The Media on Weatherbury Farm
 

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Defining Quote:  " I grew up in an agricultural area and live in one now ..., so the fact that there are so many children around who have never seen a chicken, or a goat, or a horse, or a pig, seems a little sad to me. Such is the nature of the urban and suburban lifestyle, but you can do something about it for your family. ”
 

Defining Quote:  " ' Cows that are fed grain diets consume more carbohydrates and contain more calories when butchered than those raised on grass, Tudor said. Grain-fed cows also are more prone to nurturing harmful bacteria, he said. ' ”
 

Defining Quote: ' It’s interesting,' Dale Tudor said. ' The whole idea is to do energy on a home-brewed scale, rather than bring it halfway around the world from Saudi Arabia.' ”
 

Country Style
Mark Hornung
Summer 2009

Defining Quote: " ' When families stay here, we want them to take it easy, but also to learn how and where their food comes from.' "
 

Chores Are A Highlight At Weatherbury Farm Vacation

Becky Gillette
April 2009
 

Defining Quote: "  But morning chores on Weatherbury Farm ...aren’t a burden. In fact, they are a highlight of the day for visitors enjoying a farm vacation at this kid-friendly, working farm that delights visitors with an opportunity to have hands-on activities experiencing farm life.. "
 

Weatherbury Farm Bed and Breakfast

Brooke Morton
March 8, 2009
 

Defining Quote: " Weatherbury Farm ...offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience life on the farm, and perhaps acquire an appreciation of where food comes from. "

Earth's Bounty: Vacationing on the Farm

Jennifer Szweda Jordan
November 12, 2008
 

If you’ve always dreamed of life on a farm, a vacation among barns and billy goats may be for you. The Allegheny Front’s Jennifer  visited a farm where chores are part of the fun for guests.

Defining Quote: " At Weatherbury, tourists come to this working farm not just to chill out but to learn stuff ...and participate.  "

Rural Reprieve

Laurel Kallenbach
October, 2008

An article on discovering the pleasures of farm life -- and getting an insight into an important part of our food supply features Weatherbury Farm.

Defining Quote: " 'It’s pleasant following a routine governed by the sun and the needs of the animals,' says Vondra. 'Weatherbury Farm is my kids’ dream come true.'  "

Field Trip: Washington County bed and breakfast offers taste of life on the farm

Susan Jones
September 7, 2008

Susan and her daughter visited Weatherbury Farm in June & Susan writes about the experience.

Defining Quote: " Every morning after breakfast, 'Farmer Dale' leads guests through 'chores,' which include feeding the chickens, goats, rabbits, ducks and lambs and getting acquainted with the sheep and cattle. Tudor teaches junior farmers about organic farming and gives them information about the animals. "

Weatherbury Farm in Pennsylvania gives city folk a taste of country life

Sarah Crump
August 17, 2008

Sarah writes about a typical day at Weatherbury Farm.
(This is a companion piece to an article on Ohio agritourism.)

Defining Quote: " Weatherbury Farm, named for a Thomas Hardy setting, is true to its fictional namesake. Though only 20 miles from Pittsburgh, its 100 acres of rolling pastures bounded by white fences do seem "far from the madding crowd." City folk used to a schedule governed by alarm clocks, not cock-a-doodle-doos, often come with a long list of touristy things to do, said Tudor. But they soon settle into a countrified rhythm. "
 

Ohio farmers who want to stay in business take up hospitality

Sarah Crump
August 17, 2008
 

An article on agritourism in Ohio showcases Weatherbury Farm.
(See also separate article above)

Defining Quote (on chore time): " Kids can reach under fluffy hens to gather eggs and hold a chick. They pump water for goats and bottle-feed lambs, all in a space of about an hour. "

Weatherbury Farm leads the list of kid-friendly farm stays. 

Defining Quote: " Less than an hour from Pittsburgh, this grass-fed cattle and sheep farm has a children’s program that makes little ones the right-hand helpers of Farmer Dale."
 

Fineliving.com looks at 8 affordable family vacations. (Weatherbury Farm is #1 !)  

