The White Fence Farm
Lakewood, CO

The White Fence Farm is a classic around here.
I remember my grandmother taking us there a few times during my youth. Though I haven't been in years, we all went with Justin's family last week since Aunt Katie was in town.

It was a rainy evening, which was different. In the past, I've always been here on a weekend morning--though this vast "farm" is an absolute ZOO on weekend mornings. This rainy evening visit was a nice change.

The White Fence Farm is so Americana. It looks like something straight out of a Charles Wysocki painting.

Don't let the fancy look fool you at first! This place is family restaurant all the way. It's probably the nicest family-friendly place you'll ever find.

There are things to entertain kids in every direction you look. Like this animatronic chicken comedy show.

For dinner, you enter the dining rooms on one side of the building, we'll talk about the other side of the building later.
They sat us in our own private room, "The Library".

This was Paxton's first time meeting his Auntie Katie.
She is Dr. Katie, college professor, in Tuscon these days.
At first, he wasn't so sure...

He quickly warmed up!

This place isn't the cheapest to eat. Their chicken is legendary, I've seen them on the Food Network for their classic fried chicken. Westword named them "Best Fried Chicken in Denver"
We went for the 40th anniversary special, 4 chicken dinners for $40.

They start you off with bottomless sides of coleslaw {delicious, and I hate coleslaw}, beet salad, baked potatoes, and CORN FRITTERS! SO bad. SO good.

Their fried chicken is  very well made. I can't remember the last time I'd had fried chicken, it's not something we eat often around here. But it was good.

Aunt Katie spoiled the kids with belated birthday gifts and "just because" gifts.

As you'll soon see, eating dinner is just ONE part of the White Fence Farm.
You cannot go there and just eat. It doesn't work that way.

Well behaved children get a wooden nickel from the waitress after eating, and they get to pick a gift from the treasure chest. {I now remember doing this as a kid!}

You know how most American restaurants cover their walls and shelves with antiques and bits of Americana? The White Fence Farm does that, but on a whole other level.

Much fancier decor.

But still sort of campy.

You didn't think that was it, did you?

I told you this place is vast.

There is a live band and bar/cafe/candy sitting and eating area.

Upstairs is a kiddie play area.

There is a tube slide from upstairs to the downstairs, open 15 minutes each hour.

Downstairs is "Granny's" bar, where they serve candy, fudge, fountain drinks and cocktails.

You can shop for...historical documents? Well, shoot.
{Declaration of Independence, only $2.95?! I'll take it!}

Basically: 
White Fence Farm is just like Cracker Barrel...
except on crack...during a mid-life crisis...with a total "I must prove myself to the world" overachiever
 complex...yep, all that times ten.

See what I mean?

What, you thought we were done here?
HAHA! Nope. Next, you can head out back...

Or front, depending on where you parked.

Sadly, due to the rain {remember, Colorado flooded last week?}, this little gift cottage was closed. {A reason to go back?} I hear this business also sells at A Paris Street Market, another favorite place of mine!

The antique store too--closed due to the rain!
Oh I'll definitely have to make another visit just for this.
I spotted vintage glassware in the window.

Not to worry, we still enjoyed the petting zoo!

Yes, this place would not be complete without a petting zoo, now would it?

You can buy food out of a vending machine and feed it to their cows, goats, and whatnot. Pigs.

Must say, I hate goats. I had a traumatic childhood experience once in a petting zoo, in which I was pinned to a wall by a goat who tried to eat my clothes.
True story.

But this little guy...okay, he's pretty cute.

We got the cousins together with Aunt Katie for one last photo.
Blondies unite!

Paxton.

So that's some of the White Fence Farm. I didn't even show you the pond, the playground, the gazebos, the ducks. Like I said, this place is vast. It's definitely worth a visit from time to time, especially if you're an out of town visitor--this makes a great family stop.

Okay, so maybe I'm not done. A few more shots, pretty please?

I'll make it quick, look!

Chicken on a Smart Car:

Lighted gazebo:

"Sadly" for the kids we couldn't play on the playground.
Cute photo op, you know, where you stick your face in and everyone takes photos and says, "Haha, look! She's a horse now! So&so is a sheep!"
It doesn't get more American than that, folks.

It's probably the most quaint, classic Americana place in Denver.
The White Fence Farm.
A bridge, over a duck-filled creek, leading to the parking lot. Appreciate the details. Did I tell you this place is family owned & operated?

This post would not be complete without a photo of a giant chicken:

PS - Thanks for taking us out, Grandpa & Grandma Sander!

Cheers,

Heather

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I'm adding this post to my new
Things to do in Denver 

directory!

Check it out for more fun ideas of what to do in Denver.
I'll keep adding to the directory as we go!