a TOUR OF THE ESTATE GROUNDS

The Vicks Estates, Farm, & Fishery (VEFF) has been curated to be a refuge for learning, lodging, and boisterous laughter. Presently, learning seminars as well as, performing arts and community events are a regular staple at the estate. This property caters to both individual and group travelers as well as guests looking to disconnect from noise in a bid to become one with nature through a number of ways:

Agriculture 

Early mornings, shortly after sunrise while the dew still glistens the grounds, is the perfect time to visit The VEFF’s garden. As spring and summer days can be extremely hot and humid, we use the mornings to clear our garden of weeds and grass, plant crops, fertilize our vegetation and fruits, pick ripe produce, and water our crops. A few of our grows include watermelons, leafy greens, tomatoes, figs, pecans, peaches, pears, and a number of herb spices. We use the “no-till” and “pesticide-free” method of farming, as was the traditional way of African farmers and indigenous Black American farmers. We are soon to begin installing our irrigation system for our pecan trees, which includes dredging. Immerse your hands in the soil and reconnect with nature. 

Livestock 

Coming this Spring will be some friends that will add to the diversity of life present at The VEFF including therapy goats, a fishpond and free-range chickens. We are working towards becoming a largely self-sustained ecosystem by 2024.

Aquaculture 

Towards the rear of the VEFF, exists a former 100-yard fishing pond on plans for restoration. Clearing small trees and brush, removing litter, demolishing and rebuilding the pond’s dock, installing an aeration system, and readying the area to be filled with water and then fish are all on the list of “to-do” task for our fishery. This upcoming pond will be used to study fish behavior and water through our #VEFFLearning campaign, and it will be used for fishing Catfish, Bass, and Brim. 

Culinary

We have partnered with local and international Chefs, and routinely host cooking classes for

children and adults. This combines the trained techniques of chefs with that of our Albany-native VEFF owner who was taught traditional southern cooking by his mother and grandmothers. You will have the option of a dining experience or participating in the

preparation of farm-to-table meals using our seasonal vegetables and meats from local black

farmers. Foraging is also a newly added aspect of The VEFF, and our natural forest area provides an ideal experience. #VEFFCulinary

Construction 

 Our primary construction projects are, restoring and repurposing two outdoor pavilions, and a barn which will be utilized as hosting venues and STEAM learning centers for local farmers, students, and community members, and restoration of a barn.