Farm Sanctuary

I recently attended Farm Sanctuary’s Celebration for the Turkeys for the third time, and it was as special and meaningful as ever. The sanctuary itself is absolutely beautiful—peaceful, welcoming, and full of love. Spending time with the rescued animals, and knowing they’re safe and cared for for the rest of their lives, is both humbling and healing. The event was perfectly organized, from the delicious vegan mocktails, charcuterie, and feast to the heartfelt feeding of the turkeys ceremony. Watching the turkeys enjoy their own holiday meal was such a joyful moment. Hearing co-founder Gene Baur speak was inspiring, and every staff member I met was warm, kind, and clearly dedicated to the animals. Farm Sanctuary truly embodies compassion in action. It’s a place that changes hearts and minds—and one I’ll continue to visit and support for years to come.

We had a really nice tour. You definitely hear a lot of pretty rough stories but it's a joy to see the life these animals live. You get very close to the animals. Turns out that if you let cows and pigs grow up that they are very large. I get why some people can be put off by the vegan approach that comes along with this kind of activism but I do think it's a binary question - you either think these animals are feeling creatures deserving of a full life or you eat them. That said, I didn't find our tour particularly focused on veganism but rather on issues with factory farming.

I can’t say enough about how wonderful this farm is. We stayed in the tiny house and everything was so peaceful and beautiful. The food was absolutely incredible and the entire staff was amazing. My son and I are not vegan but truly love animals and we learned so much during our stay about the importance of advocating for these beautiful creatures. They are not a “pushy” organization by any means, they simply speak the truth about what is not spoken about enough, and you will leave wanting to be much more thoughtful in your consumption of choose to omit animal products from your life. They treat the animals on this farm with so much respect and love - it’s so clear when you see the size of these animals who are given a chance to grow and thrive, and the individual personalities of all of them. The entire farm is so beautifully maintained. I wish all animals could be lucky enough to end up in a place like this. It’s how it should be. Julia was our guide for our tours and she was so kind and knowledgeable and answered all of my 8 year olds many questions. The weekend stay was a gift for my sons birthday and he wants to return every year now and we do plan to do so. I wish we could do so much more to support this place. It truly is a sanctuary. Thank you for such a wonderful weekend, and for everything you do. One of the best experiences I’ve had in my 35 years.

It was a great experience. Coming from a farming community and having a daughter and friends very much involved in 4-H we did seem to hear some misinformation on some animals and the farming experience. We thought we were coming to hear about animals that have been rescued and their story. Which we did get. But our guide seemed to like to push the vegan aspect of the sanctuary. Nothing against it and we understand that yes there are horrible places. But please make sure your guides have the correct information and not slander smaller farms. We do respect what you are doing and understand the message but we felt that we got more of a lecture and not an experience with the animals themselves.

We really loved our visit to the farm! They are doing some really good job and their whole mission of spreading awareness touched me. We just came with a simple mission of getting out 3yr old some exposure to farm animals and it was a very beautiful experience for her too. They have a very amazing vegan cafe, that you shouldnt miss. The jackfruit salad was my absolute favourite 😀😀 Would like to come again.. 😀

I've wanted to go for a few years & we finally made the trip (2 1/2 hrs) on my birthday, it was well worth it. The setup was great & organized, the animals are so happy and healthy, living their best lives!! The tour was Fantastic & our tour guide was so knowledgeable & Wonderful. We stopped at the cafe on the way out. The food omgosh I had loaded home fries and WOW!! My partner had sliders and was also very pleased. Looking forward to going again!

