Rebel Pine Farmstead: From Overgrown Fields to a Growing Community Destination

What began as a drive through Weare has become Rebel Pine Farmstead, a year-round destination shaped by imagination, persistence, and support from the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center. Entrepreneur Chad Zingales first saw a weathered farmstead that “looked haunted in the best way” and immediately saw potential where others might not have.

With guidance from SBDC advisor Julie Glosner, that vision became a practical plan for land acquisition and phased agritourism development. “Working with the Small Business Development Center has been incredibly valuable as we develop a unique business on our newly acquired property,” Chad said. “Our advisor, Julie Glosner, helped us turn a big vision into a clear, practical plan, and her guidance gave us the confidence to move forward.”

Chad’s journey started with The Dark Woods, an interactive Halloween attraction he and his wife launched in 2020 at Trombly Gardens. Built on humor, storytelling, and immersion, it quickly became a regional favorite. As it grew, so did the desire for something permanent.

That opportunity came while driving to New England College, when Chad noticed a neglected farmstead along the road. Within days, he and his wife were walking the property and imagining a space that blended agriculture, entertainment, and community gathering.

Turning that vision into reality required structure and discipline. Over time, Julie Glosner and the NH SBDC helped shape financial planning, land evaluation, and revenue modeling for a multi-layer agritourism business. Their support helped translate ideas into clear, achievable steps.

Buying the property in Weare required careful planning and personal investment. With SBDC guidance, Chad better assessed risk and built a phased approach to development, rather than attempting everything at once.

Today, Rebel Pine Farmstead is evolving into a place built around experience and connection, offering guests immersive, participatory events. Central to its identity, The Dark Woods invites visitors to join a uniquely interactive, improvisational haunted experience, moving them beyond spectatorship.

That same approach is expanding onto the farm. Plans include Wicked Blooms, a cut flower operation, and an ice cream stand for families. A growing lineup of live music, comedy, and community events is also planned. Each piece is designed to create gathering spaces while building something sustainable.

Ultimately, the project reflects a simple idea: with the right mix of vision and support, overlooked places can become meaningful destinations. In this case, a chance encounter with an old farm has evolved into a vibrant community space rooted in creativity and connection.