Blessing Creek Farms: Where Animals Bring People Together

The start of this story begins with a family friend, a birthday photo shoot and a charismatic Highland cow named Bonnie. When the pictures of the event went live on social media, they didn’t exactly break the internet, but animal lovers definitely took notice.

What started as a simple celebration on Jonathan and Starlett (Starr) Scott’s 22-acre farm in 2024, turned into the germ of an idea and an unexpected journey — one that has transformed Blessing Creek Farms into a must-visit destination in Lafayette, Georgia, for animal lovers, families and influencers alike.

Now, the Scotts are on a mission to make their acreage more than just a picturesque escape.

With a deep sense of purpose rooted in faith (they credit “God and Google” and of course, Bonnie for their good fortune and growing business), family and a desire to create an inclusive space, they’ve expanded their property and offerings to welcome visitors of all abilities.

An Instagram Post’s Worth A Million Views

While a photo shoot may have been the jumping off point for the Scotts’ business, it wasn’t until Hope Maum, an Instagram influencer came out to visit Bonnie and film the experience, that things began to take off.
Almost overnight, Bonnie became a social media darling when the post went viral, garnering over 1.6 million views.

It was then, Starr said, that their business began in earnest.
“We went from three appointments a month and 1,000 followers on Facebook to a full seasonal schedule with more than 10,000 now following our journey,” she said.

They continued to do farm tours but also expanded to include picnics (or coffee if you prefer) with Bonnie and their menagerie of animals, cuddling goats or rabbits and birthday parties.

Helping Visitors Find Healing and Joy

More than anything, Starr and Jonathan wanted to provide a place for people to come to slow down and enjoy something they may not have even known they needed in their lives.

“People aren’t used to the quiet,” Starr told AcreageLife. “And what they’re noticing as they were petting the cows, brushing them, it was a peaceful, country venue where you can have quiet – and get to hang out with fluffy cows as well.”

Behind much of this idea is how therapeutic animals can be for mental and emotional health, which is why the Scotts offer private appointments.
“We have people who come in with depression and say, ‘I want you to know I’ve been in my bed for two and a half weeks, not able to get up, but I made myself get up and come see this cow.’ Others will say, ‘you know my blood pressure is a lot lower since I did this.’”

Now the Scotts are starting over and have moved to a 127-acre property at the base of Pigeon Mountain in Georgia, — 50 of which will be used for farm tours and their primary business – catering to people who want to experience what they have to offer.

A Place for Everyone

On the Scotts list of things to do (besides build more fencing and a more streamlined animal barn), is to make the farm more accessible for those with physical disabilities. This desire comes in large part from having lost Jonathan’s brother, Tony Scott, to ALS in 2004.

“He impacted so many lives, so we just want to branch off and give people that enjoyment, no matter how much longer they have left in their life,” Starr said.

The Scotts are attending Mule Day 2025 in Columbia, Tennessee, to raise funding for the renovation of Tony’s Trail at Maury County Parks and Recreation, which Jonathan’s brother designed to enhance enjoyment through the five senses for those with special needs. Eventually the Scotts want to design a replica of Tony’s Trail for the enjoyment of their clientele as well.

“We ask that you hang in there with us,” Starr said. “We want you here and we are going to continue to work on our special needs accessibility, like concrete trails instead of gravel, sidewalks and bathroom facilities (currently there is one wheelchair accessible restroom), but it’s expensive,” she added.

The Scotts receive many messages from those with disabilities, but at this point they are only able to offer automobile access to each station.
“We just don’t have the funding for what we are planning right now, but we will do all that we can to make your visit unforgettable,” Starr said.
The Scotts credit “God” and “Google” (and of course Bonnie) for their good fortune and growing business.

As Blessing Creek Farms continues to grow, the Scotts remain focused on their mission — creating a place where animals bring people together, no matter their abilities or backgrounds.
With each visit, cuddle session and quiet moment among the fields, they are building more than a farm. They are cultivating connection, community, healing and a space where everyone, (just like Bonnie), can find their moment in the spotlight.

Things to Do on the Farm

Animal Cuddles: Snuggle up to the farm’s friendly goats, bunnies, mini donkey and baby doll sheep while enjoying some well-deserved downtime in a private environment with just your group.

Cow Therapy: Spend unforgettable hands-on time with baby calves in a calming and therapeutic environment in which you are only loved, not judged.

Date Nights: Spend an hour with only you and your date and interact privately with your personal Highland calf guest, which offers a relaxing, fun experience for all ages (also includes a private farm tour).

Picnic with Bonnie: Meet (and picnic with) the farm’s social media star – Bonnie and her friends. This option includes one hour for the picnic, education and personal time.

Birthday Parties: Have your kids’ (and 50 of their closest friends and family) experience the joy of getting up close and personal with a few of the farm’s Highland calves, goats and more. All guests have access to the farm and can pet the animals freely.