Harvest Hosts – FREE camping and it supports local businesses

I’m a bit behind in blogging about our adventures– this is from our travels around September 5-6, 2015. Follow us on Instagram to find out where we are currently!

After spending a lot of time in Michigan our next “destination” would be Western New York to see Niagara Falls and to spend some time with my cousin near Rochester. Instead of taking our time, like we did in Michigan, we wanted to move a little quicker through the next couple states. There was a slight sense of urgency because we wanted to spend some time in New York – and then jump over to the east coast before the colder fall weather.

We try not to drive more than a few hours a day (we are all happier when we follow this rule), so we figured we’d need to stop one night in Ohio and one in Pennsylvania on our way to Niagara Falls. As we looked at our campground options, along our route, we weren’t seeing much – and the ones that looked convenient were completely booked due to Labor Day weekend!

We decided this would be a great time to use our Harvest Host membership! For $44/year, a Harvest Host membership allows you to stay for FREE at local wineries, farms and other small businesses. And in exchange for a spot to park for the night, you support the local business – perhaps by purchasing wine, vegetables/fruit, souvenirs. Or you can volunteer, perhaps helping with a harvest or another need at the business!

We LOVE this concept – because we love supporting local businesses and we think it’s great fun to spend our money on food or drink instead of “rent” at a campground.

Our first night we stopped at a winery in Ohio. I won’t mention the name because it’s part of having the membership – but it was delightful. We had a nice big pull-through spot at the winery with a grassy area and picnic table. Jeremy and I took turns going into the winery and doing a $3 tasting – what a treat! And we purchased a bottle of wine. The winery closed around 5 p.m. and we had the whole place to our selves (except one other RV with Harvest Hosts). . .we had a crazy rain storm and then the most magnificent sunset!

The next morning we had a glorious double rainbow . . .

This winery had a beautiful gazebo next to the grapes . . .they have a bunch of vines planted in the background. It was a great place to stay for a night!

After a night at the winery in Ohio, we headed to another winery in Pennsylvania that also is part of Harvest Hosts. On the way we decided to stop off at a local park and let the kids run around at the playground. The day before had been a lot of driving and then we had a big rainstorm that night – so the kids were antsy to get some energy out. I am not comfortable letting the kids run around the wineries when they are open – so the park was the perfect solution for an afternoon of fresh air and play!

The winery in Pennsylvania was in a rural location and the setting was breathtaking! We parked near the edge of the parking lot – on the grass overflow parking area, bordering a charming pond and a farmhouse. Gorgeous.

This particular winery had a historic wine cellar from 1864 – it was incredible. Although their wine looked awesome, we decided to support the winery by eating at their (kid-friendly) cafe. We had grilled panini sandwiches for lunch, washed down with local root beer (non-alcoholic) – it was delicious!

The winery happened to have a wedding reception that night – so even after the winery officially closed there were people there – which didn’t impact us at all. In fact it was sort of fun to watch the festivities from afar.

Because we travel with small kids I don’t think we’d make a practice of staying at wineries. It’s just hard for them to be able to run around and play – and of course we aren’t taking full advantage of the “services” since we are traveling with our kids – and they are our number one priority. BUT, if Jeremy and I were traveling without kids – we’d probably make a POINT to stay at these places. The price is right, the settings spectacular, it’s a great way to see hidden gems across the country and to support small businesses.

Harvest Hosts does work with farms – and I think these would be a better option for traveling families – although there weren’t any on this particular route, so that’s why we selected these wineries. . . .

So here’s a rundown of how Harvest Host works:

1.) Pay $44 a year for your membership

2.) Login to Harvest Host website and look for participating small businesses in the area you’d like to stay

3.) Call the business ahead of time to arrange your arrival.

4.) Show up during business hours so you can check in with staff and get details on where you can park/stay. Show your Harvest Host membership card for proof of membership.

5.) It is strongly encouraged that you purchase products, volunteer or in some way contribute to the host as a thank you for the place to stay.

6.) Take care of your area, be discreet and courteous (don’t put out all your slides, run your generator and set up a big campsite).You don’t have hook-ups, it’s not an official camping spot, you basically are allowed to park on their property. Leave the site as you found it (or better).

Do you think Harvest Hosts is something you’d enjoy? Are you a member already and have a favorite place to stay?

Disclosure :: My links to the Harvest Host website are affiliate links – they have a great referral program that anyone can participate in. When you refer a friend and they join Harvest Hosts you get a month added to your membership! If you sign up, we’d love for you to use our name {Heather & Jeremy Clarke} as your referrer!