Michael and Cindy Orefice have always wanted a farm of their own because, as Mike puts it, "farming is in our blood". As a child, Cindy spent a lot of time helping on her grandfather’s dairy farm in Bristol and Mike’s grandfather was a farmer too. When Cindy and Mike found the perfect place to start farming in Harwinton, Connecticut, they didn't waste any time.

Now, Mike, Cindy and their children manage a 108-acre farm, where they raise goats, Easter lambs, and free-range turkeys. They also offer fresh eggs, cut-your-own Christmas trees, and they even have a lumber mill where they process lumber from their own trees. If you are interested in fig trees, be sure to talk to Mike, because he cultivates a few varieties in his greenhouse.

While farming is not a full-time job for Mike, a principal, and Cindy, a teacher, it doesn’t stop them from constantly planning new and exciting things for Golden Acres' future. One day, they hope to build a sugarhouse for all of their maple sugaring and they would also like to make goat cheese and goat's milk soap.

Golden Acres farm is open to the public on weekends. When you visit, don't forget to ask Mike and Cindy about ordering their free-range turkeys!

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