Defining Quote: " Spend a week at Weatherbury Farm, a 100-acre working cattle and sheep farm .45 minutes southwest of Pittsburgh. You and your kids will receive a close-up look at life on a real farm."
 

A Sidebar to an article entitled "Savvy farmers open the gate to agritourism" (which deals in great part with grass-fed guru Joel Salatin) 

Defining Quote: " At Pennsylvania's kid-friendly Weatherbury Farm, a 100-acre grass-fed beef and sheep farm about 45 minutes southwest of Pittsburgh, guests can help Farmer Dale (his real name) with morning chores."
 

Frommers.com reviews family spring break opportunities.

Defining Quote: " Weatherbury Farm ...combines bed and breakfast accommodation with life on a working farm and the chance to get your kids actively involved.."
 

A  Smartertravel.com article on Weatherbury Farm's kids' program.

Defining Quote: " Packages include lodging, daily breakfast, an educational packet about farming, participation in farm activities, and taxes. Children will help out with morning farm chores, including bottle-feeding baby animals, gathering eggs at the henhouse, and pumping water for the animals."
 

Everyday with Rachel Ray uses Weatherbury Farm to exemplify the resolution "simplify."

Defining Quote: " You'll learn how to live with less on Weatherbury Farm, where visitors spend their days helping Farmer Dale (his actual name) feed sheep and goats and collect eggs for breakfast."
 

Rick visits Weatherbury Farm during a tour of fall foliage in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Defining Quote: " You might want to spend the night before moving on to the heart of the Laurel Highlands. Consider driving to nearby Avella, where a magical place called Weatherbury Farm awaits."
 

Defining Quote: " 'We want people to understand the source of their food' says Marcy Tudor of Weatherbury Farm' "
 

Defining Quote: "Looking for a family-friendly alternative to hoity-toity bed and breakfasts? Weatherbury Farm in Avella, Pa., holds the barn door wide open for little ones. "
 

Defining Quote: "You won't find anything that comes as close to your grandparents' farm."
 

Defining Quote: "Trade in your yard work and overscheduled weekends for a taste of the simple life."

Defining Quote: "Farm stays are the freshest way to experience a family vacation."

Defining Quote: "The hard part was getting my kids to leave the farm--and particularly, the porch with all the cats--for lunch and dinner. Pretty much every activity that took us off the farm, including a trip to an old-fashioned soda fountain, ended with the kids begging to go back."
 

Defining Quote: "By morning, we discover that this B&B has most definitely prepared for our junior farmers. The Weatherbury Farm Kid's Packet, a folder full of worksheets, stickers and book-report fodder, is loaded and waiting for our eager farm hands to begin the morning chores."
 

Promoting Farm Fun

Jerrilynn Schumacher
Spring 2005

Defining Quote: "Grandparents don't live on the farm anymore. I think it's really important for kids to experience that part of their heritage and to find out that food doesn't come from the grocery store."
 

fun on the FARM


November 2004

"Tykes will want to head straight for the barn, where they can help bottle-feed baby animals, including rabbits, piglets and goats. Older kids can ride a horse or see a blacksmith at work"

Note from the Farm: We do have bottle-babies including goats and sheep. We also have rabbits (but don't bottle feed them), no piglets or horses (there is a riding stable about 25 minutes away). Our blacksmith does architectural ironwork, & does not shoe horses.
 

City folk spend days on the farm

Andrea Myers
August 4, 2004

Defining Quote: "Children and adults alike enjoy the farm vacation experience, the Tudors say. It's a bonding experience, one that lets each generation teach and learn about farm life, learn about themselves."

"Family gives new life to old building"

Harry Funk
August 1, 2004

Defining Quote: "Several years and 15 miles down the road later, the barn is up and running again. Instead of housing livestock, this time around it serves as guest suites for the Tudors' Weatherbury Farm in Independence Township."
 

"Farming for Fun"

Karen Kane
August 1, 2004

Defining Quote: "We had gotten our hands dirty and our spirits refreshed. We hadn't pulled into the driveway before both girls wanted to know when we'd do it all again."

