This started off as an article about interesting inland attractions – like the Four Acres Alpaca Farm and the Barn Hill Animal Preserve – in or near Frankford, DE but we will get to those another time. Many who live in or visit the coastal towns, have not regularly ventured inland to see what adventures can be explored and what gems can be discovered.
Well, one of those gems is Parson’s Farm on Armory Road in Dagsboro, which can be on the way to Frankford from northern Sussex County, depending on what route one chooses. It is not far from Bethany Beach.
The opening statement on their web site sums it up: “At Parsons Farms, our core focus centers around family and creating unforgettable experiences for you and loved ones.”
Simply stated, this fifth-generation family-owned market prides itself on “providing the community with top quality produce”. Family members spend pretty much each day tending to the operation.
Parson’s is a hybrid market/bake shop/deli-café/entertainment venue/animal farm.
It is one of those places that you pass along the way to somewhere else always thinking that you should return. Best advice in this case? DO IT!
It might be a bit out of the way for many to make a frequent produce run, but the retro looking café is nostalgic and the food is very good. It is freshly prepared, and perfect for a pit stop on a local road trip. Being half Italian, I HAD to try the Italian Wedding soup. It was excellent. My companion downed a huge plump hot dog in seconds. The baked goods in the marketplace are an option for a post-adventure treat.
Goat Mountain is the main attraction for the animals at Parson’s although there are several animals besides goats for kid and adults to ogle over, like horses, cows and sheep. All animals are behind fences but several love to stick out their noses in a gesture of friendliness. Kids also can take a ride around the farm in a little mini train.
Parsons’ markets itself as a place for children’s birthday parties and the venue is a built-in slam dunk for kids and adults who just might want to do a bit of grocery shopping while their kids are having fun with the animals.
Like Fifer’s (further north) Parson’s offers opportunities for “You Pick” crops throughout the year. Their season begins in the Spring with strawberries, followed by blueberries and peaches during the summer months. Autumn is for pumpkin picking. They wrap up the year with a selection of fresh Christmas trees.
Parsons is a working farm, so heavy machinery may be located outside of the “You-Pick” area. For safety’s sake, the family requests that everyone remains within the designated “You-Pick” area during a visit.
Parson’s partners with the local Public Library for “story time” several times a month. Other special events are offered via an online calendar posted on their web site.
Parson’s Farm is about a 40-minute drive from the Lewes/Milton area and about 15 minutes from Bethany.
