| |
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 |
| In
the morning, rooster crows herald the beginning of a brand new day and the farm
awakes ...
Chores are started and all the animals and nature
come alive as life on the farm begins. Eggs are gathered for breakfast, goats
are milked, the milk is chilled and stored for meals, soap, and cheese making.
Any animal babies that need to be bottle-fed are taken care of quickly. Grocery
milk is also provided for our guests. After a good night's
sleep, chores, and then a full breakfast; a walking tour of the farm affords good
exercise and the opportunity to appreciate the farm and see the newest calves
frolicking and goat kids leaping. Guests are encouraged to
participate in all farm activities to make their vacation trip memorable. Below,
we have listed activities that our guests enjoy. The Farmer Package includes
all featured activities in the cost of your stay, the Farmhand Package
offers limited activities at no additional fee as well. For additional fees, individual
features can be added to our other packages. |
Top
Click on icons below for details on features.
| Chores

Top |
| This
has to be the most favorite and fun activity for our guests at the farm. Guests
are invited to help with chores and to get up-close and personal as to what livestock
farming is all about. You can participate as much or as little as you like. |
|
 | Chores
can be as simple as gathering eggs, milking goats, feeding hay and grain to the
livestock, or witnessing the miracle of hatching chicks, and 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 5:00PM 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 
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| 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,
reels, 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! This trophy fish is still
in the pond!

 For
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.
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| 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. |
| Stargazing 
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| 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. Our telescope is ready when you are! A
local Astronomer will come and provide in-depth education as to the stars, planets
and constellations. 
|
| Bird
Watching 
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| Your host,
Ward, is an avid bird watcher and has a list of 126 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 and other nearby sites, 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. CornerStone Farm has joined the
Staunton River Loop of the Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail. |
| Butterfly
Watching

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|
The 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.

|
| Bonfires 
During extreme dry periods or wind conditions, bonfires will not
be offered. Top
| 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, toasted marshmallows, and making s'mores
add to the event. 
|
| Yard
Games 
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|
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* 
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| Goat Pack
hikes allow the hiker to enjoy being out doors on foot without the encumbrances
of back packs - the goats carry the load for you.
 |
The goats are trained to walk on leads as they accompany guests
along the way to a choice picnic site. |  |
Guests enjoy this unique way of hiking. Children are fascinated
with being able to walk a goat on leash. |  | Wether
you are a small or large group, goat packing is a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors. |
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 an afternoon on the trails.
If you have never experienced hiking with goats before, you're in for a treat. |
| Inside
Games 
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| 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 
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| 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.
| | Bicycling* 
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| 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. 
|
| Relaxing 
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| Relaxing
on the wraparound porch while sipping a cold lemonade 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.
| | Photography
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| The natural beauty
around the area lends itself to some of the most magnificent photo opportunities.
Ward, is an amateur photographer and he has gotten some really beautiful photos.
All the shots of the farm are Ward's. | |
Horseback
Riding 

Meet
Our Horses (click) Top
| 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. 
Our horses are gentle and will accommodate the beginner rider through the
experienced.  |
Whether it's a pony ride for small children or ... |
...
a trail ride for our older guests, horseback riding can be enjoyable and relaxing
as you explore the farm on our bridle paths. |  |
 A
family enjoys a photo with one of our ponies.
| |
Hunting
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| Forty thousand
acres combined within the 26 nearby Wildlife Management Areas. Our accommodations
are conveniently located to your hunt. 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 be
together who are not involved in the sport of hunting. | |
Goat Milk
Soap and Cheesemaking  Top
| Learn how to
make soft cheese and when complete have cheese to bring home with you. The cheese
is light 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 late Fall. | |
Kite Flying
 Top |

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". |
| 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. | |