"Back to our Roots"

Mary Klaus
June 13, 2004

Defining Quote: "Don Frazier and his family spend enough time in the fast lane, with him teaching, his wife working as an accountant and their daughters involved in various activities. So when the family from Abilene, Texas, was looking 'for a real, live traditional farm.' they turned to the internet and looked at the Pennsylvania Farm Vacation Association link. They decided to visit the Weatherbury Farm in Avella, Washington County, and found the vacation of their dreams."
 

"Alternative vacation: City slickers, suburbanites head to farms"

Judy Lin
June 7, 2004

This article has appeared on-line in USAtodayonline, CNN.com, MSNBC.com & other sites  and also in newspapers across the country

Defining Quote: "Yet the girls and their mothers are part of a growing number of city dwellers and suburbanites choosing to spend their vacations on farms instead of taking conventional excursions to the beach or mountains."

"Animal Farm"

Laura Faye Taxel
Spring/Summer, 2004

Defining Quote: "Don't bring work with you. This is no place for business as usual. Don't plan on late nights with David Letterman. There are no TVs, telephones, radios or desks in these guestrooms. This is where you come to hear roosters crow at sunrise and owls hoot after dark; to walk through fields of clover and feel the tickle of a billy goat's tongue as he nibbles corn from your hand. Hosts Dale and Marcy Tudor and their 23-year-old son Nigel welcome couples, families and friends to stay for a week or a weekend and enjoy a taste of the good life, Pennsylvania farm-style."
 

"Far from the madding crows -- a family farm destination"

Doris Larson
 2004; Gray and Company

Defining Quote: "Weatherbury Farm is a no-frills, kid-friendly, working farm where children are invited to help feed a lamb or calf with a Perrier bottle filled with milk. Or they can accompany Farmer Dale on his rounds of feeding the goats, guineas, ducks, gees a, and a small flock of those amazing Araucana chickens that lay blue, green and pink eggs."
 

"10 Summer Weekend Escapes"

Alyson Borgerding
May 25, 2003

Defining Quote: "Weatherbury Farm is a bed-and-breakfast that's also a working farm. Guests aren't required to help, but most kids -- which are Weatherbury's target demographic -- can't resist pitching in."
 

"Weatherbury Farms Encourages Guests to Slow Down and Relax"

2003 Edition

Defining Quote: "Yes, it's a peaceful place where the tension knotted in your neck will quickly disappear.... But Weatherbury Farm isn't just about relaxation. This is the first chance for many adults and children to come face to face with sheep, cows, chickens, billy goats, geese and ducks."
 

"A Friend of the Family"
Cindy Hsu Han
August, 2002

" Weatherbury Farm Bed & Breakfast: At this B&B designed to give kids a chance to feel as if they're visiting Grandma's farm, guests can participate in farm chores and earn an "official certificate" during their stay. After a hearty breakfast, collect eggs, feed animals, and enjoy the pool and surroundings. And just a short hop to Meadowcroft. Independence Township, Washington County, 724/587-3763, http://www.weatherburyfarm.com "
 

"Sheep Fest offered back to basics experiences"

Lorraine Gregus
July 31, 2002

Defining Quote: "Wool dyers, rug makers, weavers and spinners were all delighted to share hints and techniques while folk music pleasantly filled the hillside."

"Down on the Farm"

Peter Jensen
May 19, 2002

(This Article has also appeared in:
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH June 9, 2002: "Family farm vacation a chore -- and that's fun"
CENTRE DAILY TIMES (State College, PA) June 9, 2002: "Work and play: Helping on the farm suits vacationers"
ANN ARBOR NEWS June 16, 2002: "Down on the farm"
THE VINDICATOR (Youngstown, OH) June 23, 2002: "First-time farmhands"
ERIE TIMES-NEWS June 23, 2002: "Family vacation helps families dig for Rural Roots"
THE NEWS AND OBSERVER (Raleigh) June 23, 2002: "Up with the chickens"
THE BUFFALO NEWS July 7, 2002: "Nothing like a farm vacation to make chores a treat"
THE COURIER-JOURNAL (Lexington)  July 7, 2002: "Dig up some fun while doing chores on farm vacation"
ORLANDO SENTINEL July 14, 2002: "Down on the Farm"
THE ADVOCATE AND GREENWICH TIMES (CT) July 21, 2002
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER July 28, 2002: "A taste of life on a farm, including the chores "
MIAMI HERALD July 28, 2002: "The Udder World: A city family heads to the farm "
NEWS JOURNAL (Wilmington) July 28, 2002: "On the farm, chores can be a treat"
THE PLAIN DEALER (Cleveland) August 4, 2002: "Kids eager to pitch in on farm vacation"

Defining Quote: "The notion that living on a farm could be a vacation is not new, but it's a concept whose time has arrived. Have children ever been less aware of rural life?"