While the Sanctuary's mission is very worthwhile, a heads up to parents looking to bring their children- the subject matter spoken about and shown has the potential to be graphic and upsetting. The opening video displayed a pile of dead sheep alongside other dark imagery and many of the animals stories on the tour emphasized repeatedly the brutal treatment farm animals receive while giving specific details on how they're abused or slaughtered. It's good to be aware of the horrific nature of the meat industry but what we thought would be an uplifting experience with rescued animals left us desperately trying to distract the 5 year old with us who was extremely sensitive to topics involving death or suffering. Perhaps a content warning on the tours about subject matter would be helpful, or children-specific tours with an adjusted way of speaking about the positive outcomes and impact of positive action. This would help visitors and children leave feeling empowered to learn more if they wished. Even just going to the gardens on the tour and talking about types of food substitutes, home gardening, sustainability, or living peacefully with animals could leave a better impression. At the least, some information on the content of the tours would allow visitors to prepare for the subject matter spoken about ahead of time. Would not bring children to this experience again despite the worthwhile cause, though as adults with a proper heads up, we would have gladly come to hear about the mission of the Sanctuary. It's a beautiful place and the animals are well cared for, just keep in mind that it's strongly pro-vegan and openly displays the brutalities of the food industry even in settings where children may be involved.

Magical experience ☺️ first time on a Tiny home, loved the tour where we learned about the animals so inspiring! the staff is really friendly & knowledgeable! highly recommended!

My husband and I recently met a friend of ours for lunch at the new cafe which is called The Kitchen at Farm Sanctuary. The menu is 100% vegan (hooray!) and everything we tried was delicious. The staff were all friendly and helpful, adding to our very pleasant experience. We look forward to our next visit! FYI, the cafe is open for breakfast and lunch. Find out which days and hours it's open by emailing: thekitchen@farmsanctuary.org.

If you care about animals, want to know more about animals are / should be treated, want to be in a peaceful place, then I highly recommend visiting Farm Sanctuary or even better staying there. We stayed over a weekend and had an amazing time. If you stay there, you get to go on a tour in the mornings with other people who stay. Your are surrounded by very kind people that are very kind to everyone including animals. That creates this very peaceful atmosphere.

If I could give this beautiful place a hundred stars rating I would! We stayed on the property in one of the cottages- it's prettier then the pictures. It truly is a Sanctuary for animals and people! You will decompress and truly appreciate these animals and the simplicity of the farm. Breakfast was adorable as it is given to you in a picnic basket! The tours are a MUST! One side note is bring warm clothing as weather changes and is cooler especially in the mornings. We packed a cooler of vegan foods so didn't venture much off the property except to go to Watkins National park for a hike. Kitchen is perfect for cooking and everything you will need is there! Everyone is beyond helpful and their passion for their jobs is refreshing. Such wonderful people as well as other people visiting the farm. Can't recommend enough!

We went out of our way during our vacation exploring upstate NY to visit this farm. We went on a 12 pm tour that stated promptly and our tour guide was well informed and shared interesting, educational, eye opening information about the farm industry. The highlight of course was interacting with the animals. They would approach if wanting to be petted. Many were so friendly. We came with our 13 yr old and 6 yr old sons. Both enjoyed it very much. I bought a tee shirt as a souvenir.

This place is amazing!!! What they do for animals is incredible. Our tour guide was Amy, a volunteer here from Scotland and she was great. She gave us so much information, knew the animals by name, told us how to approach them. The tour was amazing and we will def be back. Motivated me to again be a more conscious eater, def moving towards being vegetarian. Their tiny houses look very interesting and hope to be staying there soon. I highly recommend!!!

Farm sanctuary is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Not only was it educational, it was heartwarming. I hope I get to visit again very soon!

