purchase. Expect hills and uneven surfaces for walking, so wear appropriate footwear so you can enjoy the experience. Views are beautiful, the colors were popping across the horizon. After you fill up your picking bag, don't skip o out on the apple cider donuts. Made on site daily with cider from the orchard...while not warm, they were fresh and delicious. The food stand had a variety of other snacks and jarred foods available for purchase. * Our GPS got us close to the farm and handmade signs guide you the rest of the way. * Staff are nice and helpful, they provide you with everything you need (instructions, picking bags, shears). * There are porta potties available, they were as clean as you can expect porta potties to be. * No fee for admission or parking (yay!), just pay for what you pick and eat. *