" Old MacDonald had a
farm, and so do Dale and Marcy Tudor. And they would love to share it with you. We learned
about Weatherbury Farm quite by accident while browsing through brochures at a rest stop
along interstate 79 south of Pittsburgh. It looked so intriguing that we just had to pay a
visit. So we chose a fall weekend and off we went.
The farm is located in Avella, about 15 miles west of Washington, Pennsylvania,
just three miles from the West Virginia border. The surrounding countryside is scenic
rolling hills with small farms and woods, and is very rural. The farm nestles in a valley
with pastures rising on very side filled with Hereford and Scottish Highland cattle. The
Highlands are a beautiful breed of cattle with long shaggy coast of waved hair and a large
set of elegant hors. There are many other animals on the farm as well, including Southdown
sheep, Bantam chickens, Indian Runner ducks, Guinea fowl, doves, rabbits, dogs and cats.
Dale and Marcy have been restoring the farm for a number of years. The two current
guest rooms are in the main house which also includes a living room, music room and dining
room that are open to guests. An old summer kitchen is currently being restored to provide
two additional guest rooms.
There are lots of things to do on the farm, many involving the animals. Nigel, Dale
and Marcy's ninth grade son, is the chief "farm hand." The day we were there he
helped us feed carrots to the Highland cattle and one of the sheep. Since it was fall, we
were also able to hand-press a gallon of apple cider which we brought home to freeze for
Christmas. Over the holidays it provided some great mulled cider. In addition to on-farm
activities, Dale and Marcy proved extensive written guides to area activities and
restaurants. One of the more interesting nearby attractions is Meadowcroft Village, which
is an early American village including arts and crafts demonstrations, re-enactments of
early American lifestyles, and seasonal festivals and workshops. You certainly will not
lack for things to do.
In the morning we were brought a tray of coffee and tea a half hour before a
breakfast which included creamed eggs over toast, a raspberry sour cream coffee cake,
cereal, and juice as well as coffee and tea. "