Farm Sanctuary is a place for animals taken by the state from the agricultural farming field. They bring in these animals, and provide them with a quality life, and medical treatment. We came down for the first race of the year at Watkins Glen International, and I remembered this place from the movie Forks Over Knives. Emailing the group, Natalia agreed to give us a private tour, since they don't officially open for a few more weeks. First off, if you're driving a race car, you will jack up your ride. If you can, approach from the west. The approach from the north is a terrible drive, with large pot holes, inches deep of mud, and up to six inch deep ruts. A normal vehicle can be okay if you're careful, and an SUV will be fine. The path from the west is much calmer, and much shorter. There is no mobile phone service out here for Verizon, and I'm assuming the other carriers. Note 7, Note 5, iphone 6s and 7+ all had zero service. So, what's the point of coming out here? THE ANIMALS. The farm is absolutely massive. At this time, they have over 600 animals. You'll meet sheep, pigeons, goats, pigs, chickens and turkeys, and cows. If you're really lucky, you may meet a couple of kitty cats. The sheep are absolute dolls! They can be a little, dare I say, sheepish, but they will warm up to you, and start begging for love. They appreciate some good scratches, though they will probably be shaved down when you get there. The pigeons are with the sheep, and they just kind of hop down or flap about and say Hi! There are also goats here,  and they will be right there with you and the sheep. We met the pigs next. Most people think pig = bacon, but if you are more knowledgeable of them, you know they are big guys. Well, I'm no expert, and it is quite daunting when a 650 pound pig comes waddling up to one. They have specific instructions to follow here (as they do everywhere since this is essentially a hands on experience with animals. Of course! Lol), and it's critical to follow them. One doesn't want to get bit by a pig. Similar to sharks, it's not just a bad bite, but the bacteria that is the biggest hazard. They take them to the doctor, feed them, clean up, and make sure they have all medication needed for a quality life (remember, these are factory farmed animals). One of the goats has a wheel chair, even! It doesn't get much more compassionate than that. The turkeys and chickens are wicked cool. From the little poofy guys with sideways grumpy dance, to the butt scratches for the friendly folks. Of course, follow directions,  but with the feathered friends who wanted to visit, one could reach under them as if they were picking them up (think cupping water with your hands. Note: Do NOT try to pick them up. You picking them up is like a T REX trying to scoop you up, so be courteous :) ), and start scratching. They love it!!!! One little guy (I think it was actually female) would get very flustered and poor up when we would stop. Who knew a grumpy turkey could be so cute!!!! FYI, mostly the chickens couldn't care less. Pull up some green grass, though, and you may make a friend ;) Finally, we met the cows. Big bosses on campus. They had a bit of a situation going on, so we decided not to show too much love, but they were happy to be around people, and love attention. Overall, it was an awesome experience. Everyone was friendly and courteous. Animals, people, it was all compassion. Honestly, I don't think there is a more peaceful place.

It's a beautiful place. And knowing that at least these few farm animals are allowed to live and grow old is... amazing. While I've been a meat eater for my entire 60 years, I was always conflicted. A hypocrite. I have seen factory farming and know the brutal, inhumane short life the animals have as objects. This visit gave me the extra insight to make the change. Since visiting several months ago I haven't eaten meat (but a I do eat free range eggs and fish). I've discovered a world of excellent "veggie meats" and have had no problem adjusting. While Farm Sanctuary is but a symbol in the scheme of things, it does have the power to mobilize change. Check it out for yourself.

I don't even know where to start. I'm so grateful for farm sanctuaries. I can now tell anyone who is concerned that cows might get extinct if we don't exploit them not to worry, as cows can live in farm sanctuaries. This Farm Sanctuary is awesome. They give hourly tours and tell about the terrors of the meat and dairy industry in a very accessible and even child-friendly way. I am at awe of the work they are doing and will continue supporting it.

Great tour to hang out with some friendly farm animals. Our guide was very nice and informative. The price for the tour compared to how long it lasts can be a little steep. And everything in the gift shop costs an arm and a leg, but that is to be expected in all gift shops. Either way, it was a nice experience. They support veganism highly without shoving it down your throat toooo too much.

Frog Farm Sanctuary is an excellent nonprofit whose mission is to take in animals (especially farm animals) who need a home and provide for them on their 42-acre farm. They especially focus on animals who have been neglected or abused, or who are older. They keep people informed about their work through fantastic and often humorous posts about the antics on the farm from their llamas who need monthly injections of ivermectin to precious Harry pup's aquatherapy treatments. Sadly, Harry just crossed rainbow bridge, but this sanctuary takes people on the journey with them through all the heartbreak as well as the joy. I love how they engage people with great stories about each individual animal's personality. How can you not love and support Frog Farm Sanctuary?

