Parents --
When we opened the gates, we envisioned families coming together to enjoy an afternoon at the farm. The atmosphere here is pretty much true to our original vision, but sadly, we have had some issues with children left unattended and it has caused us to rethink our "family friendly" policy. We are a working farm with animals and large equipment which in itself can lead curious kids into potentially harmful situations.
We have found that infants and toddlers are well-supervised and teenagers are here to spend time with their parents which naturally means they are supervised. It is the ages in between that cause us problems. Almost every weekend, we find:
We honestly don't blame the children because it is the parent's responsibility to raise their children to be a blessing to others. Our adult guests without children are often annoyed by the behavior of other guest's children. Everyone, including us, try to be patient, but should we have to? What we are seeing are kids running around totally disengaged from their parents to the point we don't even know who their parents are.
We do not hire enough staff to babysit or monitor children. We do; however, ask you to use your own discretion and considering leaving children under age 16 with a sitter. If you decide to bring your child, are you willing to come to the distillery to enjoy a tasting, food, music while having your child by your side? I mean... right with you - sitting at your side (not running around unsupervised) ... then come on in! We look forward to having you.
As a woman who has raised her kids, I understand how difficult it is to balance "family time" and "me time". We sincerely want your business and would like nothing more than to meet you, serve you, talk spirits, and enjoy your company. I just need your help in making this work for all of us.
With loving intent,
Susan Sledge
When we opened the gates, we envisioned families coming together to enjoy an afternoon at the farm. The atmosphere here is pretty much true to our original vision, but sadly, we have had some issues with children left unattended and it has caused us to rethink our "family friendly" policy. We are a working farm with animals and large equipment which in itself can lead curious kids into potentially harmful situations.
We have found that infants and toddlers are well-supervised and teenagers are here to spend time with their parents which naturally means they are supervised. It is the ages in between that cause us problems. Almost every weekend, we find:
- lights pulled out of the trees,
- items in the distillery used or misplaced,
- kids chasing and taunting the animals,
- swinging in the swings to the max potential clashing them together,
- playing in the bathrooms breaking doors and unrolling toilet paper,
- broken windows,
- and even climbing the chicken coop for a rooftop Insta-worthy pic (taken by the mom)!
We honestly don't blame the children because it is the parent's responsibility to raise their children to be a blessing to others. Our adult guests without children are often annoyed by the behavior of other guest's children. Everyone, including us, try to be patient, but should we have to? What we are seeing are kids running around totally disengaged from their parents to the point we don't even know who their parents are.
We do not hire enough staff to babysit or monitor children. We do; however, ask you to use your own discretion and considering leaving children under age 16 with a sitter. If you decide to bring your child, are you willing to come to the distillery to enjoy a tasting, food, music while having your child by your side? I mean... right with you - sitting at your side (not running around unsupervised) ... then come on in! We look forward to having you.
As a woman who has raised her kids, I understand how difficult it is to balance "family time" and "me time". We sincerely want your business and would like nothing more than to meet you, serve you, talk spirits, and enjoy your company. I just need your help in making this work for all of us.
With loving intent,
Susan Sledge