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CornerStone Farm

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A Bed & Breakfast Farm-stay

Your Hosts: Ward and Barb Halligan
Toll Free: 1-866-977-FARM (3276)
Phone: 434-735-0527
Fax: 434-735-0527 (call prior to faxing)
Email: thefarm@cornerstonefarm.net

Featured Actvities on the Farm

In the morning, rooster crows herald the beginning of a brand new day and the farm awakes ...
---chores are started with the farm animals and all of nature coming alive, as life on the farm begins. Eggs are gathered, goats are milked, the livestock fed and turned out. Any livestock babies that need to be tended to are taken care for, as well. Guests are encouraged to participate in all farm activities to make their stay memorable.

The full list of farm activities (see below) is offered on-site in our Farmer Package*, the Farmhand Package offers a limited amount of acivities, and any activity can be added to any package at additional costs.

*PLEASE NOTE:
Where applicable, additional charges for activities are noted on each Package.

Note to all guests: Please be aware that there are times when your hosts will have to care for more immediate situations on the farm. Your needs are very important and will be addressed as soon as the critical concern is resolved.

Top
Click on pictures* below for details on features.
*Note: All photos were taken on the farm

Chores	Fishing	Nature walks	Bonfires	Hunting
Stargazing	Bicycling	Yard games	Goat Packing	Inside Games
Horseback Riding	Butterfly Watching	Bird Watching	Outdoor Photography	Family or Quiet Picnics
Kite Flying	Relaxing	Goat Milk Soap and Cheesemaking

Chores

This has to be the most favorite and fun activity for our guests at the farm. Guests are invited to help with chores, participation isas much or as little as you like.
--- - Chores can be as simple as gathering eggs, milking goats, feeding grain to the livestock, or witnessing the miracle of hatching chicks, or the birth of a newborn goat kid or calf.
There is plenty to learn and questions are encouraged, as your hosts are happy to explain and demonstrate livestock management.
The morning chores start between 6:00AM and 7:30AM and evening chores occur between 4:30PM and 8:00PM. Spring and early Summer are our busiest times, as this is when most of the livestock is born. There are eggs to gather for incubation or morning breakfasts; goats to be milked; cows, sheep, and horses to be fed; and picking fresh vegetables from the garden.
- -

Fishing

Whether you are young or young-at-heart, fishing is a relaxing pastime. Many of our guests enjoy the pond to try their skill at bank fishing. There are Crappie, Catfish, Large Mouth Bass, and Bluegill ready in the pond for sport.

Make your best cast for the legendary "Waldo". He's more than just a Fish Tale. Rods, bait, and tackle are provided for our guests in our premium packages, however, we encourage you to bring your own gear.

Dylan, Alan, Jensyn, and Sylvia; GOOD JOB!
These trophy fish arestill in the pond!

Brian and Joe's
big day!

For the convenience of anglers looking to fish Lake Gaston or
Kerr Lake; after you return from your day on the "Big Lake", there is ample parking here at the farm for your boat/trailer as well as plenty of area for washing your boat.

Nature
Walks*

For added comfort and protection while enjoying the trails and brushy areas; we suggest you pack insect repellent, sturdy footwear (rubber boots), and long slacks or jeans.

With over 90 acres to explore, there is year round appreciation for the natural wildlife and diverse habitat

	Starting out on your walk, you can stroll the homestead lane to a world filled with wonderful sights, sounds and delightful fragrances.

From open fields to the pond's edge; or cleared paths through the forest, you'll find grassy meadows, creeks, bogs, and an active beaver dam.

Wether it's birdwatching or admiring the native reptile species, when it comes to a variety of interests for the outdoors nature lover, CornerStone Farm has a little bit of everything. We encourage our guests to discover the wonder of nature all around them.

Ward Halligan is an advid outdoorsman and knows the habitat of wildlife found on the farm. He enjoys sharing his knowlegde and enthusiam with guests through guided nature walks.
Time may be limited for guided nature walks, please let us know if this is something you would like added as part of your stay.

Additional Charge for guided walking tours.

Stargazing

Once away from the city lights, the stars twinkle and seem close enough to touch. The Milky Way and "shooting stars" always bring about awe. 2003 was a delight to see Mars and the multiple meteor showers. Use of a telescope for our guests is provided to observe at their leisure.

*OFFERED WITH ADVANCE NOTICE ONLY*
A local Astronomer will come and provide in-depth education as to the stars, planets and constellations. Arrangements for indepth astronomy needs to be scheduled at time of reservation, so please indicate this is something you would be interested in.

*An additional fee will be added for a 3 hour session.

Bird
Watching

CornerStone Farm has joined the Staunton River Loop of the Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail.

Your host, Ward, is an avid bird watcher and has a list of over 127 species sighted or heard on the farm since 2001. Birding is a favorite pastime here, especially during the morning's song of the Meadowlark and the echo of a Bobwhite Quail, or at night, listening for the owl's duet or the Whip-Poor-Will's rhythmic call. Don't forget your field guides, scopes, and binoculars!

For our species check list and more information about birding CornerStone Farm, click here for our birding details.

From Spring on through Winter, there is always a wonder to be seen among birds on the farm. The diverse habitats are home to a variety of migratory, resident, and breeding species.

