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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

This Animal Sanctuary In Connecticut Offers Free Cuddles With Its Adorable Residents

Ray of Light Farm in East Haddam, Connecticut, is an animal sanctuary offering a home to various animals and providing community programs.

Updated Dec 12, 2022

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

There are so many great animal attractions in Connecticut. The world-famous Mystic Aquarium houses sharks, rays, penguins, and even whales. Bridgeport's Beardsley Zoo has a number of unique animals you won't find elsewhere, like maned wolves and red pandas. If you are searching for something more exotic than a Connecticut cat cafe but not quite so wild as the ocelots or wolves at Beardsley, Ray of Light Farm in East Haddam is a great option. This animal sanctuary provides a home for donkeys, horses, guinea pigs, chickens, and more that have nowhere else to go. This is such a great place for a visit, and they've got plenty of programs that are perfect for animal lovers of all ages.

Ray of Light Farm started when the founder was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993. She decided she wanted to dedicate her life to a cause if she survived, and she ended up starting an animal sanctuary.

Four horses, including two small ponies and a larger horse, stand under a colorful tree in a fenced area.
Ray of Light Farm/Facebook

The farm focuses mostly on horse and donkeys, but also houses guinea pigs, chickens, geese, and more.

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In its existence, Ray of Light Farm has housed over 120 horses and donkeys! Some of the animals are adopted out after rehabilitation, but others remain at the farm for life.

A brown horse walking gracefully in a fenced area with trees in the background.
Ray of Light Farm

The residents of the farm come from a variety of situations. Some are abused or neglected, others are surrendered by well-meaning owners who realize they can no longer care for them.

Two cute ponies with halters, one brown and white with a pink halter, the other white with a blue-accented halter, in a barn.
Ray of Light Farm

One notable aspect of Ray of Light Farm is that it makes a concentrated effort to give back to the community. They offer a variety of classes and programs for children and adults alike.

A child and a person with curly hair interact with a horse at a farm, surrounded by autumn foliage.
Leatta Bailey/Google Maps

How much fun does Guinea Pig Cuddles or Bye Bye, Troubles sound?

In modern day life, many of us rarely get to interact with animals outside of household pets. This is a great opportunity to get to see some furry friends you might not normally come in contact with.

A close-up of a goat with light brown and white fur, featuring prominent ears and a calm expression.
Ms. Fran/Google Maps

Visits to the farm are free, though donations are always appreciated and they are always in need of volunteers.

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Four sheep standing in a pen with straw on the ground, surrounded by wooden fencing.
Liz/Google Maps

For more information about Ray of Light Farm, check out their website.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

Check Out The Connecticut Farm Where You Can Pet Alpacas And Purchase Their Yarn

Published Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

I'm definitely an animal lover, and I know I'm not alone. Many of us have pets and enjoy checking out zoos and farms in Connecticut, especially if you've got younger kids that enjoy seeing critters. If you're looking for an animal encounter with some unique creatures, you might want to check out Roaring Acres in Suffield, CT. This farm near Hartford is home to alpacas, a South American member of the camel family that's raised for their fibers. A visit to this alpaca farm near Hartford, CT is quite the adorable way to spend an afternoon. Check it out:

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Alpacas resemble llamas, but they are a good bit smaller and have softer hair that's perfect for creating wool winterwear.

Close-up of a fluffy, light brown alpaca with big eyes and a curious expression against a blurred background.
Roaring Acres Alpacas

They also tend to have friendlier dispositions than their llama relatives, making a visit to an alpaca farm a fun adventure for the whole family.

A person pets an alpaca in a farmyard surrounded by several other alpacas and a barn in the background.
Lori Cocca/Google Reviews

Roaring Acres Alpacas is situated on 30 acres and has a variety of livestock on site.

A farm scene with colorful animal houses, a llama, chickens, and a barn in the background surrounded by green grass.
Jessica Torres/Google Reviews

During the farm's set public hours, visitors are able to feed and interact with these adorable creatures.

A close-up of a light brown alpaca with a curious expression, standing in a barn with another alpaca in the background.
Roaring Acres Alpacas/Facebook

You'll also find fun events held throughout the year, like painting classes and holiday celebrations.

Three women pose with paintings of llamas beside a sleeping pig in a farm setting.
Roaring Acres Alpacas/Facebook

There's even an on-site boutique shop where you can purchase socks, scarves, and more made from the alpacas that live here.

A display of various socks hanging on a rack, showcasing different colors and patterns.
Roaring Acres Alpacas/Facebook

Next time you need to get out of the city a bit and enjoy a fun animal encounter, pay a visit to Roaring Acres Alpacas for some fun alpaca therapy.

