If you’re new here, we are a full-time traveling family of 7. We travel about every two weeks. Sometimes more. And we get to visit some truly beautiful and special places in our travels. But some of those places leave a lasting impression, and Whippoorwill Farms SC is one of those places. We want to tell you a little more, so you might have some incentive to stop there on your next journey through the south. Seriously, just hop off Interstate 95, and in about 10 minutes, you can visit one of the best farms in South Carolina.
While the farm is not open to anyone to just walk through, they do have options to camp on the farm. Or you may book a guided tour on the farm or even attend one of their events on the farm. Regardless of how you decide you want to go about visiting this gem, I highly recommend that you pre-order some delicious jalapeno cheddar sausage link packages beforehand. You won’t regret it.
What is it?
Whippoorwill Farms SC is a 40 acre raw plot of land turned into a small family farm. This biodiverse regenerative farm is located in Jasper County, the southernmost county in South Carolina. James and Marissa Paykos and their sweet daughter Ellie started the farm back in 2015, and they (as well as their team) are giving their all to love the animals and the creation and do things the harder, better way to provide a better life for the animals and plants. And to produce and provide for you the best possible, most nutrient dense product.
What They Have to Offer
They have forest raised chickens, pasture raised eggs, forest raised pork, grass fed beef, no till seasonal flowers, and no till seasonal vegetables. There are some beautiful horses on the farm, too.
There are 50 amp, 30 amp, boondocking, and primitive tent campsites on the farm. Some of those sites have gravel, fire pits, and big picnic tables. It is a true working farm, though. So that means, you will want to check out their rules and regulations, to make sure you can abide by them. Especially if you have dogs.
Both times we have stayed overnight, our sites have been mostly level with nice fresh gravel, water and electric hookups(!), a big picnic table, and a fire ring. Also, both times, we had a view of the farm.
It was such a neat experience to actually watch the innerworkings of the farm. Everybody was busy – kids (Marissa’s daughter, niece, and nephew) and adults working on different projects all over the farm. Starting early in the morning and lasting into the evening. But with all the busyness, there was a quiet, peaceful environment from our vantage point.
During our most recent stay, over 100 farmers came for a tour in the morning. It was unique to see everyone there to tour this farm that we think is so special. And although it was early, it was really well organized.
Totally Different but Completely Relatable
We have stayed at Whippoorwill Farms SC a couple of times, so far. And we have had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Marissa both times; the second time, we even got to meet some of her family members (including her mom and sister). They are all so sweet, hardworking, and genuine. And it seems they are just trying to do the best they can for this created world, including their families. Another thing that resonated with us was that – although they seemed to have a sort of confidence that their alternative lifestyle and choices are the best for their children right now – they also seemed to be up against our culture’s current standards of what is normal and/or acceptable. Always have to be naysayers out there… But from our campsite, Marissa and her sister both seemed like they are giving their children the very best lessons, education, and quality time. The best life, really…
Do kids NEED their own private space? Is there an age where kids should be able to have their own room? Is it really what is best for them? What kind of opportunities should we, as parents, be providing for our kids? Should we give them alone time? Is public school the best? Private school? Homeschool? Should kids live and work on a farm? How about in an RV? How big of a house is big enough to meet “their” standards?
And WHO exactly are “they”? I mean, really, who decides this stuff?
Quality Time on one of the Best Farms in South Carolina
Our last post about creating positive experiences for kids was partly inspired by some of the conversations we had with Marissa and her family. One thing that people want for our kids (and theirs) is a “normal childhood” – but what is that? And why is that? We spend almost 100% of our day together. While a lot of the day is spent working – cooking, cleaning, fixing, etc. (and in the case of the team at Whippoorwill Farms – farming), it is all QUALITY TIME, because it is “Time spent together” – Marissa.
Where You Can Find More Information About Whippoorwill Farms SC
You can find more on Whippoorwill Farms SC by visiting their website. There, you can find:
- Online or in-person class options and prices
- Farm tour options and prices
- Private consultation options and prices
- A list of their products and practices
- And more. Including one of our favorites – a personal blog about the raw, real-life struggles and successes of their life on the farm. The emotions, questions, and thoughts – all of it – is so relatable, somehow. Even for us, in our tiny home on wheels…
Follow them on Social Media:
Or find them at a farmer’s market near you, in either:
- Savannah, Georgia
- Port Royal, South Carolina
- Bluffton, South Carolina
- Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
*Don’t forget to check out their website to pre order!