I was expecting something totally different. I had hoped to learn more about the sanctuary, instead we had a vegan propaganda tour. I'm not against vegans. I myself have been trying to eat fewer animal products, but this approach totally put me off completely. Maybe they should learn that you attract more flies with honey than with vinegar. Not sure their methods are totally appropriate for kids, who made up the majority of the tour.

This place is actually amazing. This makes me want to do this when I'm older. I am vegan for the loving animals and so appreciated that they deserve the life they should have!

If you are an animal lover this is a must. If you have kids who like animals, especially city kids who've only seen cats and dogs, they will totally have a blast. (However, supervise your kids - these are big animals and while the guide makes an effort to bring you to the friendlier animals... these are not pets, and as you know, even the gentlest pets can sometimes snap.) The farm is somewhat out of way, a good 15 minutes drive from Watkins Glen, but not difficult to find. The place is very beautiful and truly feels like a paradise for animals. Do join the tour so they can take you close to the animals: sheep, goats, chicken, cows... I was so excited to see a herd of sheep coming home to the barn, and one was running on prosthetic leg. (Which may give my husband pause when ordering his leg of lamb). There is a short video before tour about farm animal abuse, which is educational but also very sad. BTW, you can "adopt" farm animals for a monthly fee.

The Watkins Glen animal sanctuary was amazing! What a great way to spend 2 hours. Took a guided tour which was so nice. Was able to get up close and personal with all the animals. Petting cows, goats, pigs was so much fun. Learned a lot. So calm and peaceful. The animals were so loving. When you are in Watkins Glen you have to see this place.

Had an amazing time. Super cute gift shop, although a little pricy it was worth it. Definitely go on the tour it's so worth it and the allows you to be able to go into the enclosures. They have such cute animals and exactly what i was looking for! Very happy I went.

Amazing place! The residents at farm sanctuary really are living their best lives, and their destinies would be the most gruesome if they hadn't been rescued by farm Sanctuary. I praise you all for doing what you do for these forgotten and abandoned animals.

Such an amazing place. They do so much good for such beautiful animals. I was very moved by my visit here. Highly recommend visiting the sanctuary whether you're in the area or made a road trip of it (like i did 4.5 hours)! Thank you to the staff for saving these sweet and precious animals. It was such an eye opening experience visiting

We stayed one of the tiny houses on the property and had a wonderful time. The tour of the farm was very enjoyable, as was just wandering around the area. Can't wait to visit again next year!

Just awesome!!! We came on a Monday after driving for three days at the nearby racetrack. They don't offer tours on Mondays but could not have been friendlier. One can join for only $20 a year and then do a self guided walking tour. Someone even opened the gift shop for us so we could purchase a few t shirts and beverages. The big welcome barn is great and gives some insight into the terribly sad plight of today's farm animals. I'm sort of glad I did not have to watch the movie that's part of the tour. I'm a vegetarian and borderline vegan and have enough info in my head to make me sad when I even think about what happens each and every day to millions of poor animals on farms! Walking around the amazingly well kept grounds was a joy. The resident animals are tame and curious and will come to the fence to meet you. We had a great time and I'll try to come back for sure Very inspiring and special place!

I'm not saying that coming here will make you turn vegan, but they make a pretty compelling case. Between the presentation of the state of industrialized and the friendliness of almost every animal you run into, it really makes your heart open.

Don't go to the zoo, don't go to the circus. If you want to become acquainted with real, i.e., happy animals- get thee to the Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen. Cows, pigs, turkeys, rabbits, ducks, etc., all for you to pet and learn about in a serene setting. Go there.

