This past week we had the opportunity to tour Tomales Farmstead Creamery as a part of the California Artisan Cheese Festival. We got to cuddle with baby goats, watch a milking, and taste plenty of cheese. We also had the opportunity to peek inside their gorgeous modern farmhouse, which is available to rent on Airbnb as a farm stay. It got us thinking about what other farmstead creameries offer overnight stays.
Farmstays are an excellent way for small operations to increase revenue, and for consumers to learn more about where their food comes from. Plus the added bonus of cuddling baby goats! Check out this (incomplete) list of nine “cheese farms” where you can spend the night.
The modern farmhouse at Toluma Farms and Tomales Farmstead Creamery.
Toluma Farms and Tomales Farmstead Creamery
Petaluma, California
Toluma Farms boasts a 4,000-square-foot modern farmhouse set right in the center of the 160-acre organic farm. During your stay, you can observe milking, cheesemaking, and even assist in herding animals. We recommend visiting in the spring to take advantage of kidding season.
Book through Airbnb here.
Flip Flop Ranch
Lucerne Valley, California
Feeding animals, cuddling baby animals, and learning how to make mozzarella are all experiences you can choose to partake in while staying at the ranch. Flip Flop Ranch specializes in rare and endangered breeds of livestock, so expect to see something new!
Book through Airbnb here.
Reves de Moutons
Paso Robles, California
Stay in luxury, retro-style campers on a diversified farm operation. Expect to start your day with freshly made goat’s milk cheese made on site, and spend your day socializing with the flock of sheep and goats.
Book through their website here.
Mattingly Farm: Home to Kenny’s Cheese
Austin, Kentucky
Mattingly Farm is home to Kenny’s Cheese. While staying on this 350-acre working dairy farm you can expect to catch a glimpse of morning milkings, taste their farmstead cheese, and possibly meet a baby calf (if you’re lucky).
Book through Airbnb here.
Short Leg Farm
Pecatonica, IL
Short Leg Farm is located 100 miles from Chicago situated on a hilltop prairie with stunning views. As a guest you are invited to join in milkings and have the option to add a cheesemaking class to your stay.
Book through their website here.
Sunflower Farm Creamery
Cumberland, Maine
Sunflower Farm Creamery is a Nigerian Dwarf goat dairy. There are plenty of cute goats to interact with and cheesemakers to learn from. During your stay you can help with farm chores, collect eggs, and use the pool!
Book through Airbnb here.
Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins
Hartland, Vermont
Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins provides a unique lodging experience on a 60-acre working farm. Enjoy the stunning views from your own private cabin overlooking our growing fields and the beautiful hills in the distance. While there you have the option of adding on a bread-baking or cheesemaking class.
Book through their website here.
The Emerson House at Asgaard Farm and Dairy
Au Sable Forks, New York
Asgaard Farm and Dairy is a diversified farm with a goat dairy and creamery. While staying in the Emerson House you have the option to help with farm chores, or just relax and enjoy the countryside. There is also an onsite farmstore stocked with cheese, veggies, and meats for you to enjoy during your visit.
Culture wrote about Asgaard Farm and Dairy in a 2022 feature on cheese in the Hudson Valley.
Sugar House Creamery
Upper Jay, New York
Sugar House Creamery is a 23-acre farmstead creamery located in the Adirondack mountains. They produce three different varieties of cheese and are best known for their Dutch Knuckle cheese. You can stay in the newly renovated carriage barn and relax as you sip on a cocktail and watch the cows come in for milking.
Culture wrote about Sugar House Creamery in a 2022 feature on cheese in the Hudson Valley.
Book through Airbnb here.
Josie Krogh
Josie Krogh is culture's Digital Strategy Lead. She earned her master's degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics from The University of Georgia. Josie developed a love of food while working at farmstands in the D.C. area as a young adult, and discovered her love of cheese while living and working on a dairy farm on Martha's Vineyard. Josie currently lives in Catskill, NY.
