Highland cattle are cows recognized by long hairs and friendly nature, and at Whiskey Spring Farms in Blacksburg, they can be your companion for a warm cup of joe or cocoa on a cold winter morning.

For the past few months, an Airbnb in rural south-central Indiana has been emerging as one of the area’s “guest favorite” stays, boasting an undisputed five-star ranking. Its main selling point?

MELROSE, Minn. — The Uphoff family ventured from Germany to the heart of Minnesota’s dairy country between New Munich and Melrose where they began milking cows and growing food from the land. That way ...