Came here this weekend for the thanksgiving event with my mom and sister and it was lovely. We loved it! I loved all the time i got to spend with the animals, especially the sheep! Great place to take children also for some real hands on animal interaction. The animals are well taken care of and really love people. Had a blast and will definitely be coming back again.

This place is a little slice of heaven. My husband and me and our two children (ages 3.5 and 1) visited here last week. We stayed in one of the 3 cabins right on the sanctuary property. The cabins are large and very well kept, with two double beds and a nice front porch (important when you have children that go to bed at 8pm)! There is no bathroom inside the cabin, but an extremely clean washroom, with shower facilities, is literally steps away from the cabin. There is also a drinking water fountain, also steps away. The Sanctuary itself is wonderful. The whole place has this relaxed, serene, peaceful feel to it. I am positive that it stems from the fact that it is filled with happy animals and kind hearted people. On the tour, you can go right into the enclosures with the animals, and there are many opportunities to touch and pet the ones that are eager for affection (and there are many). I love the low-key vibe here. The staff are all super nice and laid back, and there aren't a whole bunch of ridiculous rules. You are asked not to bring any animal products onto the sanctuary, but I think this is completely fair given that it is a sanctuary for rescued farm animals. My husband and I spent evenings relaxing on the porch with beers (lots of local micro breweries in the region!), reading, and watching deer. Days can be spent exploring the sanctuary and the surrounding area, which is STUNNING. Watkins Glen is a gorgeous little town, and there are lots of gorges and waterfalls nearby. As mentioned above, lots of micro breweries and wineries around too. This is an impressively beautiful area. I left here feeling an incredible lightness of being and a calm that lasted for days. If you get a chance to visit here, I highly recommend it.

We spent a lovely afternoon touring the farm and playing with all the sweet farm animal rescues. The guides are very knowledgeable and friendly. It's super-vegan-positive, so bear that in mind, but they don't hit you over the head all that much with it. Definitely a great family activity.

I went to the Farm Sanctuary over Memorial Day weekend. I haven't eaten any birds, cows, pigs, etc, since. I would say that that is an excellent review of a non-profit whose mission is to stem the the mistreatment of farm animals, and also to completely stem the farming of them for food. The Farm itself is absolutely impeccably kept. It is literally a farm paradise that those mistreated sweet creatures greatly deserve. I loved every second of my visit. (The intro visit ruined my life, but still...) I would love to go back sometime and see the calf named Elliot.

I just loved this place. Its just all heart. My husband and I stayed in one of the cabins on the way down from Niagara Falls. It was so peaceful and incredibly quiet in the evening. You can really rest here. It felt like summer camp but much more private. Really fun for the kid in you. We had a complimentary tour of the grounds and resident animals in the morning which was just so much fun. Their style is to educate without being in your face or guilt tripping at all. Just to show you animals that were once unhappy and now are very, very at peace. Id love to take our kid here one day!

You don't have to be a vegan or vegetarian to be a fan of Farm Sanctuary. It isn't all about that. There's much to be said about the need for compassion and humanity for those that cannot speak for themselves. And these folks do it in a very classy and non violent way. That being said, this particular charity has spots on both coasts; and as would be expected quite a lot of celebrity endorsement. They have also found some unique ways for us run of the mill folks to show our support; however meager it might be. Farm Sanctuary has ops for volunteering on site; if you have had enough of work in the big city, lovely green fields and pastures will definitely put you in perspective. A small group of students and I spent two days there; and a great experience was had by all. This time of year, as with other organizations, they do a walk. For some reason, and perhaps I was walking for something or someone else, I missed the one here in Chicago in September. So, the folks at Farm Sanctuary dreamed up a way to walk and still get your zzzz's. Yep, the Farm Sanctuary Sleep In for the Animals is up and running. (Bad choice of words) but I so love a cause with a pause that refreshes, complete with pledges, tee shirts, and that bottom line great feeling that you did something decent. Super idea for a super cause!

