**Disclosure: We received a complimentary Christmas tree for the purpose of conducting an accurate review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
This past year, I have really been working on checking items off of the bucket list pretty rapid fire. One thing that I had never done **until last weekend** was cut down a Christmas tree. In the past, I have had allergy issues with Christmas trees. So, we have opted to have an artificial tree. However, this year we had the opportunity to visit Richardson Christmas Tree Farm we would cut our own tree to spice things up a little bit. **And, the pine tree we chose has not been bothering my allergies! Hooray!**
When we visited Richardson Farm this past fall for the Corn Maze, I was pretty impressed by the overall warmth of the family experience. We experienced that same warmth when we visited Richardson last weekend as well! The Richardson Family has created an atmosphere to make all families welcome in their home!
For those who have never cut down their own Christmas tree before, cutting at tree at Richardson is incredibly easy and enjoyable. The family has streamlined the process so that some of the less pleasurable tasks are handled by staff and some pretty interesting machines.
To begin our expedition, we headed for the free wagon ride to the trees. Before hopping aboard, we took a look at sample trees {my daughter decided that we had to have one with soft needles} and grabbed a saw. We were given a little orientation before joining other families for our wagon ride.
Once we arrived to the field, we enjoyed weaving in and out looking for the tree that was just right--the right height, the right fullness and, of course, the softest of all needles!
We found the right one and my husband literally laid on the ground to cut down our conquest. We were not sure what to expect when cutting down the tree.
However, the process was pretty quick and before we knew it, we were on the wagon back to have our tree baled. The farm uses an easy ticket system for you to leave your tree in a holding area, purchase it and come back for it later so you do not have to lug it around too much.
Following the tree baling, we explored the Christmas Barn. The barn was bustling with cheerful families reveling in holiday fun! There are delightful food items for purchase like fresh donuts. There is a craft area with a selection of holiday finds including items made locally. A visit to the Christmas Barn really rounds out the holiday experience!
Some truly neat things to do at Richardson Christmas Tree Farm:
- You can bring Fido! The Richardson Family is creating a truly down home family experience. Your furry best friend is certainly welcome on your Christmas tree expedition as long as they are well behaved and on a leash.
- Be sure to sample the homemade fudge. The fudge is delightfully creamy so you will definitely be tempted to take some home!
- Take a peek into the area of the barn where crafters are working on garlands and wreaths. They have machines that help them thread these beautiful pieces. Pretty amazing!
- The shaking and baling machines are fun to watch. Just imagine these full trees wiggling about while on the shaking machine! A bit silly to look at!
- Hot chocolate is complimentary, so be sure to warm up with a cup.
- You can purchase wreaths and garland and have them custom decorated.
- The Richardson Family is very hands on and creates such a warm, family ambiance. You feel like you are part of the family when on the farm!
For more details on our visit and additional insights, read my review at Trekaroo.
Richardson Christmas Tree Farm is located at 9405 Richardson Road in Spring Grove, IL. They will be open through December 23, 2013 from 9AM-6PM for tree cutting. However, the best trees are gone first, so don't wait! Trees do cost about $50-$60 not including tax.
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