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Sabba Estate Winery – Old Chatham, NY
Sabba Winery was an excellent Harvest Host stopover. It had it all! Music, art, a food truck, beautiful scenery, and a wonderful host to top it all off. The wide-open field welcomed our 5th wheel and four other Harvest Host members.
You find a fire pit, swing set, and various games on the kid and dog-friendly premise. Live music plays every weekend. If this isn’t a warm welcome and makes you want to stay for a while, I don’t know what is.
Our host was an engineer in NYC but dreamed of owning a winery. Dreams do come true! All the wines are produced on-site. As an avid metal sculptor, his works are scattered around the vineyard and are the designs for the wine labels.
Our wine tasting was delightful, and we purchased a bottle of red. I quickly put together a charcuterie board and returned to enjoy the music, food, and drink. We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the cool NY weather and relaxing.
Mitch was enjoying himself so much he didn’t take any video but below is a slideshow of some of the features of the winery.
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What a View! Over the Moon Farmstead – Pittsfield, NH
Over the Moon Farmstead is a wine/craft beer establishment. It is situated on top of a hill, and the view is spectacular. The view overlooks the rolling hillside, and it takes your breath away. Mike, the owner, said the view sold him on buying the property. It was a horse stable a mere fourteen months ago. The transformation in such a short time is astonishing. The stable is now a tasting room with huge glass windows, which brings the outside in. Plans to establish a stone pizza restaurant were in the works. There have been a few Harvest Hosts where properties were purchased and then transformed. Creativity and entrepreneurship are commendable, and glad to see folks pursuing their dreams. The outside grounds have tables with covered umbrellas. We were fortunate to be there on a night when they had a solo guitarist. Listening to music, enjoying charcuterie, and spending time with my honey. A girl can’t ask for anything more. Actually, she can.
Across the road from the farmstead, there was an apple orchard. The trees were blooming with beautiful white flowers. Harvesting would happen around the August-September time frame. Bummer we won’t be around to enjoy fresh-picked apples. On the bright side, they sold ice cream! We chose our flavor and then sat outside on Adirondack rocking chairs overlooking the orchard—a great way to end the evening.
We wanted to find out what time the sun rose so we could set our alarm clocks. We knew it would be amazing and didn’t want to miss it. Alarms were set for 5:00 am. Sunrise 5:20. We were up before the alarm, dressed, and walked outside to see God’s glory. Below is welcoming the day.
Not what we were expecting, but, on the bright side, we got an early start on our five-hour trip to Maine.
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Back to Our Roots Tousey Winery – Germantown, NY
Very excited to be back in New York, even if it is for only one night. As the road took us into New York, the signs listed places we recognized. Traveling through the Catskills Mountains reminds me of some of our summer vacations. I loved to stare out the window and watch the beautiful trees and stone formations as the exits passed until we reached our destination.
Tousey Winery was where we spent the night. Their vineyards overlook the notable Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. After traveling for over three hours, it was a wonderful respite to enjoy a wine tasting and a charcuterie board. Instead of the usual crackers, there was a dense brown bread with a side of strawberry jam. Mitch enjoyed the unusual taste. It was a Danish Rye-Sourdough bread. A combination of two of Mitch’s favorites. Lucky for him, the bread was for sale. The winery had a gift shop and areas to sit, relax and enjoy the afternoon. It’s interesting to visit the various wineries as the wines differ from place to place. We enjoyed the Rose wine as it was refreshing and had a unique flavor.
Tomorrow, we head out early and head toward our next stop – New Hampshire. Did you know the movie “On Golden Pond” was filmed in Squam Lake, New Hampshire? This movie is 40 years old, and it sparked my desire to live on a lake. The influence certain movies have on us is fantastic.
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Stone Lake Winery – Saylorsburg, PA
This journey is not only about seeing this glorious, beautiful country we live in but about interacting with people. We enjoy engaging in conversation with those we meet along the way. We learn about where they grew up, what jobs they held, and where their journey will lead them. We have only been disappointed in one Harvest Host in our two and half years of travel.
This stop was no different. The property we stayed at was once a sawmill with a soothing, babbling brook running in the back and thick forest trees lining the pond. The property once consisted of a covered bridge, silo, and three buildings where wood was cut and stored. The property was sold, and the new owners converted one of the buildings into bed and breakfast and turned the other into a small chapel where couples pledge to love one another in matrimony. One building was transformed into an airplane hangar as a small airstrip was situated across the street.
Five years ago, Scott purchased the property, and once again, the property was transformed. The airplane hangar was turned into an event center where we tasted the wines. Scott and his family host weddings, showers, and special events such as Sangria night and Food truck festivities. (I wish we were there for Sangria night.) We enjoyed conversing with Scott as we tasted his white and red wines. There were many similarities between us as he said his wife was Italian and how close she was with her family. He said he never received as many hugs until he met his wife’s family. Of course, we had to discuss food. What Italian doesn’t discuss food. Before we knew it, an hour and a half passed before we said goodbye with two bottles of wine in tow.
