Skip to main content

FARM + LAND Promises Legit Off-Grid Outdoor Retreats for Adventure-Seeking Urbanites

The average man in today’s society has gotten a bit soft. The consistent stream of creature comforts in our daily lives has made many reliant on technology to an almost crippling degree. But, one company is targeting urbanites — and creative types in particular — to help them get (back) in touch with the outdoors and the skills necessary for self-sufficiency.

FARM + LAND
Image used with permission by copyright holder

FARM + LAND has a simple goal: to make the outdoors your classroom. FARM + LAND is looking at urban creatives who have an interest in connecting with nature and living off the land. The company’s debut retreat will launch in rural New York on September 8, 2017, with a host of fun, educational, and (for some) first-ever experiences in the outdoors. Hands-on skill-building tracks — including farm animal basics, wilderness survival, foraging hikes, and tiny house building — will provide essential experience for living off the land. Other courses like slacklining, outdoor yoga and meditation, and Foxfire philosophy will offer personal development and growth opportunities through introspection and experience. Most nights will end with a free-form “Unplugged” session with drinks, s’mores, and live music around a communal campfire.

FARM + LAND
Image used with permission by copyright holder

One of the central takeaways from each FARM + LAND retreat will be on understanding, appreciating, growing, and, of course, eating 100% sustainable food. Every meal provides the opportunity to sample and cook with locally grown, entirely organic products. Guests will have the chance to cook rustic brick oven pizza, grill a farm-to-barn dinner, and enjoy breakfast with eggs picked fresh the same morning.

Recommended Videos

Guests bunk in handmade canvas tent cabins. An intentional lack of electricity is designed to help attendees get further acquainted with nature. After dark, all are equipped with lanterns, candles, and a wood stove for heat. Cold water sinks and toilets are provided, however, hot water is only available via wood power. If you want hot coffee in the morning, you’re going to have work a little harder for it.

FARM + LAND
Image used with permission by copyright holder

FARM + LAND already has additional retreats near Los Angeles and San Francisco scheduled for Fall 2017 and early 2018, respectively. The program is currently invitation only. Prices start at $450 USD per person (for shared bunk accommodations) with all meals, events, classes, and workshops included. Roundtrip New York City transportation and upgraded accommodations, including private cabin options, are also available for a fee.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Yes, you’re probably overpacking — 7 travel tips for packing I swear by
Years of travel mistakes led me here. These tips actually work
An overhead view of a man packing a suitcase

There are two types of people in the world – the ones who pack two weeks in advance with a packing checklist, and the ones who shove a random pair of shoes into a bag 10 minutes before leaving for the airport. I’ve been both.

But after years of red eyes, lost luggage, and trying to survive long layovers in jeans, I’ve learned what actually works. These are the travel tips for packing I swear by – the things that save space, stress, and yes, your sanity.
1. Lay everything out. Then put a third of it back.

Read more
Move over Vegas — this U.S. city is now the top casino spot
Is Chicago the new Las Vegas?
Casino

Before you book your next trip to Las Vegas, you might want to consider a surprising alternative. A new ranking from gaming aggregator SlotMatrix reveals that Sin City isn’t even in the top three casino destinations in the U.S. In fact, Las Vegas came in fourth place, while the number one spot went to an unexpected winner: Chicago, Illinois.

The study analyzed several factors, including the number of casinos per 100,000 residents, casino amenities like hotels and restaurants, the number of slot machines, table games, poker tables, late-night bar options, and average hotel prices.

Read more
Luggage shipping gains popularity as travelers seek stress-free flying
Avoid long baggage claim waits and lost luggage stresses
Man carrying luggage in both hands

In case you are unaware, AAA says a record-setting 72.2 million Americans are estimated to travel ahead of Independence Day this week (between Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, July 4th). AAA projects that this year's domestic travel forecast will surpass 1.7 million travelers over last year, and 7 million more than in 2019. Busy summer travel also means an increased chance of encountering common airport hassles, such as long wait times at baggage claim, and even lost, damaged, or stolen luggage. Travelers are also looking for new ways to avoid rising checked bag fees and overweight baggage fees.

As a solution, more travelers are turning to luggage shipping as an alternative to make their summer journeys a bit smoother. With luggage shipping options at The UPS store, specialty luggage boxes are used to accommodate a wide variety of the most common suitcase sizes. For airlines with strict size and weight regulations, using luggage shipping may offer an easier, stress-free option to transport your belongings without the hassle. Travelers with specific mobility issues or with multiple suitcases have also turned to luggage shipping as a more straightforward solution than navigating busy airports with numerous suitcases at once.

Read more