When it comes to winter self-care, most people picture warm blankets, spa days, or a binge-worthy TV lineup. But what if the real magic lies just outside the city, on a quiet piece of land filled with animals, plants, and peace?
At Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch, we’ve found that the best kind of winter reset doesn’t happen in front of a screen—it happens in frosty fields and fuzzy fur. In this blog, we’ll explore how a trip to the farm can lift your spirits, boost your mood, and help you reconnect with what really matters.
The Surprising Joy of Winter on the Farm
Winter on the farm is one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets. Once the vibrant colors of fall fade and the last pumpkin is picked, a gentle stillness settles over the land. It’s a season often overlooked, yet it holds something special: calm.
Gone are the crowds and the noise. In their place are snow-dusted fields, soft morning light, and crisp air that fills your lungs like a fresh start. The world slows down, and so do we. That slow pace isn’t just refreshing—it’s healing.
There’s a comfort in the quiet. You can hear your footsteps crunch over frozen ground. See your breath in the air. Feel yourself relax with each step away from traffic and to-do lists. This time of year, the farm invites you to simply exist—no rush, no expectations. And sometimes, that’s the most nurturing thing of all.
Animal Therapy: Mood-Boosting Moments with Our Fuzzy Friends
We all know animals have a special kind of magic. It turns out, that magic is backed by science. Studies show that time spent with animals can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and increase feelings of happiness. But research aside, you’ll know it when you’re here.
At Howell’s, animals are part of the family. And during winter, they shine in a whole new way. The goats don’t mind the cold—they’re still playful and curious. Chickens peck through the snow like it’s a game. The ducks waddle about, unfazed by frosty puddles. Just watching them is enough to lift your spirits.
Why Animals Just Get It
Animals live in the now. They don’t get stuck in regrets or tangled in what’s next. They notice what’s in front of them—a flake of hay, a friendly face, or a chance to stretch in the sun.
Spend a few minutes with our animals and you’ll feel it, too. The quiet rhythm of the farm and the gentle presence of animals helps us let go of mental clutter. It’s like their calm becomes contagious. Even something as simple as scratching a goat’s chin or hearing a soft “baa” can bring a sense of peace you didn’t know you needed.
And yes, we proudly offer goat cuddling—one of the warmest, snuggliest ways to take the edge off a winter day.
Greenhouse Escapes: Springtime Vibes in the Middle of Winter
Stepping into a greenhouse in winter is like opening a door to spring. The moment you walk in, the chill lifts. Your shoulders drop. The earthy scent of soil and plants fills the air, and you remember what growth feels like.
Inside, the world is green and alive. Leaves rustle gently. Blooms reach for light. It’s a contrast to the bare trees outside, and a powerful reminder that beauty still thrives in the cold.
A Breath of Green in a Gray Season
Winter can be hard on the senses. The sky is often gray. The landscape turns quiet and colorless. But here in the greenhouse, color returns.
Being surrounded by plants has real mental health benefits. It reduces anxiety and improves concentration. But beyond that, it just feels good. It brings life back into focus. That vibrant green, the warmth, the gentle humidity—they all add up to a space that feels more like therapy than a room full of plants.
It’s also a great place to start dreaming. Winter gives us time to plan. Whether you’re thinking of creating a windowsill herb garden or just taking home a cheerful succulent, it all starts here.
Seasonal Farm Fun: Even in Winter, There’s Plenty to Do
You might think farm fun ends when the leaves fall, but winter brings its own kind of wonder. At Howell’s, the experience doesn’t stop when the temperature drops—it simply shifts.
Our farm store becomes a cozy destination, filled with handcrafted dried floral arrangements. These aren’t just decorations—they’re part of our history. What began in our 1910 barn with just a few Strawflowers and Statice has grown into an art form. These preserved blooms bring warmth and natural beauty into your home, lasting through the season and beyond.
Looking for something more interactive? We continue to host private events during the winter months. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a team-building outing, our warm, rustic spaces provide a charming alternative to the usual venues.
Slow Living, Farm Style
Winter naturally slows us down, and the farm amplifies that rhythm. There’s no rush here. No packed schedule. Just moments.
Self-care doesn’t have to be about checking boxes. Sometimes it’s as simple as standing still. Watching a goat nap in the straw. Holding a warm drink while snowflakes drift past. Breathing in cold air and feeling fully present.
The quiet encourages reflection. It opens up space for creativity, gratitude, and rest. And while it might not come with a fancy robe or eucalyptus steam, we think it’s the most honest kind of care.
When you leave Howell’s, you won’t just feel relaxed. You’ll feel reconnected—to nature, to others, and to yourself.
And don’t worry—we’re still your favorite pumpkin patch, even in the off-season.
Ready to Reset?
Winter doesn’t have to mean staying inside. Come experience a different kind of self-care. One that doesn’t ask you to do more but simply to be.
The fuzzy friends are waiting. The greenhouses are warm. The fields are quietly beautiful.
Your cozy winter escape is closer than you think—just follow the frosty fields and fuzzy friends to Howell’s!
