Weekend Getaway: Lemon Lane Farm & Flying Pigs Sanctuary
I first found out about Lemon Lane Farm and the animals that make up Flying Pigs Sanctuary when on a desperate search to find a safe place my ducklings could call home.
I was ‘gifted’ ducklings, named Shallot & Peepers, as a horrible prank. After 2-months of raising them on my own, I knew they needed more space than I could provide as they were growing quickly – a reality most don’t consider when getting ducks. Tens of thousands of domestic ducks are dumped or rehomed each year due to people gifting ducklings, specifically around Easter. As domestic ducks are practically defenseless and not good flyers, they will not survive in the wild.
After many attempts at calling local farms, I realized what a challenge it was to find a flock that wasn’t already full due to farmers already taking in rescue ducks. Through a few referrals, I was finally put in touch with Amy, owner of Lemon Lane Farm & Flying Pigs Sanctuary. Not only did Amy find space in her existing flock, but offered us to stay the night at one of her unique glampsites on the property. A few days later, we were driving 2hrs outside Nashville to Grandview, TN where the farm was located. Within seconds of turning on Possum Trot Rd. I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and that somehow, I was meant to find this farm. Not only did we find a forever home for the ducks, but we also found paradise and made new friendships that felt like were written in the stars.
“I yearned for a career that would allow me to explore the world, accumulate the means to return to riding someday, and ultimately realize my dream of owning a farm. Little did I know then that this farm would one day evolve into a sanctuary with glamping sites – a vision beyond my wildest dreams!” – Amy Thran, Lemon Lane Farm Owner
To outline my favorite parts about the farm and all the activities it has to offer, I interviewed Amy, as who else better to describe it than the owner herself? This blog post highlights the true magic you will experience at the Farm, the incredible story surrounding its 65+ rescue animals, and the super-women behind it all. Whether you are local to Tennessee, want a fun adventure with friends and family, or are looking to connect with nature and animals – this is somewhere you don’t want to miss.
Lemon Lane Farm & Flying Pigs Sanctuary
Glampsites: There are 6 unique glampsites spread throughout the 116 acres that make up the farm – each different from the next. Spanning from cabins to A-frames and even redone school buses, you’ll find the one that speaks to you. Some of the glampsites are even dog-friendly such as Cow Girl Cabin (my favorite one to stay in) and Tiny House. They also offer group bookings which was what we did this year for our birthdays and rented a few spots out!
“Choosing a favorite Cabin among them is quite the challenge because I hold a deep affection for each. The bus is an all-time favorite – sleeping in a school bus is undeniably cool, complete with all the modern conveniences. Then there’s the unparalleled view from Tiny, and the experience of staying in Happy Camper, with its close proximity to the charming animals. However, I’d have to say that Minnie AF, our miniature A-Frame, stands out as the most distinctive, with one side that opens up to offer a nestled-in-the-trees sensation. If I had to choose, my heart will always lean towards Cowgirl – it was the one that initially brought me to the farm and holds a special place in my heart.” – Amy Thran, Lemon Lane Farm Owner
The Farm: There are so many activities on the farm that further enhance your stay such as the wood-fired hot tub that’s delivered to your glampsite or on-site yoga & massages. Take one of the many beautiful trails to find the Pond where you can swim, float, fish, or enjoy the afternoon relaxing on the dock. After polar plunging in the pond, head to sauna to warm up and unwind.
“I absolutely adore the hot tub and sauna combination, and the upcoming addition of a cold plunge will take it to a whole new level of relaxation. As much as I enjoy delivering breakfast in bed to our guests, I must admit that my absolute favorite is conducting the animal tours, where people have the opportunity to meet our animals and learn about their unique stories.” – Amy Thran, Lemon Lane Farm Owner
The Animals: The BEST part about the farm, Flying Pigs Sanctuary, a nonprofit animal micro sanctuary. Growing in animals by the day, Amy and her team offer the best possible healthcare, nutrition, and housing to their animal residents no matter the species. You’ll get to meet each one while you’re there and hear their origin stories – read the interview below to learn more!
Let’s get to the interview…
Nat: Although the first time we met was at your farm, we quickly found out you had previously lived a few streets down from me before moving full-time to the farm. Like me, we both didn’t grow up here, can you share where you grew up and what brought you to Nashville?
