Looking for a few days away from it all but close to home? Love nature but don’t want to deal with packing a car full of camping gear for just a day or two getaway. Try out HomeGrown HideAways just outside of Berea, Kentucky.
HomeGrown HideAways is located in a beautiful valley (holler) with a small creek running through a big wide open field surrounded by lush forests and knobs. We spent an overnight here in the foothills of the Appalachian forest on our way back from the Red River Gorge.HomeGrown HideAways is a working farm and member of the National Forest Stewardship program and they have just begun offering "glamping" on airbnb in order to attract a wider audience. They offer completely kitted out options such as a treehouse and a yurt, as well as some more rustic options in a bell tent or our choice a 24 ft tipi. You may also pitch your own tent or bring an RV- they have hookups.
The Tipi was amazing- for the kids and us grownups- the idea of sleeping in a tipi was pretty exciting. The construction of the tipi itself is fascinating and the fact that you can safely build a fire inside makes us want to return in the fall to experience that on a cooler night. We brought a couple of tarps for the ground and airbeds and slept very comfortably. We kept the smoke flaps open overnight hoping to see a starry sky- unfortunately clouds had rolled in- but this gives us yet another reason to return.
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| Tipi where we stayed overnight. |
We’ve camped a lot and came completely over prepared for our weekend. Staying in any of the on-site lodgings, you have access to a full kitchen with fridge, oven, coffee maker, sink with hot and cold water and more. We didn’t need to bring out our gas camping stove, we didn’t need our cooler full of ice, or a table, or plates, or cutlery, no need for pots or pans! The fridge had fresh eggs from the farm. They also have a full and very clean bathhouse with flushable toilets and hot showers, a fire pit, cornhole boards, ultimate frisbee goals, covered picnic tables, a large playing field with swings. The farm also includes a beautiful hiking trail through the woodlands on the property. You can rent canoes for an afternoon on the nearby reservoir. Jessa and Nathan have everything you could need- all you need are your sleeping bags, pillows, and food to cook.
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| Relax in Floyd Branch Creek. |
Jessa and Nathan have built a new secluded Treehouse with huge windows that will give you amazing views of the landscape- definitely on our bucket list. We definitely recommend you check this place out with your kids, extended family, a great location for a family reunion, or an adult getaway- you even have the option of having your food cooked for you.
Before you go you should know that there is no cell service at HomeGrown HideAways and no pets are permitted. HomeGrown HideAways is located at 500 Branch Road in the beautiful Red Lick Valley, approximately 12 miles east of Berea. For additional information visit www.homegrownhideaways.org.
