Find serenity at one of Virginia’s bucolic farms or ranches.



Who doesn’t love high-octane travel? Few experiences can compare with say, exploring the ancient palaces and temples of Bangkok and zip lining in New Zealand, or turning a corner and happening upon The Thinker at the Musée Rodin in Paris. But sometimes—dare we say it?—a vacation without an itinerary is what the soul craves. That’s when a stay at one of these Virginia farms and ranches may be just the ticket.
The Cabin at Big Bend & Big Bend Farm, Millboro
Up to 11 guests may stay in the Cabin at Big Bend, which dates to 1928. The 680-acre working farm trains border collies, and offers one mile of trout water along Cowpasture River. 540-997-5661, BigBendFarm.com
Carrie’s Cottage at Fairhill Farm, Stanardsville
This country cottage is nestled just past the pond on the 142 acres of Fairhill Farm. More than five miles of trails call for exploring, while miniature horses welcome petting. 434-953-9501, FairHillFarmUSA.com
Crossing Creek Farm Bed & Breakfast, Lincoln
This 1760 Quaker farmhouse lies in a secluded valley on a 25-acre working farm. Barns, walking trails, porches, decks, fireplaces and a library with a large Civil War book collection make this escape enjoyable year-round. 540-338-4548, CreekCrossingFarm.com
River’s Bend Guest Ranch, Stanley
Located on 350 acres between the Blue Ridge and the George Washington National Forest, River’s Bend Ranch claims one mile of shoreline along the Shenandoah River. This working quarter horse and cattle ranch has a ranch house, bunk house and luxury cabins. 540-652-1836, RiversBendRanch.com
Shangrila Guest Ranch, South Boston
Shangrila Guest Ranch allows day and overnight guests to ride horses along its network of trails. Guests can fish and play outdoor games, or even pick and take home a bag of seasonal produce from the garden. 434-517-0888, ShangrilaGuestRanch.com