Farm Sanctuary is amazing. The staff are great, the farm and surrounding are are absolutely beautiful, and the animals make for an incredible experience. Most of them are very friendly, and, being a city girl, I'd never had the chance to cuddle with a 200+ lbs pig before (or since!) Spending time at Farm Sanctuary totally changed how I view farm animals, and I am so glad that I got to have that experience, I can't wait to go back and visit again!

Pet and love friendly animals that have been rescued. A wonderful visit with the whole family to interact with pigs, goats, cows, donkeys, turkeys, in a warm and friendly environment. The staff are terrific and very informative. You get to pet and hang out with the rescue animals in the expansive fields and barns throughout the beautiful property.

Farm Sanctuary was wonderful. I don't have a whole lot to add to the other positive reviews, as they pretty much nailed it, but we had a great time. We did not stay overnight (they offer lodging on the sanctuary), but only did the tour. The countryside was beautiful, at the sanctuary and the area in general. The animals were incredibly sweet. Some of them were a bit skittish, but just as many are people-lovers. The staff were very friendly and informative. They do not lecture to you, but they also do not sugarcoat it for you, as Farm Sanctuary is not a petting zoo, and you will be shown (through poster/video) and told the sort of conditions that many of these animals are coming from, and the reason that Farm Sanctuary exists. After the tour we were allowed to walk around leisurely. Highly recommended to animal lovers of any sort. Make sure to grab something from the gift shop to help support Farm Sanctuary. A couple of tips. #1 - As somebody noted below, do not wear flip flops or any shoes that you don't mind getting a little bit dirty. #2 - Some people noted that they had an easy time finding the place. We didn't exactly get lost, but our GPS took us on a dirt road route that was less than ideal, and we ended up being a few minutes late. At any rate, I would recommend getting there a little bit early, just because it is off the beaten track, so you want some extra time to account for taking a wrong turn or a subpar GPS route. One last thing. Holy "cow"!!! Sometimes you forget how big pigs get until you're standing right next to one!!!! :)

Farm Sanctuary is great! I went for a former intern retreat (as a guest; it was my first time there) and got the pleasure of taking two farm tours and hearing Gene Baur speak (and getting to eat lunch with Gene!). I think that Farm Sanctuary does great work and it is a beautiful place. Seeing the animals being so happy after however they've been mistreated is great. I loved cuddling with sheep, goats, cows, turkeys, pigs, etc. I would definitely recommend a visit if you're in the area (and it's a beautiful area) so you can meet farm animals up close and learn about factory farming and what it does to those animals. You might just be affected enough to change your eating habits.

This place is heaven. Even if you aren't vegan or vegetarian, this is a great place to learn about animal rights issues, factory farming issues, and get to spend some quality, up close and personal time with rescued farm animals. The staff is friendly and non-judgmental, and the farm is absolutely beautiful. Tours are $5 for adults and $3 for children, and it's well-worth it! You get to spend about an hour learning about the farm, the animals, and getting to cuddle with some of them! The gift shop is also really great. Farm Sanctuary is also really active in the legislative and outreach side of animal rights issues, and they achieve these goals in a really reasonable way. I definitely recommend getting involved with Farm Sanctuary in some way or another, and visit the New York or California shelter if you get the chance!

