Barnyard chores and the smell of manure? Why more Americans are vacationing on farms

Green Acres is, and always was, the place to be.But now, the rooster-as-alarm-clock lifestyle is inspiring (fertilizing?) a bountiful crop for rural vacation destinations.The perennial envy of city slickers jaded by their penthouse views, farms are now a dream destination for 84% of travelers, who say they’d like to stay on or near an agricultural outpost.

That’s according to Vrbo’s recent trend report, Unpack ’26, which also found a 300% year-over-year increase in guest reviews mentioning farms on the vacation rental platform owned by Expedia.“To escape the stresses of everyday life, travelers are increasingly drawn to trips that feel simpler and closer to nature,” said Melanie Fish, global head of public relations for Expedia Group Brands, noting that this desire for farm charm is reflected in travelers’ growing appetite for experiences like picking apples and interacting with farm animals.But farm stays don’t mean roughing it rustic.Many of these barn and breakfasts “also include amenities like courtyards, private pools and gourmet kitchens” allowing travelers to slow down and connect with nature, says Fish.If you want to enjoy a farm stay in the tri-state, Fish recommends Vrbo’s DeVita House (from $200 per night) in Gardiner, NY, a cozy 1900s farmhouse sleeping six.There’s also Chestnut Hill (from $798 per per night) in Saugerties, NY.

It’s a four-bedroom dwelling on 53 acres originally built in the 1840s with a lily pond, swimmable creek, and, of course, farm animals.Also on the platform is the Historic Centreville House (from $247 per night) in Layton, NJ, a three-bedroom home with a front porch and rocking chairs set on a working farm near the Delaware Water Gap.For a spot of equine equanimity, gallop to the horse oasis, Rosemary Farm Sanctuary in South Kortright in the Western Catskills.

Roughly two and a half hours from NYC, the horse rescue has a three-bedroom guest house on Airbnb (from $337 per night with a two-night minimum ...