Untacked

C H R O N O F H O R S E . C O M M AY/J U N E 2 017 103 FARMHOUSE INN AT ROBINSON FARM The Farmhouse Inn at Robinson Farm is a family-friendly seven-room bed-and-breakfast, nestled on a 13-acre farmstead with a historic five-story barn—now home to Yuma the Quarter Horse and several laying hens. The property borders the Ottauquechee River and beautiful hiking trails. The open farmland setting is spectacular, the beds are comfortable, and the hospitality is friendly. The breakfasts will be hot, hearty and homemade, featuring local products—including homemade maple syrup, honey and garden delights. Farmhouse Inn is open year round. 5250 West Woodstock Road Woodstock, VT 05091 (802) 672-5433 farmhouseinnvt.com BILLINGS FARM AND MUSEUM Billings Farm And Museum is a restored 1890s working farm offering hands-on educational opportunities, several species of livestock, and many special events throughout the year. Visitors can tour the barns and take part in interactive displays featuring the farm's sheep, chickens, draft horses and Jersey cow herd. Take a self-guided tour of the main farmhouse—considered modern in its day because it had running water and a bathroom—and enjoy programs like Time Travel Tuesday, where guests can help with the chores. "Farm Life" exhibits show what farming was really like in New England in the 1890s. During summer months, the farm's Percherons and Belgians are used for haying demonstrations. Other seasonal features include sheep shearing and herding in the spring, a quilt show and antique tractor day in the summer, and harvest programs and a woodworking festival in the fall. Take home cheddar cheese made with raw milk from the Jersey herd. 69 Old River Road Woodstock, VT 05091 (802) 457-2355 billingsfarm.com MARSH-BILLINGS-ROCKEFELLER NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is dedicated to the history of conservation in the United States and honors the legacy of the three families who once called the farm their home. The park offers mansion tours from May through October, and there are also an array of special programs highlighting everything from ecology to the arts to fallout shelters. The 500 acres of actively managed forest include 12 miles of carriage roads and eight miles of trails, designed by Frederick Billings, which connect to the Mount Tom State Park and Billings Farm. All trails are for pedestrian or equestrian use only. Guests coming with horse trailers are encouraged to park at the western entrance on Prosper Road; reservations are not required but call in advance to receive notice of any closures. In the winter, these trails are groomed for cross- country skiing and snowshoeing; passes can be picked up at the Woodstock Inn. Main entrance is at the Billings Farm And Museum. (802) 457-3368 nps.gov/mabi KUMAN SRISKANDAN/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO DON SHALL PHOTO PHOTO COURTESY OF FARMHOUSE INN

• Cover