Autumn bliss: Sleepy Hollow Farm draws huge crowds. But fed-up owners are finally fighting back against the influencer rush.
The sight of the Sleepy Hollow Farm alone triggers vivid images of rustling leaves, hot drinks, and a beautiful view: a happy place that radiates autumnal energy. Hunting for the perfect picture during spooky season, many influencers flock to the small farm in Pomfret, Vermont. However, most who take pictures or even fly their drones are unaware that they are trespassing on private property. After seasons of having their cars boxed in and the entrance to their home completely blocked, the owners and the town finally had enough.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The New England state of Vermont is a popular destination during spooky season, as the fall foliage, covered bridges, and general stores give off a cozy atmosphere that is hard to find in other states. A town called Pomfret, with a population of about 900, turned out to be the most popular sight for influencers due to one specific location: the Sleepy Hollow Farm. While unrelated to the famous New York ghost story, the farm has plenty of its own star power: it previously served as the private retreat of Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry and his wife, Billie. In August 2022, the property changed hands, having been sold for $4.25 million to LaChopera, LLC, a private entity. However, the legendary reputation preceding the farm turns out to be more of a curse than a blessing.
Overcrowding a Quaint Town
In interviews, local residents have lamented the sheer volume of influencers overcrowding the town. The narrow dirt street that leads to the property was routinely filled with parked cars, as there are no official parking lots nearby. Some social media stars even packed drones to fly over the land without permission; others frequently bothered residents, asking to use private bathrooms, or demanding to know where food facilities and parking areas were. Despite signage stating that the residence is private, the crowds kept snapping away.
As tourists hunted for the "money shot," parking in driveways, trampling property, and even setting up portable changing booths on the roadside, the town finally stepped in. Pomfret successfully voted to close the surrounding roads to non-residents during the peak foliage weeks, proving that even the most picture-perfect internet trends have their limits.
Would Vermont also be your perfect fall destination? Leave a comment!
