Farmcation: Why a Visit to a Chestnut Farm Might Be Your Best Getaway Yet

Today, Brad and I hosted another farm tour of EBB Farms, a United Chestnuts affiliate farm in Western Kentucky. The Millers (pictured above) visited to learn some of the ins and outs of chestnut farming for their new tract of land.

It is deeply inspiring to share our passion for growing chestnuts and living on a piece of property that brings such joy. There is a trend for individuals and families alike to lean into a lifestyle that resembles our forefathers. Hard physical work coupled with the satisfaction and happiness of tending a piece of land and embracing the peace and connection to nature.

In today’s fast-paced world, more families and adventure-seekers are looking for unique ways to unplug, reconnect with nature, and experience the simple joys of farm life. Enter the farmcation—a growing travel trend where people trade in traditional vacations for hands-on experiences at working farms. Whether it’s harvesting fresh produce, learning about sustainable agriculture, or just soaking up the peaceful countryside, farmcations offer an unforgettable way to slow down and savor the beauty of rural life.

And if you’re looking for a farmcation with a twist, visiting a chestnut farm could be your perfect getaway. Many farms welcome visitors eager to learn, explore, and—of course—gather some delicious chestnuts along the way! EBB Farms, an affiliate of United Chestnuts, offers such an experience.

Why Choose a Chestnut Farmcation?

A visit to a chestnut farm is more than just a retreat—it’s an interactive, educational, and tasty adventure! Here’s why more travelers are choosing this unique farm experience:

🌰 Hands-On Learning

Imagine walking through rows of majestic chestnut trees, learning how to spot ripe nuts, and collecting them straight from the ground. Many farms offer pick-your-own experiences while also teaching visitors about the importance of sustainable farming, soil health, and regenerative agriculture—all while having fun!

Visit the chestnut tree greenhouses and nursery for a hands-on learning experience.

🌳 Reconnect with Nature

A chestnut farmcation is the perfect escape from the noise of city life. You’ll enjoy fresh air, rolling landscapes, and the chance to slow down and take in the simple beauty of farm life. For example EBB Farms is located in Western Kentucky but there are growers throughout the US.

🍂 Experience the Magic of Chestnut Season

The fall chestnut harvest is an exciting time to visit. Picture yourself gathering nuts in a crisp autumn breeze, then sitting by a fire as you roast and taste your fresh-picked chestnuts. But farmcations aren’t just for fall! In spring and summer, visitors can tour orchards, learn about tree care, and even enjoy chestnut-inspired farm-to-table meals.

🍽️ Farm-to-Table Flavors

Many chestnut farms offer visitors the opportunity to sample chestnuts in creative ways—from fresh-roasted to chestnut flour pastries, soups, and other seasonal delights.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A Family-Friendly Adventure

Chestnut farms are perfect for all ages! Kids love the hands-on experience of collecting nuts and playing in the dirt, while adults appreciate the peaceful retreat from modern life. Plus, many farms offer additional experiences like hiking trails, farm tours, and even local farm stays.

Bringing Chestnuts Back: The Role of Hybrid Chestnut Trees

For many Americans, chestnuts were once a staple—roasted over open fires, ground into flour, and featured in hearty winter dishes. But the devastating chestnut blight of the early 1900s wiped out nearly four billion American chestnut trees, removing them from both the forests and the dinner table. Today, thanks to the resilience of hybrid chestnut trees, chestnuts are making a comeback in the American food scene.

Many growers now cultivate Chinese hybrid chestnuts, which are naturally resistant to the blight that devastated their American counterparts. These trees not only produce delicious, nutritious nuts but also play a vital role in reviving chestnut culture in the U.S. More restaurants, chefs, and home cooks are rediscovering the rich, sweet flavor of fresh chestnuts—and it all starts with farmers who are bringing these trees back to American soil.

Visiting a chestnut farm provides a firsthand look at how these hybrid trees are growing strong, producing abundant harvests, and helping restore a lost tradition. From learning how to identify a healthy chestnut tree to tasting the nuts fresh from the orchard, a chestnut farmcation is a unique opportunity to be part of this revival.

Plan Your Chestnut Farmcation

A chestnut farmcation is a fun, educational, and delicious way to experience the outdoors. Whether you choose to visit a farm nearby or travel to a well-known orchard, you’ll be supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture while making lasting memories.

Ready to plan your visit? Reach out to learn more about chestnut farm tours, farmcations, seasonal events, and hands-on workshops. This is a curated experience, so please contact [email protected] to discuss the options.

Have you ever taken a farmcation? We’d love to hear about your experience! Drop us a comment below or reach out to learn more about planning your chestnut farm getaway at EBB Farms or other growers in the United Chestnuts community.

To learn more about United Chestnuts, subscribe to the United Chestnuts YouTube channel or follow the chestnut industry podcast Branching Out: Growing Together on Spotify, Audible or iHeart Radio. And, consider subscribing to the United Chestnuts blog at unitedchestnuts.com.