"City Slickers and Farmers"

Lou Ann Good
April 12, 2002

Defining Quote: "As the president of the Pennsylvania Farm Vacation Association, Inc., Tudor is a vocal advertisement of the program that offers city and suburban residents a chance to leave stress behind and escape to the peace and quiet of the country."
 

Defining Quote: " Dale and Marcy Tudor may not be prepared to welcome everybody from Baltimore to stay, but it's a good bet they could handle a few at their unusual farm bed and breakfast in western Pennsylvania.  "
 

Weatherbury Farm is Michelle's choice of lodging for her Washington County Escape.

Defining Quote: "Folks wanting a full farm stay can pitch right in and get at least a taste of the modern farm experience with the Tudor family, who even provide a booklet about Weatherbury Farm, which includes farm lingo."

Defining Quote: " ' Europeans have a whole different mindset toward vacations, ' Tudor said. ' I would like to see (farmstays) become much more known in Pennsylvania and throughout the country, and I think there's opportunity for that. "

"Green Acres"
Barbara Benham
Spring/Summer 2001 

(This article also appeared in the June 2001 issue of Travel & Leisure Magazine.)

Defining Quote: "Families rise and shine to Marcy's cinnamon apple pancakes. Then it's off to feed cattle and chickens and help make hay."

"Kid Friendly B&Bs"

Ken McAlpine
November 1, 2000 

Defining Quote: "Marcy Tudor also treasures that contact with her visitors. She and her husband Dale, a business analyst with Bayer Corp. in Robinson, bought a 100-acre Washington County farm in 1986. Planning to offer a place of peace 'Far From the Madding Crowd,' they borrowed the name Weatherbury Farm from that Thomas Hardy novel."
 

Defining Quote: "One of the beauties of it is that even if they've heard of us from another source, we can direct them to the Web Site."

"Weatherbury Farm B&B Captures Energy Star Award"

January-February 2000

Defining Quote: "Weatherbury Farm Bed & Breakfast, a 100-acre family vacation spot, was honored for its success at making energy-saving improvements that protect the environment while cutting costs . . .actually reducing heating costs by 50 percent."
 

"Avella Bed & Breakfast Awarded for Conservation"

Doug Teagarden
October 22, 1999

Defining Quote: "In winning EPA's first ENERGY STAR® Small Business Award, a B&B on the Pennsylvania/West Virginia border has graphically demonstrated how environmental protection and corporate profit go hand in hand."
 

Defining Quote: "When Marcy and Dale Tudor began to restore their 1870s farmhouse, they were meticulous about making their new home 'old' again... But also during the ongoing restoration, she and her husband installed insulation, window caulking, high-efficiency heat pumps and water measures to the century-old house they were turning into a bed and breakfast"
 

Defining Quote: "It's not your typical vacation getaway. Nestled into the hills of Western Pennsylvania is Weatherbury Farm, a 104 acre vacation mecca for boomers anxious to get away from the hustle-and-bustle of city life and get a taste of life on a working farm."

"Fun down on the farm: Farm vacations perfect way to experience little bit of country life"
Joanna Blair
September 1999

Defining Quote: "Vacations are designed to take people from their every-day activities to experience something out of the ordinary. Farm vacations, a chance to experience the world of agriculture, is growing in popularity."

"Moving History"
Kelly D. Burgess
April 4, 1999

Defining Quote: "When finished, the livery will stable people, not horses and it will house them in luxurious suites complete with a breathtaking view of the countryside."
 

