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Serenity Farm at Benedict, a family-owned landmark since 1965, carries forward traditions of production agriculture, heritage interpretation, and community partnerships to strengthen economic value for Charles County. Each year, the farm draws thousands of visitors by offering on-farm product sales, school tours, and large seasonal events, which also promote local vendors and channel new spending to nearby restaurants, retailers, and lodging. These activities make Serenity Farm a prime example of how agritourism and preservation can drive dynamic, year-round visitor experiences.
Visible from MD 231 on the Patuxent River, Serenity Farm is easily recognized by its colorfully painted barns—“each one a different color,” recalls Co-owner Frank Robinson of his father’s idea. That curbside appeal has helped turn pass-through traffic into visits and local spend.
As more visitors stopped by and market demand shifted, the Robinsons gradually converted production from tobacco and small grains to livestock, direct-to-consumer meats, and agritourism. Today, visitors find beef, pork, and lamb raised on-site, a seasonal Harvest House store, and a petting pen that introduces families to farm life.
The farm’s rich history also sets it apart. British troops camped on its fields during the War of 1812, and Camp Stanton, located across the road, later trained United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. In recent years, work with state archaeologists confirmed a burial ground of 23 enslaved individuals dating to roughly 1790-1810, now recognized as the St. Nicholas Creek Cemetery. Rather than keeping the land’s history quiet, the farm integrates it into guided experiences, including a “remembering the names” ceremony that honors documented first names from probate records. As Robinson notes, “Land is only borrowed. Nobody really owns it, because this has passed through many people’s hands.” That perspective deepens the visitor experience and broadens the audience beyond typical farm-fest crowds.
Collaboration is central to Serenity Farm’s model. One of its current partnerships with The Farm Heritage Conservancy (a 501(c)(3)) supports education and preservation on-site, including the forthcoming Discovery Barn museum and regional study guides. The farm also rents part of its land to Farming 4 Hunger, which operates a work-release partnership that builds skills and supports reentry while supplying Maryland food banks. The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area distributes maps and brochures through the Harvest House (Serenity Farm’s on-farm store), steering visitors to other county and regional destinations.
These partnerships fuel engaging programming and steady visitation numbers, with around 5,000 to 10,000 people each year visiting the property across events, tours, and retail days. “Everyone is welcome, and we really take pride that we pull a very diverse crowd,” said Robinson. The Sunflower Festival alone recently drew more than 2,000 attendees and 20-25 vendors and partners.
Additionally, Serenity Farm was Charles County’s first Agricultural Land Preservation District under the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation program. The family’s stewardship, coupled with support for neighboring protected lands—including Maxwell Hall Park and state conservation property—anchors the rural character that residents value. Preservation, in this case, is a platform for sustainable, experience-based commerce that reinforces quality of life over time.
Support local agriculture by visiting Serenity Farm and other farm stores and markets across Charles County! Visit our Shop Local Farms webpage to learn more.