Farm Sanctuary is an accurate description for the land, since it's not a working farm. It is a piece of land with barns, a visitor center, and cabins where people can stay overnight. Rescued farm animals live here, and you can come to visit and take a tour. I came here because I was on a vacation in the Finger Lakes to visit wineries and my friend really wanted to see this place. The tour begins with a video on the history of the place and why it exists. Farm animals are sometimes rescued or escape from death. For example, an abandoned delivery truck with animals inside was found on the road one day. The animals were brought to the Farm Sanctuary. Occasionally a goat will be found wandering the streets of Brooklyn after it escapes a slaughterhouse. And it ends up here. It is a very educational experience. Our tour began with visiting cows in the pasture. They were massive. I visited a dairy farm as a small child but I don't remember the animals being this big. Then we saw Turpentine the wild turkey, goats and sheep, other turkeys, wandering chickens, and pigs. I think the saddest part for me was the turkeys who have had their beaks and claws removed. I don't know why but I guess that bothered me the most. I had a cat and I wouldn't let her be declawed under anesthesia so I can't imagine what it feels like for them to have their beaks literally burned off with no painkiller. I am not a vegetarian, and there is a distinct message of vegetarianism and veganism that is pushed (at least by our tour guide). This makes sense, because animal rights and lowering the demand for animal products is the goal of the organization. However, I think the video shown, the information given, and the animals themselves send a powerful message. I think the guides should maybe give a gentler nudge toward the vegetarian lifestyle instead of being so overt about what people "should" do. Overall I think this is a great place. Someone else said not to wear sandals and I would agree that if you think of it, wear tennis shoes. I wore flip flops though and managed to make it without poop on my feet. You just have to watch where you are going.

This review is not for the physical farm, which is quite lovely, but for the fundraising practices of this organization. I have made donations in the past, and my name was sold to at least 15 other animal rights organizations, who in turn sold my name to even more - I literally cannot open the mailbox without some sad cat, dog, or horse staring up at me, pleading to be saved with my financial contribution. I won't support organizations that so willingly share my name and address with others - when they put a policy in place to stop this practice, I will happily give again.

I'd love to come back as an animal in the sanctuary, there is nothing that they want for. It was a wonderful and eye opening experience to know the cruelty these animals face. It is wonderful to learn that these animals are so docile and friendly. On the tour you are taken into these animals' pens and able to interact with them. i have never been that close to such a huge cow or pig!! these animals just stand there and love the attention of you scratching their bellies and backs!

Very special place. My family of four had a terrific time meeting the animals on the farm and learning their stories and unique personalities. We took the tour and then went back later in the day to explore on our own. We stayed in the cabins, that were surprisingly comfortable. Very relaxing at night to sit on the front porch and watch the sunset - not to mention the family of deer that stopped by. There are DVDs on loan for the kids to watch at night.

Cool trip and my 3 year old totally loved it. It was the closest I've ever been to a cow. Those animals are huge!

I've been donating to Farm Sanctuary for about a year now because I absolutely support their compassionate mission, so when my boyfriend and I found ourselves in Watkins Glen this month for a weekend getaway from the city, we had to visit! It was even more wonderful than I thought it would be. Our guide (I don't recall her name!) was so kind and informative, and the animals were beautiful and so friendly. It was so heartwarming to see them all so happy after many of them were born and/or raised into terrible conditions. I've been a vegan for a year and a half and haven't eaten meat in over three years, but I could totally see how some people have gotten a change of heart from their lifestyles due to visiting the Sanctuary. I fell so in love with all the animals, specifically the goats, that when we returned home I proceeded to sponsor a goat via their Adopt-a-farm-animal program and I'm so excited to get my packet in the mail! Their gift shop is great too, there are so many options of apparel, books, water bottles, etc.

Love love loved it! My boyfriend (omnivore) and I (herbivore) visited the Farm while staying in Watkins Glen for our summer vacation. Short drive, easy to find with all the signage. It was a great experience. Our small tour group was led by a very friendly guide through the cow pasture and into various barns to visit sheep, goats, turkey, pigs, etc. The tour guide was very friendly and informative, and it was great to be able to pet all the different animals. The tour guide will give you a lot of honest, truthful information about how factory-farmed animals are treated, so be aware that you will get some sad (but true) details. Might be good to keep that in mind if you have young children who may be sensitive. TIP: DO NOT WEAR FLIP-FLOPS. I thought this would be common sense. You are walking on a farm with large animals that make large piles of ....stuff. Put two and two together ;-)

Farm Sanctuary is a place that is doing amazing work. It is a place I highly recommend visiting and donating to. You will enjoy yourself among lots of charming farm animals while also being in a stunningly beautiful retreat. The cottages on the property make for a wonderful setting for couples and families. Sonia Faruqi, author of Project Animal Farm

