Gainesville, Florida is an incredibly relaxing vacation destination. Bask in the sunlight as you lounge by the pool then break your day up a bit with a refreshing bike ride and lunch at one on the many dining options downtown. This leisurely lifestyle makes Florida the perfect place for a getaway and a popular place to retire after years of hard work, but people aren’t the only hard workers to retire here! Mill Creek Farm in Florida is a retirement home for horses just a half hour away from Sweetwater Branch Inn. The owners and volunteers provide lifelong care and love for elderly horses. The farm is open to the public every Saturday for the admission price of just 2 carrots! Take the whole family to this quaint farm to enjoy these incredible creatures.
If you are planning a trip to Gainesville, you should download our free Vacation Guide! It’s filled with tons of recommendations on things to do, like visiting Mill Creek Farm in Florida. Let Sweetwater Branch Inn make vacation planning easy for you!
About Mill Creek Farm in Florida
Peter and Mary Gregory bought their 325-acre farm in 1984. They decided to settle down and create the nonprofit organization called the Retirement Home for Horses after spending years traveling the world together. Many of their horses have worked hard all their lives in law enforcement, military or other service jobs. All are old, some are blind or ill, but they are all taken care of in the green pastures of Mill Creek Farm in Florida.They promise the horses that they will never be worked or ridden again. They receive loving individual attention with feeding, grooming and veterinary care.
Visiting Mill Creek Farm in Florida
Every Saturday, the horses of Mill Creek Farm in Florida wake up excited to see visitors. They know that the guests will come bearing gifts of apples, carrots, and gentle pats. When you visit the farm, admission is just 2 carrots, but you will want to bring more! The horses line the fence begging for attention and a treat. There are over 100 horses at the retirement farm, so a bag or two of carrots is always a good idea. If you have never fed a horse, the staff is there to help!
After you’ve fed the horses, take a stroll around the expansive property. There are trails running through the farm with beautiful views of tree-lined green pasture. Signs can be found in the area to give you information on the horses like their names and how they came to the farm. Make sure you bring some takeout from The Sweet Tea to have a picnic while you watch the horses graze!
Stay With Us at Sweetwater Branch Inn
Sweetwater Branch Inn is conveniently located in the heart of Gainesville just minutes away from downtown and close to many nearby attractions like Mill Creek Farm in Florida. Our inn offers 20 gorgeous guest rooms, suites, and cottages that are perfect for any occasion. Each room reservation includes delicious full breakfast! If you’re traveling with family or a group, consider one of our cottages. Nora Belle’s Cottage sleeps 6 and includes 2 bedrooms, a living room with a double pull-out couch, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and wraparound front porch. It’s perfect for a family get-together, a Gator football party, bridal/baby showers, girlfriend getaways, and much more! Check availability for a Gainesville getaway today!