"A Working Farm B&B Caters to Families"
Linda C Feltman
March/April 1999

Defining Quote: "Within minutes, I felt at home with the Tudors, who have turned their working farm into a destination where families can spend a week or a weekend experiencing hands-on farm life."
 

"Working Family -- Is your farm special?"
Robin Hoffman
October, 1998

Defining Quote: "So the Tudors work hard to treat guests to a warmly traditional family farm holiday. It all starts with a personal commitment, not only from Marcy but also from her husband, Dale, and 17-year-old son, Nigel."

"New Director Elected to PTC Board"
October, 1998

"Kids welcome at many B&Bs"
Debbi Snook
August 30, 1997

Defining Quote: At Weatherbury Farm, owners Dale and Marcy Tudor have always accepted children, and  their son, Nigel, sets the tone. The 16 year old budding blacksmith takes children on his morning rounds.."
 

"A little touch of home"
Michelle Pilecki
July 1997

Defining Quote: "Drawing its name from the setting of Thomas Hardy's Far From the Madding Crowd, Weatherbury Farm is an much a vacation destination as a B&B, filled with literary whimsy as well as the aspects of a working farm.".
 

"In-House Publishing, Professional Results"
Tim McCollum
November 1996

Defining Quote: "Yesteryear's charm meets today's desktop-publishing technologies when bed-and-breakfast owners Marcy and Dale Tudor turn out their own marketing brochures."
 

"B&B Owner wins National Small Business Award for Marketing Savvy"
Marcy Tudor
July/August 1996

Defining Quote: "Right from the moment our guests arrive, we make them feel special."
 

"A Place Apart"
Denise Bachman
June 16,1996

Defining Quote: "The home's exterior  and grounds are just as enchanting as the interior"

"Most Innovative Marketing Awards Winners"
Marlene Fedin
May 1996

Defining Quote: "Marcy Tudor may be more cash-challenged than bigger-budgeted hotels and resorts, but she's every bit as skilled in the art of destination marketing."
 

"A getaway vacation down on the farm"
Dave Zuchowski
April 21,1996

Defining Quote: "Places like ours give people ...a glimpse of the more simple life their ancestors enjoyed."

"Cattle Call"
Natalie Wermeyer
Spring,1996

Defining Quote: "My father studied animal husbandry and became a banker; I studied accounting and became a farmer."

"Weatherbury Farm Bed & Breakfast"
Barb and Dave Wagner
March/April 1996

Defining Quote: "Old MacDonald has a farm, and so do Dale and Marcy Tudor. And they would love to share it with you."
 

"Discover Christmas 'Far From the Madding Crowd'"
Leann Junker
December 3, 1995

Defining Quote: "If you visit Weatherbury Farm for a holiday house tour, be prepared to take a look at scenes from Christmas past."

"Farms offer home-grown vacations"
Randy Kraft
August 6, 1995

Defining Quote: "Tudor wants to make more people aware that they can enjoy farm vacations in Pennsylvania."
 

"Vacation with Old MacDonald -- Farms give families chance to moo-over into country"
Alice T Carter
July 16, 1994

Defining Quote: "The Tudors christened the place Weatherbury Farm after the Wessex setting of Thomas Hardy's novel, 'Far From the Madding Crowd.' And indeed it is that.."

"Bed & breakfasts opening doors to region's travelers"
David Welch
January 24-30, 1993

Defining Quote: "Marcy and Dale Tudor designed their own personal retirement plan, and they didn't consult a financial expert to do it."
 

"Far from the madding crowd"
Katherine Pettigrew
October 1993

Defining Quote: "The perfect place to stay during your Washington County family retreat is Weatherbury Farm."

"A farm vacation for city slickers"
Don Herschel
June 15, 1993

Defining Quote: "If you're looking for a relaxing country getaway, with a bit of history and entertainment thrown in, you don't have to go in Lancaster County. A 'farm vacation' at Dale and Marcy Tudor's Washington county may be just the thing. .... With my first step inside, I could tell that the owners had put a lot of work into restoring the house and paid a great deal of attention to detail."
 

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www.weatherburyfarm.com

a kid friendly family farm stay vacation destination; far from the madding crowd, in the country, just 45 minutes southwest of Pittsburgh, PA -- fun & educational