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Bring on the Northern Trees Lums Pond State Park – Bear, Delaware
For the second time on our journey, there was a 30-minute delay. This time it was a semi that must have flipped and caught on fire. The scary part of accidents is having to merge into traffic. Unfortunately, not all drivers are as courteous as my husband, as so many cars passed before one would allow us to move into the lane.
As we entered the park, the trees were the first thing I noticed. It has been a while since we have been up the east coast. It was great to see the dogwood and rich red maple trees around the campground replacing the palm trees of Florida. The temperature was also a great relief from the hot, balmy weather we are accustomed to. Most of the days were in the mid-sixties. Great weather to get on our e-bikes and go for a twenty-two-mile round trip to historic Delaware City. We enjoyed the scenic ride as it paralleled the C&D canal. The water was smooth, and even though it is ranked as having the busiest shipping traffic out of the port of Baltimore, the only boat we saw was the police boat speeding by. Unfortunately, when we arrived in Delaware city, all the stores were closed. However, we enjoyed seeing the historic buildings, some dating back to the 1700s.
One morning, Mitch was out to take some drone footage but was quickly shut down as the restricted air zone popped up on the screen. The restriction was until 10:30 am. A bit later, he spotted two Marine One helicopters flying over Lums pond. Being so close to Washington, D.C., we surmised some government official must have been traveling. The restriction was then lifted, and he could fly the drone.
While we didn’t get an opportunity to kayak, we were able to squeeze in another bike ride. Don’t tell Mitch, but the electric bikes I fought him on, seem to be working out well on this journey. When we depart Friday morning, we will have a mad dash to make it to Maine by Monday, staying at Harvest Hosts each day.
Email: movebeyondordinary@gmail.com Instagram: movebeyondordinary
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Battlefield Country Store – Fredericksburg, VA
This store was amazing. The aisles are filled with every imaginable spice, candy, nuts – you name it. Its deli was a crowded station as people lined up to place their sandwich orders. They had a bakery section and a coffee bar. The most popular part of the store – the ice cream shop. It didn’t matter that it was 48 degrees, rainy, and downright nasty. The line outside the store was never-ending. They are known for their ingenious concoctions of shakes. This month’s offering was Cinco de Shaka. Housed in a mason jar was a vanilla shake with caramel and tidbits of cinnamon wafers. Topping it off was a waffle taco filled with chocolate ice cream and strawberries. Decadent without a doubt. Did we finish it – of course, we did. Go onto their website to see other seasonal shakes offered throughout the year.
This place was crowded and one can only imagine how packed it must be during a beautiful summer day. They have swings and Adirondack chairs around the pond in the back of the store. I can picture people picking up their sandwich orders, a bag of chips, and a cool beverage and then walking to the pond to scout out a chair and enjoy the afternoon. The owners of this store definitely had the right idea.
Even though this was a Harvest Host site allowing us to stay overnight, it is a must-do if visiting the Fredericksburg, VA area.
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Cartersville Country Winery – Timmonsville SC Lake Gaston RV & Camping Resort – Littleton, NC
Cartersville Country Winery was a one-night stopover on our way to our first campground using our Thousand Trails membership. Our arrival was on a Sunday, and wine tasting was closed, but they offered self-serve tastings. The winery was unique with its antique cars. Once settled, we went to try their wine selection. Not a fan of fruit-flavored wines, but if you are, then their wines would be appealing. They had peach, elderberry, blackberry, and even pomegranate at reasonable prices.
Lake Gaston RV Camping Resort was what I had pictured summer camp might be like. A beautiful lake, tall trees, and pine needles blanketing the ground. We were fortunate our site gave us a great view of the lake. This only reaffirmed my desire to live on a lake. This resort had full-time sites where most people in the surrounding areas put their RVs all year round. The park is open from mid-April to November. Full-time residents can enjoy being on the lake all summer. Many of the full-timers had not yet returned during our time there, so it was quiet and very peaceful.
We strolled in the woods and found a unique flower lying on the trail floor. Its light green and yellow color was an attention-getter. I had never seen one before. We tried to see where it came from but could not determine if it was from a bush or the trees. We looked it up and found it came from a Tulip Tree. It will be surprising if many of you have heard of such a tree. I am afraid we may have been spoiled as I don’t believe the remaining Thousand Trails campgrounds will be as appealing as this. Only time will tell.
P.S. The accident on our way here was a semi-carrying boxes of tomatoes. Pounds of tomatoes strewn about. There goes the price of tomatoes!
Email: movebeyondordinary@gmail.com Instagram: movebeyondordinary
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Harvest Hosts – Christ the Messiah Church – Jacksonville, Fl & Four Arches Farm – Pembroke, GA
We arrived at the church, and David gave us warm greetings. As we were setting up, the Pastor dropped by to welcome us and wanted to let us know if we needed anything to let him know. They were genuine when they said they were happy to have us there for the night. The church had a bible garden and our spot for the night was under the oak trees.