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A close-up of a ram with curved horns, standing on snowy ground near a person in rubber boots.
Michael Carroll/Google Reviews

Note that Roaring Acres Alpacas is open for visits at select dates and times. Make sure to check out all the rules for a visit before heading out. You can learn more about this alpaca farm near Hartford, CT from the Roaring Acres Alpacas website or Roaring Acres Alpacas Facebook page.

Not able to make it out to the farm right now but want to purchase some alpaca wool goods? Check out Roaring Acres Alpacas on Etsy!

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

Here Are The 6 Absolute Best Pumpkin Patches In Connecticut To Enjoy In 2024

Discover some of the best pumpkin patches in Connecticut for fall family fun.

Updated Aug 1, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

A Pumpkin patch in Connecticut is connected to many other seasonal reminders. Those first few crisp mornings, the earliest tinges of leaf changes, the appearance of pumpkin spice flavors on the menu: ah, fall in Connecticut! Is there anything better? I don't know about you, but as soon as Labor Day is done, I start thinking about fall festivals and pumpkin patches near me. If you're hunting for some of the best pumpkin patches in Connecticut, we've got some great ones you'll want to check out this year.

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1. Jones Family Farms at Pumpkinseed Hill Farm: Shelton

A pumpkin patch with rows of orange pumpkins, a tractor in the background, and a scenic landscape under a cloudy sky.
Gloria H/Tripadvisor

Jones Family Farms is one of the biggest names in farming in Connecticut. With strawberries, blueberries, wine, Christmas trees, and more grown here, it's no surprise that the farm offers one of the best pumpkin patches near Bridgeport, CT. The farm's opening weekend for pumpkin picking is typically in late September, and the season runs daily through Halloween.

2. Jesse Lee Pumpkin Patch: Ridgefield

A pumpkin patch with numerous pumpkins on display, set against a backdrop of a church and trees on a sunny day.
Jesse Lee Pumpkin Patch/Facebook

The Jesse Lee Pumpkin Patch is a little different than some of the others on this list, because it's located at a church instead of a farm. The pumpkins you'll select from are actually shipped in from New Mexico, where they're grown without pesticides on a Navajo reservation. This place has been a mainstay of fall in Connecticut and in Ridgefield for more than 30 years. The pumpkin patch is open through October. You can get more information from the Jesse Lee Church website.

3. Castle Hill Farm: Newtown

A black and white dog sits beside a farm sign, surrounded by pumpkins and gourds in a rustic setting.
Castle Hill Farm/Facebook

Castle Hill Farm has been family-operated for five generations. The fall season here has a pumpkin patch, a seven-acre corn maze, hayrides, and more. There's nothing like the thrill of picking your own pumpkins, and this is one of the best pumpkin patches near Stamford. Check out the Castle Hill Farm website for all the exciting details.

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4. Blue Jay Orchards: Bethel

A large jack-o'-lantern stands among many pumpkins in a grassy field, with wheelbarrows nearby.
Blue Jay Orchards

Blue Jay Orchards is a 122-acre property that's been open for more than 70 years, offering some of the best things to do in Connecticut in the fall. Peruse the farmers market where you can pick pre-picked pumpkins, or enjoy pick-your-own in the patch. Find out more from the Blue Jay Orchards website.

5. Angevine Farm: Warren

A scenic pumpkin patch with various pumpkins displayed, surrounded by autumn foliage and a clear blue sky.
Angevine Farm

Angevine Farm has been operating since 1868, offering a variety of opportunities for fun depending on the season. The Harvest Barn Gift Shop and pick-your-own pumpkin patch opens the weekend of Sept. 21 and 22, 2024. Different pumpkins, gourds, and winter squashes are available here, giving you a wide variety of colors and sizes to choose from. Learn more on the Angevine Farm website.

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6. The Pickin' Patch: Avon

A rustic barn with a sign reading "The Pickin Patch" and a row of pumpkins displayed in front on a sunny day.
The Pickin' Patch/Facebook

The Pickin' Patch offers good, old-fashioned family fun. It's a small, family-owned farm that typically has hayrides, apples, pumpkins, and more in the fall. It's an adorable little spot that's one of the best pumpkin patches near Simsbury, CT. Find out more from the The Pickin' Patch Facebook page.

A visit to a pumpkin patch in Connecticut is one of the best parts of fall. Did we miss your favorite one?  Share your annual must-visit spot in the comments!

If you enjoy traveling through the beautiful state, consider this fall foliage road trip in Connecticut. And for some tips, visit our Road Trip Essentials Packing List before hitting the road for all your autumn adventures.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/fall-foliage-drive-ct/

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