Unique Agricultural Experiences in Greene County
Nestled within the rustic beauty of southwestern Pennsylvania, the farmlands of Greene County have a rich agricultural history. Throughout its history, the county has been home to dairy and beef farms, crops, sheep farms, and more.
From working farms to a vineyard, Greene County is still the home to many agricultural pursuits. These agricultural operations often invite visitors to tour their grounds, learn about the business, peek into their processes, and enjoy a day down on the farm.
Walk the rolling hills and green fields. Connect with nature on a deeper level. Understand the process how food travels from the farm to your table. Take a break from technology and live in the moment. Experience the hard work and dedication these agriculturists put into their farmsteads with a tour.
Lippencott Alpacas
Phil and Lena Galing started Lippencott Alpacas in 2005 on Lena’s family farm, with three bred female alpacas and two female crias (baby alpacas). Those five alpacas expanded into a working farm and store that is home to almost two dozen alpacas. While the number fluctuates as alpacas go to new homes and new alpacas arrive, their dedication to creating a quality herd has never changed.
Lippencott Alpacas welcomes visitors to the farm and farm store all year around for tours. On the tour you’ll get up close and personal with alpacas and crias, learn about alpacas, and hear the benefits and lifestyles of owning alpacas. Lippencott Alpacas Farm Days is an open house event held the last full weekend of September. Attendees have a fun and educational experience with demonstrations, hayrides, alpaca training, food and fiber vendors, and more.
The farm store features quality fiber goods, including alpaca knit hats, socks, scarves, sweaters, gloves and more. You can pick up a miniature stuffed alpaca or alpaca bear, or even make your own alpaca with the felted alpaca kit. If you’re into fiber work, you can grab some alpaca yarn.
Tours and farm store shopping are by appointment for most of the year (or by chance) and can be arranged by calling 724-852-4084. FMI, visit www.lippencottalpacas.com or follow them on Facebook.
Thistlethwaite Vineyards
In 1892, Eli Thistlethwaite bought a 208-acre farm and began the long tradition of raising livestock and growing crops. The farm thrived over the years, and it was passed down through the generations. In 2000, the family planted the vineyard’s first acre, and Thistlethwaite Vineyards was born. They added a tasting room in 2008. And in 2014, they transformed the barn into a wine cellar, where the wine production now takes place.
The Vineyards grow their own grapes for their wines, and ten varieties of French hybrid grapes are grown on five acres of land. Growing their own grapes allows the full control of the process, leading to the creation of award-winning wines.
Visitors enjoy a one-on-one experience at the boutique winery that leaves them feeling like part of the family. On a visit to the vineyard, you’ll feel welcomed by the owners, Duann and Jamie Thistlethwaite. No visit would be complete without a greeting from Stella and Tip, the resident puppies and greeters.
Throughout the year, the vineyard holds events and parties. Events include summer car cruises, vendor shows, wine and food events and more. The vineyard is also available for private parties and is a wonderful backdrop for weddings. Thistlethwaite Vineyards is open daily except for holidays. FMI, visit www.thistlegrape.com or follow them on Facebook.
Save a Horse Stable
Since 1982, Save A Horse Stable has been dedicated to rescuing horses from slaughter and providing them a forever home. Horses that are victims of neglect and abuse, outlived their owners, or have owners no longer able to care for them have found sanctuary on the 380-acre farm in Rogersville.
Visitors to the farm can enjoy seeing horses, donkeys, cattle, and other farm animals roaming through the beautiful country pastures, while receiving shelter, nourishment, and loving care from owners Darlene and Kevin Moore. Darlene’s lifelong passion for animals led her to create this haven for these unloved animals to be cherished once again.
The horses live in dynamic natural environments, in herd groups, gorging vital bonds that are honored and protected. In addition to being a horse rescue, Save A Horse educates the public about wretched conditions many horses suffer, and how they can improve both physical and emotional guardianship of horses.
During the autumn, Save A Horse Stable often holds an open house fundraising event to assist in the care of their horses. The event offers wagon rides, music, food, animal care provider demonstrations, and a chance to see the horses in their natural environment. Tours are available by appointment. FMI, visit www.saveahorsestable.com or follow them on Facebook.