The next stop was at the farm. Our stay for the next two nights was under mighty old oaks with Spanish moss dripping from their limbs. It was very peaceful. The farm was home to sheep, chickens, pigs, cats, guinea fowls, and alpacas. We learned some exciting tidbits during our stay. The first tidbit – chicken eggs are not only brown and white. They are all colors depending on the type of chicken who laid them. I bought a dozen eggs laid that morning. These eggs would keep outside the refrigerator for three weeks as they have a natural coating protecting the eggs. The host told us if you purchase farm-fresh eggs from the store, they must be kept in the refrigerator because the USDA requires all eggs to be washed before selling, which destroys the natural coating.
Growing up in the city, I am unaccustomed to farm animals, and I don’t happen to be a fan of any animal. As we toured the farm, we learned about tidbit two – it was advised not to get too close to the alpacas as they tend to spit on you. At that point, I moved several feet from the fence and let Mitch continue videoing the animals. However, I will say they produce the softest wool from their hair.
As a final note – Did you know that guinea fowls and chickens eat ticks and bugs? Not a bad set of birds to have around. Both were free-roaming, and we were amazed they never left the farm. But then again, they know where to find their next meal.
Email: movebeyondordinary@gmail.com
Instagram: move beyond ordinary
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Eureka, Fortuna and Ukiah, CA Bear River Casino & Nelson Family Vineyard
At times, driving can be stressful. Uphill, downhill, windy curves, heavy traffic takes their toll, and there is no preparation for it. Early on, we decided we would not go more than 300 miles or 3 ½ hours on those travel days. It is those times when we have to stop someplace overnight. Harvest Hosts are our go-to. On our way to Napa Valley, we needed to have two overnight stays. The first was Bear River Casino. Mitch doesn’t gamble, but I love the slots. It is mindless entertainment, and I go in knowing I will lose. The game for me is to see how long I can play on the money I allocated. Sometimes I play for a while but not this time.
We ventured to nearby Eureka, CA. seeking a breakfast place. The Green Lily has a four-star rating and offered gluten-free options. What a treat for me. Mitch had their “peaches and cream” french toast, which he finished every last bite. Feeling renewed, we walked their Old Town, which had elaborate Victorian buildings from the 19th century. Each one was unique and, to be sure, had its history.
The next stopover was Nelson Family Vineyards. Yes, a wine tasting was in our future. Sixty-five years ago, this 2,000-acre farm originally was a plum orchard and grazing land for grass-fed sheep. It then morphed into a winery but also had pear and olive trees. What I found interesting was the matriarch, Clara, loved redwood trees. So much, her husband, Herman, obliged her by planting a small redwood grove. Today, one can sit in an area, enjoy wine, and gaze up at the redwoods grown to their massive glory.
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Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard– Nebraska City, Nebraska
The Kimmel Farm has been around since 1925, when Richard took over the farm from his grandfather. In the rolling hills of South Dakota, the farm produces apples, strawberries, and cherries. They offer u- pick for apples and strawberries. The Kimmel gift shop offered jams, honey, sauces, and freshly baked goodies. It was National Donut Day, and the aroma of fresh apple doughnuts was wafting throughout the shop. We made our purchases – couldn’t leave without buying anything. Next, Mitch and I headed toward the wine tasting section. We prefer dry red wines, but Amy coaxed us to try the new Honey Crisp Apple wine. It was very refreshing, and of course, we walked out of the store with a bottle for later. There were two other Harvest Hosts couples for the night, and we had an enjoyable time conversing with them. One couple was from Dunedin, Florida. Literally, neighbors to our home in Palm Harbor. It was interesting to see Kimmel farm partner with the University of Nebraska. The college has a research center, a food lab, and meeting rooms on the premises as an extension of the college. I can only imagine the crowds that gather during apple season and the fun events during that time.
The next night we visited……..
Humble Hill Winery – Garretson, South Dakota
This winery was on a much smaller scale than the winery visited the day before. Rob and his wife own it, and the grapes are grown on their property. We did a wine tasting and once again we walked away with the Honey Crisp Apple wine. We sat under a shaded tree to enjoy the quiet and relax from our journey. There were these plump birds I had never seen before and they made loud sounds. We found out they are called guinea fowl. Later that evening, we could load noises coming from our canopy. Mitch went to check out the noise and there perched on our bedroom canopy was a guinea fowl. With a little coaxing the bird decided to find another spot. When I asked Rob how he got into this business, his reply was, “I was bored.” Rob was retired from the military, and one of his buddies had a winery in California, and he figured why not. He joined Harvest Host in August, and he said he enjoyed meeting people and the interesting conversations. We have to agree, meeting these hosts, and other travelers is a much more pleasant way to spend an overnight stop than in a Walmart or Cracker Barrel. As of yet, we haven’t had to stay in either one but never say never.