Amy: I spent my formative years in Alpharetta, Georgia, with a steadfast determination never to return to my home state, I ventured off to college in North Carolina. Fate, however, had different plans, as my first job led me back to Atlanta. But I wasted no time plotting my exit strategy, and the moment I had an opportunity to break free, I seized it. In 2005, I made a life-changing decision to relocate to Nashville, Tennessee for a job opportunity, and I can honestly say I’ve never once regretted that choice.
Nat: Growing up, was it your goal to own the farm, or what did you envision you’d be?
Amy: My journey began in childhood with my love for horses, but the reality of their hefty expenses forced me to roll up my sleeves early on. At the age of 8, I embarked on a quest to pay for my riding lessons through work. Horses held my heart in a vice grip, and my youthful ambition was to become a veterinarian.
During my high school years, I had the opportunity to intern at a veterinary clinic. It was a revealing experience, and I quickly discovered that I wasn’t cut out for the heart-wrenching aspects of the profession, particularly the difficult task of euthanasia. So, I pivoted, setting my sights on a career as a professional rider.
College beckoned with a full scholarship for riding, transforming my beloved passion into what felt like a demanding occupation. I found myself missing out on the typical college experiences – spring breaks, study abroad programs – because my life had become so horse-centric. It was a sacrifice driven by my love for these magnificent creatures.
Upon graduation, I made a pivotal decision. I yearned for a career that would allow me to explore the world, accumulate the means to return to riding someday, and ultimately realize my dream of owning a farm. Little did I know then that this farm would one day evolve into a sanctuary with glamping sites – a vision beyond my wildest dreams!
Nat: How would younger you react to the incredible place you’ve created at Lemon Lane Farm?
Amy: She would absolutely adore this place. My childhood was filled with a deep love for all animals, even insects were spared from harm. In fact, I’ve always found myself more compassionate toward animals than people.
Before my mom’s second divorce, a pivotal moment in my life when I was just 8 years old, we lived in a house nestled in the heart of a sprawling 120-acre farm. Though we only officially owned one acre, those expansive fields were my playground. I would spend my days frolicking through them, plucking wildflowers, pedaling my bike down to the pond, and even befriending the horses that grazed just beyond our fence at the neighboring farm.
To me, Lemon Lane embodies the essence of my childhood. It serves as a poignant reminder of what we lost during those tumultuous times and, remarkably, how life has come full circle, allowing me to reclaim a piece of my cherished past.
Nat: You first came across the farm through HipCamp (a great app for finding cabins, camping spots, or unique stays). You had spent some time at one of the cabins that still stands today, Cowgirl Cabin. A few months later, you saw Lemon Lane Farm was for sale and put in an offer, it quickly became official in 2019. How did you make this decision and what did it look like back then?
Amy: Lemon Lane Farm represents the perfect fusion of my deepest passions, encompassing a vast 100-acre canvas. During my 30s and early 40s, I nurtured a fervent love for ultra trail running, which led me to dream of a 100-acre haven where I could craft my own running trails to enjoy as I gracefully aged. My affection for real estate ignited in my early 20s, propelling me to invest in rental properties. As an early enthusiast of Airbnb, I soon encountered the limitations imposed by urban settings on my ambitions. I yearned for a property free from external restrictions, where my creativity could flourish. My love for the great outdoors and my passion for empowering individuals to break free from their comfort zones led me to the concept of glamping. This became the ideal avenue to attract like-minded individuals to our farm, offering them the opportunity to experience the outdoors in a comfortable yet adventurous way. Lastly, my unwavering devotion to animals stirred the desire for a sanctuary where I could readily provide refuge for more than just a handful of dogs and a pig. And thus, like magic, Lemon Lane Farm came into existence.
Nat: With 119 acres and all of the animals to tend to, who makes up the team at the farm? How did you find them to help?
Amy: It undeniably takes a community effort. Fortunately, the previous owners of the farm graciously facilitated my introduction to the local residents before their relocation to California. Among these acquaintances, the Meeks family, who have seamlessly transformed into my extended family within Grandview, have played a pivotal role. Each member contributes to the farm in a unique way. Shawn is the skilled builder, Charity is both a meticulous cleaner and a proficient builder, Becca diligently tends to various tasks, from cleaning the glamping sites to maintaining the grounds and caring for the animals, while her sister Lashawnda offers her assistance when her schedule permits. Furthermore, there are other indispensable neighbors who play crucial roles in the farm’s success. Shannon, adept at hay cutting and repairs, and Sam Ray, who possesses a similar talent for fixing things, are vital contributors. Sam’s wife Sheila imparts her wisdom as my beekeeping mentor, while the Lemons, residing on the nearby hill, are readily available with their support, just a phone call away. Additionally, numerous neighbors generously volunteer their time to assist with the animals. The overwhelming love and support I receive from this community is nothing short of astonishing.
Nat: Who was the first animal of Flying Pigs Sanctuary and who is the most recent?
Amy: Herbert, the house pig, is the founding father of Flying Pigs. He lived with me in East Nashville, he was less of a rescue and more of a rehome situation from a sweet college student who saved him from being fed to a boa constrictor when he was younger – To this day, I tell her that he’s her pig and I’m just her guardian. I’m a big believer that animals are meant to have companionship so my quest to find a farm and a friend for Herbert began. The most recent rescue is our sweet Weezie, a female KuneKune mix pig. She came from a horrific situation where she was standing in a 4×8 cage with slop up to her belly, no clean water, and skinny as a rail.
Nat: What is the greatest length you have gone to rescue an animal and what motivates you to do so
Amy: Every rescue is a distinctive and remarkable experience, but it’s Weezie who truly stands out as one of the most challenging yet rewarding cases. I was in Nashville for work when we received a call from Ziggy’s Refuge, informing us about a lone pig in the remote hills of North Carolina in need of rescue. Determined to help, I embarked on a 5.5-hour drive to reach her, followed by another 3.5-hour journey to get back home, arriving very late at night.
Upon reaching her, I was confronted with a distressing sight – she was caked in filth and mud, without access to water, and who knows when she had last eaten. It was the first time I had witnessed, firsthand, the harsh reality that so many pigs endure. I had known it was a tough world out there for them, but seeing it in person was a profound awakening. It became clear that we needed to intensify our efforts in community outreach, even when our capacity was stretched to its limit.
During the first hour of the drive back with Weezie, I couldn’t help but shed tears as I ruminated on the suffering of countless animals worldwide. However, Weezie’s transformation has been nothing short of heartwarming. She has evolved into the most affectionate soul, and each time she lays down for a belly rub, it feels like her memories of the harrowing past are drifting further and further away in her mind.
Nat: Where do you see you and the farm in 5 years and are there any new kinds of animals you’d like to open up your doors to?
Amy: Looking ahead fills me with excitement. I have a vision of an advanced barn, equipped with a comfortable apartment above it, to accommodate a full-time animal caretaker. My dream is to provide a home for at least four of the larger meat pigs, endearingly known as “Bigs” in the pig rescue community. In terms of our glamping business, I’m eager to see our “Adult Camp” series thrive, with each season fully booked (stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming camps). Additionally, I aspire to host a retreat every month and welcome more milestone celebrations. It’s incredibly rewarding to host groups of friends and families at the farm for their special occasions like we did for you and Colin for your Birthdays this year!
Nat: If there is one thing you could hope people walk away with after staying at Lemon Lane Farm, what would it be?
Amy: They discovered the rejuvenating power of unplugging and the soul-soothing effect of animals
Nat: What is the best way people can offer help to Lemon Lane Farm and the animals of Flying Pigs Sanctuary?
Amy: Embracing the spirit of sharing is at the heart of what we do! We invite you to join us in spreading the love by telling others about our mission. Follow us on our social media channels to stay updated on our adventures and heartwarming stories. And, if you have the means, consider making a donation to support our cause.
For those who love the convenience of online shopping, we’ve put together an Amazon wish list filled with essential items that can make a world of difference to our beloved farmly.
But that’s not all – our store is a treasure trove of delight, offering fantastic merchandise that you’ll adore. And for an even deeper connection, sign up to become a pig pal and engage in heartfelt correspondence with the animal of your choice.
Yearning for a firsthand experience? Come visit us at the farm, where you can immerse yourself in the magic of our sanctuary. Consider sponsoring one of our remarkable animals, and witness the profound impact your support has on their lives. There are numerous ways to get involved, and each one plays a vital role in helping us fulfill our mission to care for our cherished farmly.
If it hasn’t been abundantly clear, the farm has become a sacred place for me, as well as for the many guests and animals that have found their way to it. Thank you to Amy and her incredible staff for giving each animal the happily ever after they deserve and a place for all of us to feel more connected to this beautiful world we live in.