Ward is knowledgable of the birding habitat found on the farm. He enjoys sharing his knowlegde and enthusiam with guests through guided birding walks.
Time may be limited for guided birding walks, please let us know if this is something you would like added as part of your stay.

Additional Charge for guided birding tours.

Butterfly Watching

CornerStone farm is host to innumerable amounts of butterfly and moth species. These winged wonders always give pause to your walks as their beauty and elegance captivate you.

The diverse flora found around the farm attracts many different species of butterflys.

Ward is knowledgable of the insect habitat found on the farm. He enjoys sharing his knowlegde and enthusiam with guests through guided insect walks.
Time may be limited for guided insect walks, please let us know if this is something you would like added as part of your stay.

Additional Charge for guided birding tours.

Bonfires

During extreme dry periods or wind conditions, bonfires by law can not be offered.

Another favorite of your hosts and guests. This allows for a time of outdoor evening relaxation under the stars. Bonfires give way to warm and friendly conversations, and of course juicy watermelon, roasted hot dogs, and toasted marshmallows add to the event.

vacation family fun

Yard
Games

For the more active sports minded guest, we offer family
and friends outdoor games to fill afternoons. Badminton, horseshoes, volley ball, bocce ball, croquet to name a few, these outdoor games will entertain and keep you in shape.

Note: these games will be provided for our guest's use. They
are not offered as an organized activity by CornerStone Farm.

Goat
Packing

Goat Pack hikes allow the hiker to enjoy being out doors on foot without the encumbrances of back packs - the goat carries the picnic lunch for you.

	The goat is trained to walk on a lead as he accompanies guests along the way to a choice picnic site.
	Wether you are a small or large group, goat packing is a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors.

Guests enjoy this unique way of hiking to a picnic spot. Children are fascinated with being able to walk a goat on leash.

For those that really enjoy picnicking and taking leisurely walks, this will be a great activity. Cool and tasty refreshments will be readily at hand as the goat carries all the essentials needed for a hike on the trails. If you have never experienced hiking with goats before, you're in for a treat.

Inside
Games

When it's time to relax indoors, we have a fair selection
of board games, jigsaw puzzles, cards, and lots of coloring pages for children depicting farm life. There is also a small library for those who enjoy reading as relaxation.

Family or Romantic Picnics

The farm offers many areas where picnics can be enjoyed.
Your hosts will prepare a picnic basket lunch including all
the essentials needed to enjoy an old-fashion picnic under
the trees, near the pond, or a spot in our back meadow
near the babbling brook.

virginia bed and breakfast --

Bicycling

For bicycle enthusiasts, the country roads in the area provide hours of exercise and beauty. The roads have very little traffic making them safe and enjoyable. At CornerStone Farm,
all-terrain bicycles will be provided.

kid friendly vacation -- kid friendly farm vacation virginia

Relaxing

Relaxing on the wraparound porch while sipping a cold southern sweet iced-tea may be just what you need to unwind. Find a favorite place anywhere on the farm and take it easy with a good book or share special moments with loved ones.

child friendly B&B virginia -- farm stay vacation virginia

Photography

The natural beauty around the area lends itself to some
of the most magnificent photo opportunities.

Whether you are a professional photographer or just enjoy capturing moments, the farm is always "alive" with an opportunity to create your own "artwork".

As a photography major in college, Ward is knowledgable in the basics of photography. He enjoys sharing his knowlegde and enthusiam with guests.Ward will provide basic instruction on framing your subject, lighting usage, and composition selection.
All photos on our website have been taken by Ward.
Time may be limited for instruction, please let us know if this is something you would like added as part of your stay.

Additional Charge for basics in photography .

Horseback Riding

Meet Our Horses (click)

Horseback riding has always been a favorite for so many. We offer guided rides through the wooded trails on the farm; where you will enjoy riding at a leisurely pace.

- horseback riding virginia

Our horses are gentle and will accommodate the beginner rider through the experienced.

Whether it's
a pony ride
for small children or

pony rides

... a trail ride for our older guests, horseback riding can be enjoyable and relaxing as you explore the farm on our bridle paths.

The Farmer Package offers one trail ride in the package per three night stay. If additional trail rides are requested, our normal fee for trail rides will be additional.

Goat Milk Soap and Cheesemaking

Learn how to make soft cheese and when complete have cheese to bring home with you. The cheese is lightly flavored. Spices or fruit can be added to make your "own" brand of personalized flavor.

Cheeses and soaps are a seasonal activity from March through early Fall.

Kite Flying

children vacation

During days with good winds, trying your hand at flying kites can be very entertaining. Just when you think you have the kite up and flying ... the wind changes.

On really good windy days, there is nothing like getting the kite up high and strong and just sitting back enjoying it dance away. It's a time to be a child again or teach your own children the fine art of kite "piloting".

Hunting

The comforts of home invite you to bring your spouse, the whole family, or your friends that you enjoy hunting with. The farm offers multiple activities for members of the party to enjoy and be together who are not involved in the sport of hunting.

Nearby, there are also forty thousand acres combined within the 26 nearby Wildlife Management Areas. Our inn accommodations are conveniently located to your hunt.

Hunting is strictly regulated when other guest parties are on farm and is only allowed during Virginia state seasons.

CornerStone Farm

525 Barnes Rd.
Red Oak, VA 23964
Toll-Free: 866-977-FARM (3276)
In Virginia: 434-735-0527

e-mail us at The Farm