| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| RedGateGal |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 03:44:43 AM
Good Morning Farmgirls!!!
As I sit here getting ready for another day in corporate America and having to pull down my gravel drive away from the farm I love, I thought I'd solicit feedback from my sister farmgirls.
For several years I have had an idea for a farm business so I could leave my corporate job. I'd appreciate your comments. Feelings are not hurt easily and I want honesty....so don't hold back 
I'd like to open our farm on Fridays and Saturdays as a public retreat. We would set up picnic areas on our farm and have an activity each day for kids (birdhouses, fossil hunt etc.). Maybe a small area for learning/petting calves, goats, chickens. If anyone wanted to call ahead, we'd have a gourmet lunch (basket) ready upon arrival.
We'd offer some less expensive lunch items for purchase without reservations. I'd also have a small store that sold soaps, jams/jellies, crafts, lip balms, farm eggs and green cleaning products etc.
For income during the week, I'd have an online store for the same products we'd sell at the farm store. The idea is to provide a place that would promote simpler living and be a retreat from the hustle and bustle.
What do you think? Good Idea...Bad Idea...Anyone tried this with success. We live about 40 miles outside of Nashville and about 9 miles from the interstate.
Thanks Ladies! Just trying to follow my dream, but it's a RISK.
Farmgirl #2574
redgategal.blogspot.com |
| 18 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| RedGateGal |
Posted - Feb 03 2011 : 04:05:54 AM
Daizy and Renee,
Thanks for your encouragement. I have tons to think about, but I agree that I don't want this to become an amusement park atmosphere. Not everyone who visits will have the same respect and love for the farm/mother earth as we farmgirls do. That is a huge concern of making our farm/home a day outing for others.
My DH (which I still have no idea what this means as a newbie, just figured it was code for husband), is even more excited now that we have so many farmgirls thinking this is a good idea.
PLAN, PLAN, PLAN now...I'll keep everyone posted. It will be a labor of love as the year goes on.
Farmgirl Sister #2574
www.redgategal.blogspot.com
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." ~ Henry David Thoreau
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| Lil Lady |
Posted - Feb 02 2011 : 07:15:33 AM
I say give it a lot of thought and then follow your heart...if this is your passion people will feel that and want to be around your environment and you! Also, don't give up to easily..it may take a while to build but when you do..............many people (including me( will be there to visit you! Good luck and God be with you!
Lil Lady
Blessings to all! |
| Daizy |
Posted - Feb 01 2011 : 8:52:07 PM
Hay Ya'll
Please do this, Incorporate the land and the sustainablity of our Mother Earth. Think about talking to the Boy and Girl Scout troops in the state. They are always looking for places to spend the weekend and camp and they have a policy of "leave no trace". You pick farms, day trips, picnics, etc. This can become alot of work or it can be a little work, its all a matter of which way you take it. But No. 1: Check with your insurance company and don't get in a pickle and end up with a law suit or something. (sorry to rain on your parade but us your head here - your working with the public)
Good luck and I want to book a date as soon as you open up!!
Love and Prayers,
Daizy
PHR Farmgirl #1093
A good day is when you find ALL your ear tags! I wonder how my cows would like my Farmgirl apron?? |
| bohemian_girl |
Posted - Feb 01 2011 : 6:35:45 PM
Sounds like an awesome idea! A quote comes to mind......"Do what you love and the money will follow."
Kelli Jo
"Well behaved women rarely make history."
-Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
http://thebohemianrabbit.blogspot.com |
| marjean |
Posted - Feb 01 2011 : 10:42:12 AM
People definetly need a place away from home to relax and regain their peace of mind.
No phones, no pressure just good ole fashioned quiet time! Helping out with chores on your farm is a great way for people to relax the mind and the body! It's the change of pace that does the trick and excites the scenses.
Much success to you and your dream!
Farmgirl sister #308
handmade cards, vintage organizer bags and more at www.jeanpatchbymk.etsy.com
http://jeanpatch.blogspot.com
www.fullerdirect.com
id#0920150
www.watkinsonline.com/rjaramillo
www.sunshinefarmgirlcoop.com |
| amomfly |
Posted - Jan 28 2011 : 03:38:17 AM
Oh I CAN SEE THIS BEING SOMETHING BIG! You can do it!
