Ahh, the great outdoors! We have enjoyed sleeping outside while hearing lions roar, camped in a tent in the Florida Keys, and even went glamping on a sailboat. However, one of our most unique camping experiences was the time we went glamping in an alpaca paddock. Of course, we figured what better place to social distance than on a cozy farm stay! Florida certainly has many charming glamping accommodations. The best part is that you can access these all year.
This post contains sponsored links. Please read full disclosure if you would like additional details.
Cozy Farm Stay Tent
We arrived at the Home Field Advantage Farmstead mid afternoon. Upon arrival we were greeted at the gate by our host, Jennifer. Then she showed us to our tent where she explained how to work the air conditioner and precautions regarding latching the gate. After that, she introduced us to the alpacas. While this tent was more of a long term structure, you can buy tents with porches or screen rooms for use at other campsites.
Alpacas differ from llamas in several ways. To clarify, an alpaca is smaller and has softer wool. Therefore, they are raised to be sheered. Then the wool is used for clothing.
On the other hand, llamas have coarse wool which makes for rough clothing. Because they are larger and heavier, they are used as pack animals.
Moreover, these alpacas were curious and came right up to us and our tent. However, Jennifer told us not to pet them because they aren’t comfortable with people touching them.
We spent the next hour reading on our front porch while listening to and watching the farm animals. Then, at 5:30, Jennifer came by to give us a tour of the farm and let us participate in feeding time. Further, I even got to hold a lamb!
Farm Animals
Jennifer and her husband started Home Field Advantage Farmstead in 2014. They lived in a trailer while they built their home and started the farm. Consequently, the farmers harvest their own vegetables from their kitchen garden. Plus they milk the goats, collect the chicken eggs, and raise their own pork and poultry.
Although the sheep and alpacas had been sheared recently, Jennifer explained that due to Covid-19 they hadn’t brought the wool to be processed yet. Subsequently, she showed us the bags of wool in the Red Shed which serves as a kitchen area. There were also two barn units plus the trailer to stay the night in, but we preferred the glamping.
Bags of wool
When we were done feeding the animals and touring the farm we ate dinner on our front patio. Then we headed over to the outdoor shower to wash away the dust from the day. There was an indoor shower in the bathroom, however, we were so enamored by the ambiance of the farm that we wanted to remain outdoors.
Night on the Farm
By nightfall, the breeze blew the stuffy day time air out of the tent. Therefore, we had no need for the air conditioner. We fell into the comfy bed and gazed out the back window at an endless sea of stars. I awoke early to the sound of a rooster crowing in the distance, and lay there for an hour just listening to the sounds of nature.
We made sure to support this self sustaining farm by purchasing homemade goods such as goats milk soap, lotion, blueberry jam, and farm fresh eggs before leaving in the morning. Of course, the jam was delicious! My husband and I can’t wait to return to this cozy farm stay.
To sum up, we found this unique opportunity through Airbnb. Also, for more information about vacationing safely during Covid-19 read on.
Additionally, check out these sponsored links for some ideas on what to bring on your romantic weekend…
Donna Emperador is a travel and food blogger and copywriter. Donna believes in learning about different cultures while sharing good food and cocktails. She has lived in South Florida for over 20 years and enjoys spending time exploring the road to find unique places to share with readers. She can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Great site you’ve got here..
It’s hard to find high-quality writing
like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate people like you!
Take care!!
The Alpacas look so cute! This must have been an amazing and also educational trip!
I am not sure I am adventurous enough to try camping in an alpaca paddock. Even if it does look like a cozy camping setup. And it would be lovely to sleep out under the stars.
What a great place for a weekend! Cozy Farm Stay Tent looks so cool that I would love to stay there. Also, being friends with Alpaca seems a perfect idea, as those animals are so beautiful. I had no idea about the differences between alpacas and llamas. Thanks for the explanation! This farm seems to be the perfect place for a chill.