Willow Bend Farm

fter traveling the US full-time for over a year, we’ve seen almost every kind of terrain in the country. We’ve explored the desert in Arizona. We’ve blended into the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. We’ve probably wandered the streets of

more small towns in America than most. So, we thought it was safe to say we’d seen it all. No town or bed and breakfast could blow our minds, because ‘been there done that’, right? WRONG. This spring we found ourselves in the rolling hills of Kentucky at yet another B&B. The scenery couldn’t possibly have been more stunning, and the house was perfectly set atop a grassy hill. It was like something out of a painting. Our hosts, Karen and Herb, welcomed us with bright smiles and brownies, which is definitely the quickest way to our hearts. We spent that first night chatting, eating, and relaxing at Willow Bend Farm. The next day was when we really got to experience what makes Willow Bend unique. It’s not your typical bed and breakfast. It’s called a farm stay, and it allows you to enjoy the best parts of farm life. You can spend time by the pond, catching and releasing some catfish. You can ride the tractor around the grounds, and Herb may even let

you drive it. The best part, though, is probably the animals you’ll get to spend time with. Willow Bend Farm has two mini horses named Gunney and Shooter; eight donkeys, Willow, Sadie, Sophie, Maddie, Maggie, BeauJack, Sherman and Ollie; a draft horse named Bob; Penny the pet cow; Willie the barn cat, and the resident farm dog, Huck Finn. It was like we were in heaven, y’all! We hung out with all of the animals without having to shovel poop.

We spent one entire afternoon feeding the animals. Joanie B. drove the tractor. I rode around in the hay trailer in the back. It all just felt like the most beautiful and peaceful dream. We didn’t want the day to end. But, when it did eventually end, we

walked the stairs to our room and slept in the complete and total silence. It was unreal! Willow Bend Farm is paradise in all the right ways. Herb and Karen’s grandson hit the bullseye when he said... you can breathe. When you stand in the lush green fields, it feels like you’re breathing for the first time. Like your lungs have never been so fulfilled. We’ve gone on and on about what’s outside, but what about what’s inside Willow Bend? It operates as a fairly traditional B&B inside. Herb and Karen have created a beautiful space where people can feel comfortable. There are two suites, both of which are located on the second floor. The Magnolia Suite has two bedrooms, one with a King and the other with a Queen bed. Magnolia has comfy furniture inside the room.

It also has a separate room just for lounging, complete with sofa and TV. All of the rooms are connected via a private hallway, including the bathroom shared by the suite’s two rooms. We stayed in the incredible Camellia Suite, and our minds were blown. It has more than 1000 square feet of space. A King and Queen bed, the comfiest sofa, closet space, a private living room, coffee bar, and a private back staircase. Camellia was practically an entire home, and we didn’t

want to leave. Both suites are incredibly beautiful and comfortable for couples, families, and even friends traveling together. Every morning you’ll receive the most delicious breakfast. We had everything from waffles to fresh muffins and fruit to perfectly cooked eggs

and potatoes. It was all delicious. If you have any food restrictions, tell Karen and Herb ahead of time and they would be happy to accomodate you. Our time in Lancaster was well spent, and we felt right at home at Willow Bend. Thank you to Karen and Herb for hosting us and making us feel like family from the moment we walked in. If you want to book a stay at Willow Bend Farm (and you definitely do), you can visit their website, which is linked on our reference page at the back of the magazine. The property does not allow pets, but you’ll get plenty of snuggles and pet loving with Huck Finn, Willie, Bob, and the whole crew. The most important thing to remember: you can’t take any of them with you. Bummer, I know.