Yee haw!!! On Saturday we had the pleasure of spending time at an amazing location right in our own backyard here in Jacksonville. I had heard a lot about Congaree and Penn, so I just had to take the family and check it out! As stated on their website, “Congaree and Penn is a Florida farm dedicated to agriculture and culinary endeavors, and gathering the community to enjoy both.”
I will admit I was expecting a jam packed event with bright colors and loud music, and I found the opposite. Congaree and Penn is a serene, calming oasis with 350 acres to explore at our leisure. Having 3 young children walking alongside us made it so we didn’t get very far before we heard complaining about being hot and tired (in their defense it was about 96 degrees), but I can’t wait to go back and experience more! Side note: sneakers/boots/shoes that can get dirty are probably the best choice, as well as some bug spray!
By the time we found out about the Visit the Farm day, many of the events throughout the day were booked, but we did get to sign our 5 year old up for a wash and feed the farm horses session, which she loved!
Upon arrival we checked in at the restaurant area and were directed to the stables which are near a house. Charley and Moose were really sweet horses, and also very patient with the group of kids who were attending the session. The trainer first explained the differences between the horses, and a bit about their background and how to approach and touch the horses. Next the kids were invited to use the hose to get the horses wet and then wash them. Being as the kids are much shorter than the horses, Charley and Moose mostly received a tummy and leg bath, but the kids had fun nonetheless! After they stood patiently for their baths, both horses were offered treats of carrots and apples! What a unique experience for our Hannah! Hope really wanted to participate but given her young age it wasn’t recommended. However, at the end the trainer was so sweet and lifted Hope up so she could feed Charley a carrot. She was a happy gal!
After our horse washing experience we meandered back towards the entrance, where the food is! It wasn’t a meal time, but we sampled a few items, because fed kids are happy kids! We tried the mac n cheese, the PB and J, soft pretzel, juice boxes, popsicles and this mama had a delicious, cool refreshing sunset cider (that’s a mix of both of the ciders served at the farm)! Everything received a rave review. The mac n cheese was real cheese, the bread and jelly on the sandwich was delicious and the cider was crisp, cold perfection! Click here for the full menu!
The patio is probably my favorite part, other than just how gorgeous the grounds are. It will be perfection when the weather cools down a bit. I can see evenings in the rocking chairs, chatting with family and/or friends!
So what next?? Congaree and Penn has MANY options for family activities, as well as for meeting new people, eating new food, and having adult time as well. Some options are:
- Canine Field Days: Bring Fido along for some off leash fun! Leashed dogs are always welcome, but these two dates are special events for friendly dogs. Check it out here!
- The Pumpkin Patch: the conditions aren’t perfect for pumpkin growing at the farm, but you can reserve and pay for a beautiful pumpkin on line, and then pick it up . Get all the details here.
- Wagon Ride and Goat Greet: this is the most kid friendly of the tours. It lasts for 45 minutes and includes a stop to visit and pet the farm’s goats! I plan on signing our kids up for one very soon! Sign up here.
- 20 At The Farm: this is a really unique idea. A small intimate feast for 20 people. Meet new people, hang with who you came with, or just sit solo and stuff your face! Get the deets here!!
The list goes on and on, but the best thing you can do to find a fun event at the farm for your family is to check out their website, Congaree and Penn , and see what good clean fun you can get into with your family and friends! Thanks for reading all about our experience, and I hope you have time to visit the farm soon!
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