A Golden Retriever dog farm that lets visitors spend quality time with them becomes a tourist hot spot

Imagine stepping into a magical land where wagging tails and furry happiness surround you – that’s the experience at the Golden Retriever Farm!

It’s a special place in Jefferson, Vermont, called Golden Dog Farm, where more than 200 acres are home to adorable and friendly golden retrievers who act like real-life teddy bears.

These lovable dogs are thrilled to meet new friends like you!

Owners Doug and Becca Worple created the Golden Retriever Experience, turning their Golden Retriever farm into a destination for dog lovers.

The farm in the Green Mountains has become a viral sensation on social media, attracting visitors from all over the country.

The Golden Retriever Experience offers a unique opportunity for people to spend quality time with “happy” golden retrievers, the term for a group of these furry friends.

Doug and Becca host hour-long playdates, allowing visitors to enjoy the company of these joyful dogs.

“People are coming from all over the country — they’re taking a break from life and enjoying a moment. And it’s awesome,” Becca told Good Morning America.

The journey to creating this heartwarming experience began when the Worples decided to make a major life change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I had a job where I traveled a couple hundred days a year, and then all of a sudden it just stopped and became a Zoom life,” Doug told PEOPLE, adding that he decided to change course when someone asked him about selling his home when the pandemic started.

Doug, a seasoned advertising professional, and Becca, a children’s photographer, sold their Cincinnati home, rented an RV, and embarked on a six-month road trip.

Eventually, they found a 270-acre property in Vermont, now known as Golden Dog Farm.

Living on the farm with their four golden retrievers, the Worples noticed their dogs lacked human interaction.

To address this, they came up with the idea of creating a Golden Retriever farm and inviting people to meet and spend time with their golden retrievers.

However, they realized that building their own “happy” of goldens would be challenging.

Seeking help from their neighbors, Dana and Susan Menne, experienced breeders of AKC Golden Retrievers, the Golden Retriever Experience was born.

The events began in September 2023 and quickly gained popularity after a TikTok account featured the Golden Retriever farm, resulting in sold-out tickets.

For $75 per person, visitors play with the golden retrievers, enjoying activities like ball games and petting sessions until the dogs are happily tired out.

The experience extends to the farm’s barn, where guests can enjoy hot chocolate, lunch, and treats.

The Golden Retriever Experience lasts about an hour and a half, providing a delightful escape. Professional photos are also available for those who want to capture the memories.

The Worples receive glowing feedback, with attendees describing it as the “best day ever” and even likening it to therapy.

Beyond the fun, the experience at the Golden Retriever farm has brought out strong emotions, serving as a healing space for those who have lost a dog.

It has also become a unique venue for special celebrations, with five proposals during the events.

As the Golden Retriever Experience spreads joy, the Worples are exploring the possibility of hosting parties during the warmer months.

This magical land of wagging tails and furry happiness has become a haven for dog lovers seeking a unique and heartwarming experience.

Though he admits running the entire Golden Retriever farm is like “working two full-time jobs,” the response from people has been well worth it.

“It feels like all the experiences I’ve had in my life, and all the experiences Becca has had in her life have all come together, and they make this possible … it feels like kismet. It feels like it was meant to happen,” he shared.

Aside from the Golder Retriever Experience, the farm also offers You can also explore the whole farm!

They offer tours where you can learn about bees that make the honey they sell, and you can see the orchards of maple trees where they make syrup.

If you’ve ever been curious about beekeeping, they have a special bee experience where you can put on a suit and learn what it’s like to care for bees.

It’s a hands-on way to discover the world of beekeeping and see how honey is made.

The farm also sells merchandise such as caps, hoodies, shirts, sweatshirts, and more! You can visit the site HERE.

Experience the cuteness overload brought by happy Golden Retrievers by watching the video below: