My mom and the unnamed child have always had a very close relationship. Sleepovers at mimi’s meant homemade cookies, putting on their swimsuits and getting in the jacuzzi tub while sipping cocktails (orange juice) in champagne glasses, and staying up late watching tv together.
Even as a teenager, it hasn’t been uncommon for her to go stay the night over at Mimi’s. They even watch the same tv shows (Teen Wolf, Vampire Diaries, The Originals). I’m pretty sure my mom just watches them, so she has something to talk about with her … and I think that’s pretty sweet.
Every year as the summer winds down, they go do something fun together. So this year mom offered to take her to a Hedricks Bed and Breakfast, which is also an exotic animal farm. They invited me to come along, and after I saw the brochure with all of those furry faces they had me at hello.
First of all, let me say this place is off the beaten path, so you have to eat dinner before you get there. On the way, in an Amish/Mennonite community, there is a restaurant called Carriage Crossing that has the most wonderful homemade food, and the most delicious homemade pie, you have ever had. After my fried chicken and Tollhouse pie, it was off to check in.
Now this place is not known for its amenities, people. If you are looking for glamorous, five-star accommodations this is not the place for you. These rooms have window Air conditioner units if you get my drift (but they work and that was all I was worried about).
Every room has a theme, the llama room, zebra room, etc. They have hand painted murals of the animals on the walls, and some of the rooms have mosquito netting on the beds (for decoration only … it’s not that rustic). And it may be the only place I’ve stayed in the past ten years that you need an actual key (not a card) to access your room.
The rooms are very clean, and when you open up the door to your balcony, you look down into the kangaroo paddock. How cool is that? Freaking kangaroos! You see them playing together and see their little joeys popping up out of their mamas pouches.
That is how I looked after the fried chicken and pie. Big ol’ belly.
Then it was time for our tour.
You got to see the pot bellied pig, exotic birds, goats, mini donkeys, porcupine, mini deer-looking things, and something that looked like the combo of a big rabbit and a deer.
Then came the best part. We got to feed sweet potatoes to the giraffes and kangaroos! They probably had 8 giraffes, and they came right up to you and used their big purple tongues to take them right out of your hands!
Clearly he was not impressed with us.
They would let you pet their sweet little heads
You did have to watch out for your hair!
They had a ton of kangaroos (my favorite), and they also would walk right up to you and take the food right out of your hands, or you could put them directly into their mouths and they would sit there forever and let you pet them!
How often does a girl from Kansas get to do that?
I will warn you that this post is going to look a little narcissistic because a lot of the pictures we took there were of the unnamed child, and we all know that she won’t allow me to post any full on pictures of her in case I might embarrass her … so a lot of the ones I am showing you are of me.
Once the tour was over, everyone met back at the inn and had homemade cookies and juice.
We then went back to our room and watched two movies from the VHS library they had (yes I said VHS) — I told you, the Ritz it is not.
In the morning, they served you a homemade breakfast with waffles, two different egg casseroles, bagels, fruit, and lots more. This little guy was watching me through the window.
Then it was time for the morning tour where you got to feed the babies. We got to feed bottles to the baby llamas and goats.
They gave us a much longer tour than the night before, telling us all about them shipping the animals around the US to be in movies, commercials, and plays.
Then we got to feed the giraffes and kangaroos again.
Definitely checking with our Home Owners Association about getting one of these guys.
Mimi feeding the kangaroos
My new BFF. I named him Walley.
At the end of the tour, kids could take pony rides, and anyone that wanted to could take a camel ride.
Topher even got in on the fun when he came to pick us up!
If you live anywhere Nickerson, Kansas, it is really worth the drive to stay here.
Families with young kids would absolutely love it — heck anyone who is an animal lover would love to stay here!
I am in no way affiliated with, or being paid by, the Hedricks. It is just my honest opinion that it is an awesome place.
Brenda Gilbert says
We were thankful that ChrisTopher stopped by to see us..the other set of parents..we live 5 miles east of Hedricks and it is always a fun ride over to see the critters. Like having a fun zoo down the road! Glad you had a fun time!
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
How fun I love seeing all the animals. This looks like a fabulous place to spend the weekend. Great photos.
Shanna says
Thanks Marty! I’m such an animal lover, and anytime I get to interact with unusual animals is such a treat!
Kari Maddox says
I LOVE IT! Looks like so much fun and I am happy to see so many well taken care of animals!!
Shanna says
Oh yes, it was fun Kari! They take great care of all those animals! It would be so fun to work there are interact with them all day!
Linda says
What a great time! I have a message for unnamed child. Please tell her that we all feel like we know her,
from the scant photos she is beautiful and we would very much like to meet her. Tell her Mom is very protective of her anonymity and we don’t even have to know her name! She can remain “Unnamed!” PLEASE!
clydia @ Three Mango Seeds says
Wow — we are pretty close and I think our kiddos would love this place! Thanks for sharing — looks like you guys had a blast! xoxo
Shanna says
We did have fun Clydia! It’s definitely worth the drive, your kiddos would love it!
Anto Holland James says
Wow, It’s amazing. I also want to visit that place surely on weekends. Please share the address