This afternoon I passed yet another RV parked in our neighbor’s driveway.  A husband and wife team sat in their Adirondack chairs, overlooking the cow pasture, waving as I passed by.

Two more happy “Harvest Host” members have settled in for the evening.

Just this morning, I spoke with our neighbor about how the system is working for them.

Harvest Host matches RV owners with wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms and attractions who have agreed to host RVs for free.  RV owners pay an annual membership fee, which then gives them access to the full listings.  (There are currently 1, 139+ sites throughout the USA and Canada.)

Our friends have joined as “hosts”.  They allow RVs to stay the night—in their case, on a wonderfully flat area next to the cows and across from their maple shop.   The farm does not provide any hookups for electricity, water or sewer—but they did set up some lovely chairs and a firepit. 

The Harvest Host members are encouraged to spend at least $20 on purchasing something from their hosts.  As our friends have maple syrup and beef cattle, they also do a short little tour and answer many questions about how maple syrup is made.

Their maple syrup sales were down a bit this spring, as people were encouraged to stay home.  Now, as folks start to venture out, the idea of being more self-contained means a booming business for RV sales.  Finding a unique place to spend the night is always a bonus—and being even more “socially distanced” just feels right to many people right now.

It’s a win for the Harvest Host company—and our neighbors—and the RV owners who have so enjoyed their stay. 

But mostly, our neighbors have found this to be a true silver lining during this strange year! 

(More info at www.harvesthosts.com)