4 Eco-Friendly — And Food-Filled — Vacations For Earth Day
It's no secret that traveling can leave behind a large eco-footprint, what with flying, driving, eating, and more. But a new wave of agritourism means your weekend getaway — and great meals — could be locally sourced.
Airbnb.com's section of "It's Easy Being Green" offers vacation rentals that let you stay on an actual farm. But no, this isn't Dwight Schrute's beet farm bed-and-breakfast — this is organic foods, farm experiences, and locavore heaven in picturesque settings. Just in time for Earth Day, these rentals offer farm-life paired with great eats:
• The Pipeline Lodge, Haleiwa, Hawaii: When you hear the word "farm," surf and sand property probably doesn't come to mind. Not so at Waihuena Farm; the lodge sits on 1,100 acres of nature and organic farms, plus uses solar energy for the "green" home. The farm grows its own veggies, like chaya, and produces CSA baskets for the community.
• Honaunau Farm and Eco-Retreat, Captain Cook, Hawaii: Located on the BIg Island, the Honaunau Farm has it all: personal yoga classes, massages, farm and wellness classes, plus all the ocean activities you can get. Learn cheesemaking, composting, and more during the farm classes, and hang out with some farm animals — you'll find goats, chickens, and the whole gang at the working farm.
• Bluebird @ Tierra Soul Urban Farm, Portland, Ore.: Portlandia fans, this is for you: the urban farm hosts goats, ducks, and chickens on the grounds, with additional veggie and herb gardens. Relax, it's not all work: there's a piano, fire pit, and porch on the farmhouse, too. The farm is located in the heart of Portland in the Historic District off Mississippi Avenue, inviting to all the "Urban Farming pioneers," "cultural warriors," and creative types out there.
• Good Moon Cottage, Road Town, Virgin Islands: Nestled in the organic farm among a free herb garden, bananas, mangos, and more sits the Good Moon Cottage. If you help out on the farm, you can get fresh produce in exchange. The farm is close to Tortola Island's Cooper Bay and Trunk Bay, perfect for some rest and relaxation beach-side.
Check out more farm-dining options to celebrate this year's Earth Day.