The New Airbnb Glamping Getaway That’s The ‘G.O.A.T.’
There’s a new “kid” in town in the world of Airbnb! If you’re an animal lover looking for a weekend getaway that’s far from typical, then pack your bags and look no further than “Goat Glamping,” an Airbnb experience nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley.
The furry escape, located in Milan, NY, combines the hospitality of a 27-foot, luxury RV and the company of six, sweet-tempered pygmy goats that will free you from your worries and guide your camping-in-the-country vacation. “It’s really an R&R — Rest and Relaxation. People come here a little stressed because life is challenging sometimes, but when they leave they’re relieved, revived and most of all happy,” said AirBnB Superhost Bobbi Jo Forte.
The spacious RV is situated on rural, private property and includes all the amenities of a home consisting of a gas stove, an oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, shower, bath tub, a bunk area, and queen size bed. The goats reside adjacent in their pasture, and are let out to “hang out” with the guests.
The rescued goats with silly charm, possessing names like Snickerdoodle, Vanilla Bean, and Saddlebags, are the unforgettable stars of the stay. Forte explained, “guests walk with the goats, snuggle with them, feed them carrots… they just love people, so if you’re an animal lover, this is ideal.” She also excitedly revealed that they will be teaming up with a local yoga instructor come spring, and offer two guided sessions of goat yoga every weekend!
Having been an animal rescuer for the past twenty-five years (caring for two miniature ponies and rescue cats in addition to the goats), Forte’s desire to share the joy of animals with others inspired the concept. Brought to fruition during August of 2020, the five-star reviewed, year-round retreat has been sold out ever since.
David, a former “glamper,” gushed, “the most memorable part of the experience were the goats and miniature ponies! They are like dogs: social, affectionate and adorable.” He continued, “Bobbi Jo gives you ample time to play with the goats on the property and in the evening you can take them for a walk down the street. Nothing beats walking a herd of goats down an idyllic country road!”
The off-the-beaten-path experience attracts visitors of all walks of life with a variety of different backgrounds. Whether it be a curator from the Smithsonian or an orthopedic surgeon from the city, the stay has accommodated an eclectic range of both adults and kids.
Forte shared, “It seems to be a popular thing for people to do last minute from the city, get out of town, get out of the chaos, and just enjoy.” She continued, “What I’m finding in this whole process is that they just want to get away from their current life and just hide a little. Sometimes, I don’t even see the guests once they get here. They just hunker down, sleep, watch movies, cook food, get takeout, and build campfires with the firepit.”
The “glampsite” is perfectly situated minutes from the Taconic State Parkway, Rhinebeck, and Red Hook for additional recreational adventure outside of the grounds. Poet’s Walk, Burger Hill, and Ferncliff Forest are a few nearby destinations ideal for hiking, and there are a variety of conveniently located restaurants if desiring to dine out.
Using the retreat as an escape was undoubtedly a recurring theme amidst the reviews of previous “glampers,” which directly proved a correlation between this experience and the pandemic. The unexpected takeaway is the degree of how much the goats relax the guests, and simply make them laugh. The therapeutic element of animal interaction is the secret recipe causing the concept to thrive.
Forte, who shared she’s a single mom, admitted, “I never expected to be doing this, but I think it’s serving as a very important thing for people right now.” She continued, “How do you measure success? I measure it by bringing creature comforts and happiness.”