God Bless
Angie-amomfly
#1038 |
| pnickols |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 6:50:13 PM
it sounds like a great idea and very viable. also like the tent idea. maybe some opportunity for children to try their hands at farm chores and see the animals and such, |
| RedGateGal |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 3:42:59 PM
Okay Ladies...your are really making me excited about this opportunity.
Nini- thanks for the reminder about nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Tammy- LOVE the tent idea. OMGosh...don't know why we have not considered that.
Wheels are turning!
Farmgirl Sister #2574
www.redgategal.blogspot.com
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." ~ Henry David Thoreau
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| cntybuff |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 1:01:26 PM
Great Idea and what fun!
Beth |
| Prairie Gypsy |
Posted - Jan 26 2011 : 05:46:32 AM
Not sure how big your property is but maybe putting up wall tents for people to rent like MJF does. I know I'd love to find a cheap country getaway for the weekends. Start small and expand as you can afford it.
Farmgirl Sister # 2363
http://twilightburrough.blogspot.com/
Warren, MI
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| Ninibini |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 8:56:27 PM
I think it's a wonderful idea, Danielle! I wished I lived near you so I could come! :) It may be a risk, sure... but remember: nothing ventured, nothing gained! ;) Be sure to keep us posted! - Nini
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
| RedGateGal |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 6:38:01 PM
Thanks, I'll check out the website tonight!
Have great week!
Danielle-
Farmgirl #2574
redgategal.blogspot.com |
| mickib |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 2:22:16 PM
Danielle, I visited friends of friends in Ireland about 15 years ago and they had what is called an open farm there. Their website is glenroefarm.com. I think it gives you an idea of what can be done. Good luck with following your dream! |
| RedGateGal |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 12:13:03 PM
Farmgirls...thanks so much for the feedback. You guys have given me some things to think about and also validation that this is worth exploring.
We do have a very small house, but are not opposed to constructing a building for the corporate type events. Just don't want to bite off more than we can chew until we have a better plan in place. We are starting small. But I do agree the opportunities and activities are endless.
Blessings to Everyone!
Farmgirl #2574
redgategal.blogspot.com |
| Bensgrandma |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 10:39:50 AM
HI,
I am new here but I saw your posting and thought I'd let you know I think it is a great idea too. Are there other sites or entertainment near you that would be good for travelers? What about finding a local bed and breakfast to host a quilt weekend? Do you have room for quilters to come for a day, sit, quilt and chat?
Halloween is a great time of year. Do you have room for a field of pick your own pumpkins? Preschools love those. We take the grandkids every year. Or even a pick your own green bean patch! I am not sure of the liability issues but we go to one every year. YOu can either pick your own or they pick some and have a stand.
I'd start out small before you quit to see if it is doable!
Good luck on your venture!
Alexis
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HugsandStitches |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 09:58:48 AM
Being in a corporate world, take note that more and more corporations are thinking "outside the box" when it comes to sales conferences and motiviational meetings. Pleasant Hill, the Shaker Settlement near Lexington hosts many corporate events and they have a barn turned into a conference center for that very thing. They tie in lunch at the Trustee's Office and it's a day that is both relaxing and beneficial to "jump start" dedication to the business. So that's something, too.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
| Tina Michelle |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 09:55:03 AM
might I also suggest a community type garden/csa where those that have signed up for the packages are required to come out and volunteer at least an hour a month in the garden.
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also don't just cater to the kids. Set up weekend retreat days for the adults where you provide them with a very nice romantic spot, arm them with a basket with picnic blanket complete with a wine and cheeses for a romantic picnic/like anniversary day packages.
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have activities available for the adults also throughout the year. Such as wreath making with natural materials during the Holidays, as well as how to create natural decor using found objects.
During Halloween time have a family event that includes both the kids and the adults such as hosting a pumpkin carving and costume contest event on the farm complete with a marshmallow roast afterwards.
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The list is endless on what you could do, but of course make sure that you have each person sign a statement regarding safety and liability.
~I Dream of a Better World..where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned!~
blogs:http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and http://thevictorygardener.blogspot.com
magazine: www.stliving.com
etsy shops: http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com
and http://myvictorygarden.etsy.com |
| Fiddlehead Farm |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 04:34:54 AM
Good idea and I would surely come! I think you will find that a lot of people are trying to slow down and live more naturally.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World!
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White |
