School is almost out, and you surely need a few days away relaxing. So next time you travel or go on vacation, stay on a farm and let a rooster be your alarm clock. Choosing a farm stay instead of a traditional hotel has been practiced in Europe for centuries and is now catching on in the United States. Finding these great rural getaways can be a problem, but thanks to a Web site called SleepInTheHay.com, you can find a bed of hay to sleep on throughout the country. The online catalog was started by Kari Brayman in 2008 as a central place to locate different farms and ranches.

Farm stays offer different amenities and adventures. The accommodations range from a full bed and breakfast to pitching a tent in the woods. Besides where you sleep, farm stays allow you to jump in and take part in the farm. For instance, Brayman remembers one of the farm stays her family visited let them pick carrots in the garden. Other farms will let visitors gather eggs, hike trails or feed alpacas.

SleepInTheHay.com reached 100 listings in 31 states in September 2010 and continues to expand. The listing requirements guarantee the destination is a working family farm with activities for visitors to participate in. The prospective visitors contact the farm directly to set up a stay. To list your farm or ranch, submit an application online; and for the cost of $39 a year, SleepInTheHay will help travelers find your farm.

Find your next farm stay and learn more at SleepInTheHay.com.