Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary

We will start the day with visiting one of the largest animal rescues in the Northeastern USA, Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary. This place has been voted one of the Top 10 places to visit in all of New Jersey. The animal rescue cares for more than 600 animals.

Every year millions of animals are euthanized throughout the United States. A majority of them are euthanized because of lack of homes, having special needs or old age. It is especially difficult to find homes for unwanted farm animals. At Funny Farm these animals are giving a forever home and provide the animals with healthy nutrition, safe shelter, medical care, appropriate grooming and lots of love.

One thing that is unique about this rescue farm is that many of the animals are roaming free on the property and will come right up to you. (Especially if you feed them)

The farm also has a beautiful garden.

You will find a small General store where you can purchase gifts, T-shirts, and food for the animals which you can hand feed.

Visit a cat house.

This place is a non-profit charity organization that does not receive any State or Federal funding. It is run entirely by donations, which is the reason why the price for this day tour is extra low so that you hopefully will give the farm a donation. (Besides the one that Hines Tours will give the farm)

The farm does have their own liability waiver which you will have to sign before our visit in addition to ours.

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Watch a short video here about Laurie Zaleskie, the founder and owner of the Funny Farm Rescue.

We will eat Lunch.  

Batsto Mansion

In the heart of Batsto Village you will find a 32-room mansion, which was the residence of generations of ironmasters.

The Batsto Mansion reflects the prosperity enjoyed during Batsto Village’s industrial years. In the late 19th century, Philadelphia businessman Joseph Wharton renovated the structure into the elegant Italianate style of architecture.

Receive a guided tour of the mansion and learn about the people that used to live it.

Batsto Village

This is a national recognized historic site, which is located in Wharton State Forest, part of the Pinelands National Reserve in New Jersey.

Batsto was founded in 1766, by Charles Read who built an ironworks at the mouth of the Batsto River. During the American Revolution, the ironworks became an important supplier to the Continental Army. 

In 1876, Joseph Wharton, a Philadelphia industrialist, acquired Batsto as a third home and investment property. He made considerable changes to the property including the building of the sawmill, an underground silo and he also enlarged the mansion.

New Jersey purchased the property in the mid-1950s and today Batsto consists of over 30 buildings many of these you will visit during a guided walking tour of the village.

A visitor center features an exhibit gallery and a museum store.

Guided Nature Walk

We will also indulge ourselves in a guided nature walk by the village, the walk will be guided by a naturalist that we teach you about the unique Pine Barrens ecosystem. In the photo you see the beautiful Batsto Lake.

We will drive back to NYC.

Arrival back to NYC at approximately 7:30 - 8 pm.

The following is included in the price of this tour:

• Transportation with deluxe air-conditioned van from NYC
• Friendly and professional tour coordinator
• A light breakfast 
• A full lunch
• Snacks on the van 
• One bottle of water
• Admission to all attractions
• All taxes and fees

Not included:

• Gratuities are left to your discretion.
• Any food not mentioned.
• Food to feed the animals
• Any extra donations that you might want to contribute to the animal rescue

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR FOR THE TOUR

ID: Please bring a valid government issued identification. (Adults only)

CONFIRMATION EMAIL: Either on your phone or printed out

CLOTHES: according to the weather. 

FOOTWEAR: Good walking shoes or sneakers. You are not allowed to wear open shoes at the farm.

RAIN GEAR: Even with no rain in the forecast, we recommend you bring some rain gear.

WATER: In a plastic bottle.

CAMERA: With extra memory/film is highly recommended. You will experience interesting sceneries.

CASH: Although our tour is classified as an "all inclusive". It is advisable to bring some cash for snacks, souvenirs and gratuities for the guide which is left to your discretion.

INSURANCE: Even if this is just a day tour, if you are concern about losing money due to illness (including Covid-19) or other unpredictable matters, we highly recommend you buy a travel insurance. We can recommend www.insuremytrip.com or www.squaremouth.com (Hines Tours is not affiliated with either of these sites in any form). We do not give tour refunds or tour credits if you are not able to make the tour for any unforeseen reasons.