Some of the best afternoons in Tennessee start with a gravel road and a hunch. Down one quiet country lane sits a small family homestead where shaggy Highland cows wait at the fence for snacks and a good brushing.
Kids learn real farm facts, couples find a sweet date night, and evenings can end beside a fire pit with s’mores. Keep reading to find out where it is, who you will meet, and how to plan your own visit.
A Shaggy Surprise in Maury County
Tucked away on a quiet country road, Highland Homestead is a small family farm at 3936 Cecil Farm Rd, Mt Pleasant, TN 38474. It sits in Middle Tennessee, about an hour from Nashville, which makes it an easy drive for a day trip or a weekend outing.
Instead of a big tourist attraction, the farm offers something more personal. Guests book a timeslot, meet a small herd of Scottish Highland cattle, and spend time feeding, petting, and brushing them under the guidance of the owner.
The idea is simple, and that simplicity is part of its charm. There are no rides or crowds, just a welcoming family, a well-kept property, and some very fluffy cows.
For Tennessee families hunting a local outing that feels different from the usual, this homestead lands right in the sweet spot. Many people never guess something like this exists so close to home.
Meet Bella, Oliver, Daisy, Thor and Odin
Every herd has its personalities, and this one has a cast worth knowing by name. Bella is often called the sweetest and gentlest of the group, the kind of cow that seems made for first-timers.
Oliver brings the comedy. He is known as sweet but also funny, which keeps things lively at the fence line.
Then there is Daisy, who has earned a reputation for being a little sassy. Every group needs one character with opinions, and Daisy happily fills that role.
Thor and Odin round out the bunch, and guests tend to describe them simply as adorable. Their names alone hint at a playful sense of humor from the family.
Getting to know the cows as individuals turns a quick petting session into something more memorable. Do not be surprised if you leave with a favorite and a strong opinion about it.
Brushing Duty, the Main Event
Grooming a cow is not on most people’s weekend to-do list, yet here it becomes the highlight. Guests are handed brushes and invited to work through those famously thick coats.
Highland cattle are known for their long, shaggy hair, which helps the breed handle the cold weather of its Scottish homeland. That coat makes brushing both useful and fun to watch.
Kids and grown-ups alike take turns, and the cows seem perfectly happy with the extra attention. Some people even comb the long bangs that hang over the cows’ eyes.
One thing to know ahead of time is that the adults are typically brushed and petted over the fence. Younger or shorter children may find the fence a bit tall, so parents might want to lend a lift.
Bring a little patience and a steady hand. Your new shaggy friend will handle the rest.
Snack Time at the Fence Line
Nothing wins over a Highland cow faster than a treat. Feeding the herd is one of the most loved parts of the visit, and guests of every age line up for a turn.
The farm provides the snacks, so there is no need to bring your own. Simply follow the host’s directions, hold out a treat, and let the cows do what they do best.
Children especially light up during this part. Parents often say feeding and brushing were the moments their kids talked about the whole ride home.
Those big horns may look intimidating at first, but the cows are known for being friendly. Corrie explains how to approach them so everyone feels comfortable.
It is a small act that creates a real connection. A few treats in, even nervous guests tend to relax and start chatting with the cows like old pals.
Little Calves, Big Fan Club
Babies steal the spotlight at almost any farm, and Highland calves might be the fluffiest of all. The homestead has welcomed young calves, and they quickly became fan favorites.
Here is an honest heads-up. Calves need time before they are ready for handling, so snuggling may not be available on every visit.
The owner has explained that calves become ready for petting after they grow a bit. Some guests have arrived hoping for baby cuddles and found the little ones were still keeping their distance.
On later visits, people have mentioned feeding the babies, which shows how things change as the calves grow. Timing matters.
If close time with calves is your main goal, ask about their status when booking. That simple question can help match your expectations to what the herd is ready for that day, and keep the experience happy for everyone involved.
Homeschool Days with a Moo
Field trips rarely come with a fuzzy souvenir, but homeschool days here do. The farm offers a homeschool special built around hands-on time with the herd.
