What a way to spend the Winter Solstice. My friends Linda, Ellen, and I just experienced a most magical afternoon of Goat Yoga at Hilltop Views Farm in Williamston, Michigan. Owners Shawn and Nick Cannarile have owned their 100-year-old farm for the last several years, and have held Goat Yoga classes there since 2016.
This afternoon was the last event of 2019, a special holiday class with wine and goat bonding time in the beautiful barn at Hilltop, complete with a Christmas tree that proved to be very tempting for the hungry goats.
Goats are such delightful and sweet little animals, so getting a chance to hang out with them up close while also taking a yoga class felt like the perfect antidote to pre-holiday stress. Although, it’s fair to say that there was more squeeing about the goats than Shavasana.
Shawn and Nick, along with their daughter, couldn’t have been more welcoming and friendly. From the moment I drove up to the farm to walking through the barn doors, I felt at home. We were encouraged to bring our cameras and phones to capture every funny moment with the goats. Photo ops were not only encouraged, but staged with the help of goat treats.
We absolutely fell in love with all of the goats, but especially our favorites: Hashbrown, Frosty, and Hershey Kisses.
Hershey Kisses 
Hashbrown 
The GOAT, Frosty
Hershey was considered the runt of his litter, so he was easy to pick up and carry around. Frosty was enormous in comparison to the other goats, but was such a gentle giant. His little Christmas tie slayed me.
This class cost $40 for adults and $35 for students; on average, it seems like that is the typical price range for their events. Currently there is only one event on the calendar for 2020, but Shawn assured us that there would be many added in the new year. The farm takes off January-March from doing their goat yoga classes. They provide yoga mats, so no need to bring your own! In fact, it’s probably best to use theirs because goat poop is an inevitability. Thankfully, it gets cleaned up in seconds by Nick.
I can’t say enough wonderful things about the Cannarile family and their beautiful farm. While I bet it would be lovely to attend a class in the summertime, there was something very magical about taking a class right before Christmas.
From the tree to the beautiful wreaths on the barn doors to the gorgeous sunset over the farmland as we left the class, it was such a special experience.
I would recommend Original Goat Yoga to any animal lover out there. Your heart will grow three sizes.
Original Goat Yoga takes place at Hilltop Views Farms in Williamston. The farm is located at 161 East Frost Road, and easy to find thanks to prominent signage at the corner and at the entrance.
I’m the Grandma of those goats. I’ve known them since they were babies. I call them my
grandkids. They are truly loveable and very affectionate. I’m happy to hear you had such a good time at the farm. Merry Christmas-
Grandmee