If you know me, you know how much of an animal lover I am. I especially have always had a connection to farm animals. At the young age of twelve, I was introduced to videos of factory farming. I instantly made the decision to become a vegetarian. I couldn't believe how the animals were being treated, it broke my heart.
Ever since then, I've thought about farm animals and what a lot of them endure. I've had the dream of one day in my retirement years, having a farm of my own. A place where rescued farm animals can simply live out their days in a beautiful and peaceful place.
In the meantime, visiting a farm where I could interact with animals has always been on my wish list! This brings us to Parsley Lane Farm. I came across a community Facebook post about three weeks ago. It was a flyer posted by Parsley Lane Farm stating that they were a private residence/farm but they'd be opening up their magical place to the public for a day. I nearly screeched I was so excited about this opportunity. It was only 20-minutes away from the house and I couldn't wait to check the place out.
As I walked in there was a beautiful and adorable farm stand and some young children selling freshly squeezed lemonade. Surrounding them were the most beautiful chickens and roosters. Although I tried, the chickens didn't want to be touched, so I let them be. Towards the back of the property is where the real party began. There were so many farm animals! I got to get up close and personal with baby goats, grown goats, donkeys, and cows. It was such a highlight for me, a day I'll never forget.
Parsley Lane Farm offers fresh eggs to the community, animal therapy, language development and social skills programs for children, goat and donkey yoga on the weekends, and so much more!
This is one of the many reasons why I love New Smyrna Beach so much. I get to live in an area that's minutes from the beautiful and vast ocean, but also minutes away from some beautiful farm lands. I get to enjoy the small town vibes, mom and pop shops, and all the local charm of New Smyrna, while also being only an hour from the hustle and bustle Orlando brings.
