Christmas Tree Time at Dzen Tree Farm

Cut to the chase. Take me to the Momsense.

So we finally got our Christmas tree. The timing was a week later than I would have liked, but it is here, decorated, and glowing in our living room.

So where did our Christmas tree adventures take us this year?

Dzen Tree Farm is located in South Windsor, Connecticut and was a destination recommended by several friends. At this farm, you can either select a freshly cut Christmas tree or cut one yourself. They offer two varieties: fir trees and spruce trees and all trees cost $40

When we arrived at the entrance to the farm, I have to admit it was a bit confusing.  There were other farms in the area, including one with the same family name, Dzen.  I wasn’t quite sure which way to go but I knew the destination we wanted had reindeer (yes.  real, live reindeer). So I noticed that one of the signs included “visit reindeer” and that ended up being the right way to go. 

The farm has sold off some of their land for a residential development, so it looks like you are driving through a neighborhood as you make your way towards the main entrance. Just follow the signs and look for a little red building.

At the red building we got the scoop on how things work at this farm. We were offered a saw to borrow (we had brought our own) and were given some guidance on where to begin our tree search.  There were a few places we could go, but we just headed up the hill to the main parking area on the right.

Now we were visiting on a Wednesday morning, so needless to say it was not busy and there was plenty of parking available. I had promised the kids that we would be seeing reindeer on our trip, so that had to be the first stop.

Besides the reindeer, the main area includes a few other things.  This is where you can pick up pre-cut trees (also $40), wreaths (plain or with bows), and there is a snack bar which supposedly is open on the weekends.

 

This was also the location of the port-a-potty . . . a vital outing element when you are dealing with two potty training kids.

Right next to this area where a few highlights: a nativity scene and the famous reindeer, Belle and Mistletoe.

Once we were done with the reindeer sight-seeing it was time to get to work and pick out our tree!  There were a lot of options when it came to places to look, but we just stuck in the area near our car.  The ceilings in our house are not very high, so we only needed a tree that was 5 feet or so.

The search was on and I had a few little helpers. It took us a while to find our favorite tree.  I would look and look and look and my husband would do some very scientific measuring (see below).

I would find a tree that I liked and then get distracted by the kiddos and loose it.  This happened a few times until I finally stood in front of the tree I wanted and refused to move until everyone came to me.  The kids found this very entertaining 🙂

But we finally did it!

I mentioned before that you could borrow a saw, but my husband had brought his own. So as soon as I settled on the tree I wanted, he and his little elves got to work.

He carried the tree back to our car and got to work securing it to the roof while I kept the munchkins entertained with another visit to the reindeer.

At Dzen Tree Farm they do not assist you with securing the tree, but they do provide plenty of rope for you to use.  It is located in buckets around the property. My husband also brought a tarp to keep the tree from scratching the roof of our car. 

Our trip home from the farm involved driving on the highway, so we had to make sure that tree was super secure before we headed out.  We tied, re-tied and then tied some more.  That tree wasn’t going anywhere.

After we were done, it was time to head back down to the red building and pay for our newest family addition. All trees are $40 and they accept cash or check.

Mission accomplished.

 

THE MOMSENSE:

Dzen Tree Farm

215 Barber Hill Road, South Windsor, CT

Phone: (860) 648-2233

Email: dzentree@aol.com

Check out videos about Dzen Tree Farm here and here.

Hours:

• Open November 29, 2013 (always the day after Thanksgiving) through December 24th
• 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Cost: 

• All trees $40 (cash or check only)
• Variety of pricing for decorations and snacks

Details:

• Things to see:
  • Nativity scene
  • Live reindeer
• Things to eat and drink:
  • A snack bar is open on Saturdays and Sundays
  • Items available for purchase include:  coffee, hot chocolate, soda, water, cookies, and popcorn.  Everything is $1.
• Holiday items available for purchase:
  • Trees (cut your own or pre-cut)
  • Wreaths

Tips and Things to Bring:

• Bring cash or check for your purchase
• Pay for your tree at the red building when you exit
• If you are toting a non-walker on your trip, I would recommend using a Baby Bjorn or a similar carrier. A stroller would be difficult to use when searching for your perfect tree.
• Bring a saw and gloves or borrow a saw from the farm
• Rope is available for free at the farm
• A port-a-potty is located right next to the building containing the snack bar

Meet Our Sponsors!

• NEW – The Annie Fisher Montessori Magnet School – AFM offers children ages three to twelve years old a free, public Montessori education implemented to the highest standards set by Association Montessori Internationale.
• The Independent Day School – Located on a rural campus in Middlefield, CT is a private pre-school, elementary and middle school, serving families from over 20 communities.
• Kathryn Deane Photography – Kathryn is a natural light photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, child, family, and senior portrait photography.

Are you interested in becoming an Out and About Mom sponsor? Click here for more info.

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