by Vanessa Infanzon
In 2017, an Instagram post about a Highland calf born on Happy Hens and Highlands Farm in Bakersville, went viral, with news outlets around the world sharing the story. Baby James, born with medical issues and rejected by his herd, captured hearts in a time when Highland cows were becoming increasingly popular in the United States, says Emily Grace, the farm’s owner.
“Baby James’ story went worldwide,” she says. “It really did spark something across the country.”
A fold of hardy Highland cows — or coos, if you’re Scottish — offers a scenic backdrop for a rural escape. People are flocking to farms in the Carolinas to learn about Highland cows, a heritage breed with fluffy black, ginger, white or yellow coats. The fringe, called a dossan, protects their eyes from the elements.
Happy Hens and Highlands in western North Carolina hosts photography sessions and 30- to 60-minute tours. Guests can brush and pet the cows and take selfies with 360-degree views of Mount Mitchell and Roan Mountain.
“You never know what you’re going to experience,” Emily Grace says. “I let the cattle guide it. They do their thing, and you are there in their environment.”
Curious about Highland cows? Try one of these farms for a day trip or weekend excursion.
Crandall Bowles Children’s Farm at Anne Springs Close Greenway
The Children’s Farm opened in 2024 as a hub for outdoor education at Anne Springs Close Greenway, a 2,100-acre nature preserve just across the state line in York County, South Carolina. Tuesday through Sunday, guests can walk the half-mile loop trail to visit with alpacas, chickens, horses, pigs and more. Winki Dink, the farm’s 5-year-old Highland cow, grazes in the pasture. Due to his size and reddish coat, his nickname is Clifford, like the famous Big Red Dog. For up-close animal interactions, visit on Family Farm Days — the next one is April 18 from 9 a.m. – noon. Admission is free.
1046 Horse Road, Fort Mill, S.C.
Cellar Creek Farm
Book a private farm tour for up to eight people on scheduled Sundays or during the week to see Highland cows at Cellar Creek Farm in Asheboro, about 1.5 hours from Charlotte. Feed Nigerian dwarf goats and baby Highlands, and snuggle with baby cows and pigs. Visitors can book hourlong photography sessions — bring your own photographer, or the farm can recommend one.
3015 Stream Watch Trail, Asheboro
Crooked Creek Highlands
Crooked Creek Highlands, a North Carolina Century Farm (owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years) about 65 miles north of Charlotte, offers one-hour tours featuring Highland cows, Nigerian dwarf goats, a pony, sheep and donkeys. Professional photography sessions along with events such as a Baby Highland Meet & Greet and painting and pottery parties are scheduled throughout the year on the working farm. On May 9, Spring on the Farm offers a chance to meet the Highland cows and enjoy a craft fair, barbecue and ice cream.
4147 Somers Road, Hamptonville
Millstone Creek Orchards
Spring at Millstone Creek Orchards — about a two-hour drive from the Queen City — starts with an Easter Extravaganza on April 5 with egg hunts, fishing, hayrides and music. The Spring Fling Outdoor Market on April 18 features 80 artisan craft and food vendors, plus apple-cider slushies, doughnuts and ice cream at the Apple Barn Country Store. Reserve tickets for special events with baby Highland cows in April and May.
506 Parks Crossroads Church Road, Ramseur
Paradise Family Farm
Meet Fast Freddie, Emmett, CeeCee and Sybil, Paradise Family Farm’s Highland cows. Experience life on the farm with a Highland Cow Farm Stay, a weekend that includes a 60- to 90-minute UTV tour. Guests help with farm chores such as feeding and grooming the Highland cattle. The farm is about 75 miles northwest of Charlotte.
650 Glenn Carlton Road, Boomer
Winchester Creek Farm
Baby Bug, an adopted micro-mini Highland cow, was born just 18 inches tall. Due to her size, the breeder worried she’d be raised to create designer cows — a problematic trend among Highland cows — so Winchester Creek Farm took her in. Guided tours and alpaca yoga are among the offerings at this 23-acre farm in western N.C.
386 Walker Road, Waynesville SP
