What if you could step into a different way of life at a Catskills family farm? A farm stay (or ‘haycation’) is a wonderful way to disconnect from the daily grind and connect with nature, farming and food.
The Marsiglio family at Stony Creek Farmstead (1738 Freer Hollow Rd, Walton 607.865.7965 stonycreekfarmstead.com) has distilled a recipe for forming that deep connection by diversifying their farm with an agritourism “stay, play and learn” getaway for visitors. Family matriarch Kate Marsiglio cultivates that experience by providing an all-encompassing farm stay experience for guests that includes an invitation to collect eggs, feed farm animals, milk a cow and harvest vegetables, allowing them to embrace nature and appreciate quality food. The Marsiglios are stewards of the environment and provide low-impact, wheelPhoto: Joe Damone. Delaware County Fair in Walton.
chair accessible, platform tent camping for guests. The tents are fully outfitted with kitchenettes, wood-fueled cook stoves and bathroom facilities, as well as sleeping for six. Marsiglio describes it as “glamping” – or chic, plush camping. It’s canvas-cabin camping complete with a bed. Part of forming a stronger connection with nature and food, she explains, is to disconnect from technology and go “off the grid”. The hillsides that cradle the creek exemplify the agricultural and rural nature of the area, but also prohibit cell phone service. A stay at the farmstead will push people in a way they may not be familiar with. “Nature disciplines you,” she says.
while there
By Lillian Browne
Those looking for traditional entertainment during a farm stay will find it nearby. Castle on the Delaware (139 Stockton Ave, Walton, 917.348.7890 castleonthedelaware.com) hosts musical guests and special events, and you’ll find movies and concerts at the historic Walton Theater (31 Gardiner Pl, Walton, 607.865.6688, waltontheatre.org)
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