I love this place!! I visited 2 years ago and hope to visit again soon. I would recommend people visit this farm and see how hard Gene Baur and everyone else there work to save and rehabilitate animals normally used for food. I wish all "farmed" animals were free and lived the life that these wonderful animals live. If you dont know the history of Farm Sanctuary, please look it up! Or buy the book, "Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food" I cannot imagine a negative review on here. This is a wonderful place and the weekend I spent there was like a spiritual experience for me. I loved the vegan food, I knew I could eat anything and it was all vegan! We had such a great time partying, learning and spending time with the animals! Way to go Farm Sanctuary!!!

Best place ever. I drove 7 hours to visit and it was worth it :) So if you live at all in the area, allow yourself to be inspired by the animals and the incredible staff who do the work every day. These rescued animals are finally allowed to be animals again, to be safe, happy, and free. Farm Sanctuary is a place of healing for animals and humans. Seeing the personalities of the different animals, their individuality, witnessing their past, what they have encountered before arriving, and the resilience and strength. We would live in a more peaceful and compassionate world if everyone could spend time with animals...Connecting with animals is truly heart opening. Farm Sanctuary is life changing for many people who visit. They are also life affirming. If you have any doubt in your mind about the sentience of animals, coming here may be very awakening. For most who visit Farm Sanctuary, they never want to leave. I highly recommend you come here with an open mind and especially an open heart, and allow yourself to be surprised by the connections you make.

I knew I wanted to take an off-the-beaten path, Fall vacation, and bring my dog, and be around animals, and I supported the Farm Sanctuary cause, but I had no idea how wonderful the accommodations would be and how peaceful and memorable the whole experience would turn out. If you go, stay in one of the new Tiny Houses. Amy's House, where we stayed, was one of the nicest places I have EVER stayed; cozy, great mattress, big modern bathroom with slate floors, galley kitchen with top of the appliances (Kitchenaid and Smeg), tasteful pillows and quilts everywhere, gorgeous patio overlooking the pasture. And then, every day, you get to spend the day with sheep, cows, pigs, goats etc. I had no idea that sheep and turkeys would be my favorites (sheep are like dogs, they lean and nudge for affection; turkeys are very social and cheeky and follow you around and love to eat our of your hand). This is really a special place, for what they do, and how they share it with their visitors. Plus, the incredible beauty of the Watkins Glen gorges are just down the road, and a lot of NYS wineries to visit. Count me a huge fan.

My boyfriend and I visited Farm Sanctuary last Wednesday. It was his first visit to any kind of farm sanctuary and it was only my second time there. We both thoroughly enjoyed our time spent there. We loved it! The work they do is so very important and...good. Our tour guide was a young, energetic and enthusiastic girl, but I was a little disappointed when she wasn't able to answer some of my questions - things like the names of a couple of the animals or the background or particular circumstances that brought some of the animals to the sanctuary. A short while later she thanked us all for being her very first VERY FIRST tour group. Then the only person I felt disappointed in was myself for having been frustrated, even if I did keep that frustration to myself. After the tour, we were able to wander about on our own and visit with the animals, many of them one-on-one. We especially were impressed and drawn to Turpentine - a huge turkey that had more personality than most people! Seriously, he's amazing! Turpentine followed us around the grounds and we were happy we were able to take some pictures with him, as well as with some of the other animals. Many sanctuaries don't allow visitors to break off on their own or get close to the animals and I so appreciate that Farm Sanctuary does! Before we left, while we were browsing in their gift shop, the girl who had given us the tour (who was now manning the shop) let me know that she found the answer to the question I had asked about Samuel, one of their cows. She was happy to provide me with it and I really felt...appreciative and happy that the animals are being looked out after and taken care of by good people with good hearts. We will definitely contribute and visit there again when we can. It's a great place!