One family noted the session ran 45 minutes for $150, including feeding, brushing, and petting. Pricing can change, so checking the website before booking is smart.
Kids receive a packet with coloring pages, a word search, and a crossword tied to questions Corrie asks during the visit. It keeps young minds engaged while they learn.
They also go home with crayons and a little Highland cow plush. That small gift tends to become a cherished keepsake.
Parents appreciate how patient the host is with children and their endless questions. For homeschool groups across Middle Tennessee, it is a clever way to turn farm science into a morning nobody will forget anytime soon.
Campfires, S’mores and Starry Skies
After the brushes go down, the marshmallows come out. Evening visits at the farm wrap up beside a fire pit, and it might be the coziest part of the whole experience.
The family sets up the campfire, the twinkle lights, and the s’mores supplies. Guests only need to grab a seat and relax.
Many people describe this part as the perfect finish. Fall evenings are especially popular, when cooler weather makes a fire feel just right.
Groups chat, swap stories, and enjoy the open country sky. There is no rush to leave.
Celebrating a birthday or another special occasion? Plenty of guests choose this setting for exactly that reason.
The combination of animals and an easygoing campfire turns a simple farm visit into an evening that feels like a mini getaway, without the long drive or the big price tag of a resort weekend.
Date Night, Farm Style
Dinner and a movie is fine, but brushing a cow together is a story worth retelling. Couples have discovered the homestead as a sweet and unusual date night option.
The evening format works well for two. Partners feed and pet the herd, then cozy up by the fire for s’mores as the day winds down.
Husbands and wives alike come away charmed. One couple even travels from Minnesota to Nashville each year for a birthday trip and has made this farm a regular stop.
That kind of loyalty says plenty about the experience. It is low-key, personal, and refreshingly different.
Guests are welcome to bring their own beverages for evening events. Check with the farm on any details before your visit.
Anniversaries, birthdays, or just a break from routine all fit. Romance, it seems, can come with horns and bangs.
Who Will Love It Most
Grandmas, toddlers, teens, and cow-obsessed adults all find something to enjoy. The farm is often described as appropriate for all ages, and families of several generations visit together.
One family brought three girls between 9 and 13, along with a husband and mother-in-law. Everyone left with memories and plans to return.
Animal lovers will feel right at home. So will anyone who has scrolled past Highland cow photos and wished to meet one in person.
Photographers and holiday planners should note the photo opportunities. People call the pictures Christmas card worthy, and the host is happy to help capture them.
Small children might need help reaching over the fence, so plan accordingly. Otherwise, the pace is gentle and relaxed.
Repeat visits are common too. Several guests return more than once, which may be the strongest endorsement any small farm can earn.
Hours, Booking and the Drive
Planning ahead pays off here, because visits are booked by timeslot. Reservations can be made through the farm’s website at highlandhomestead.net.
Daytime hours generally run 9 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday, with Saturday daytime hours ending at 3 PM. Sundays are closed.
Evening sessions are listed for Friday and Saturday from 7 to 9 PM. Those slots are when campfires, s’mores, and ladies nights usually happen.
As for cost, one homeschool session was noted at $150 for 45 minutes. Other packages may differ, so confirm current prices online.
The drive is about an hour from Nashville, putting it within easy reach for Middle Tennessee residents. Folks from Franklin, Columbia, and beyond can make it a quick outing.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that can handle a little farm life. The cows will not judge your outfit.
Worth the Country Road
Small places can leave big impressions, and this homestead proves it. A handful of shaggy cows, a welcoming family, and a fire pit add up to something memorable.
The appeal is easy to understand. Guests get real time with the animals, solid facts about the breed, and a host who clearly loves sharing her herd.
Families find an educational outing, couples find a fresh date idea, and friends find a fun night out. Each group leaves with photos and stories to share.
Calf snuggles depend on timing, so a quick question when booking helps. Beyond that, the experience is straightforward and full of heart.
Tennessee has plenty of famous attractions, but this one feels like a local secret. It is the kind of spot people quietly tell their best friends about.
Bring a smile and an appetite for s’mores. Bella will handle the welcome.
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