What To Do When Visiting The Shire in Middle-earth

Readers and movie fans alike have enjoyed The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings for decades. Like any good fantasy story, J.R.R. Tolkien’s works have riveting storylines and courageous characters. Tolkien is probably best known, however, for his unmatched world-building abilities. The histories of Middle-earth are deep, the cultures well-developed, and the lands so well-described that readers could imagine them clearly in their minds even before they appeared on the big screen.

Of all the lands Tolkien created, few are as beloved as the Shire. With its beautiful landscape and good-hearted inhabitants, the Shire and Hobbits are easy to love. If given the chance, many a fan would seize the opportunity to visit the land that the Hobbits call home. Here are five things that visitors could enjoy during their time in the Shire.

Visiting Bag End

Belonging to one of the wealthiest halfling inhabitants, Bilbo Baggins’ home is one of the largest and most remarkable in Hobbiton. Despite Bilbo’s tendency to be reclusive, you may catch him in a welcoming mood if you come bearing tales of adventure. Bag End boasts a well-stocked pantry and wine collection. (This is assuming, of course, that your visit does not come immediately after a ravenous company of Dwarves made their way through).

Ever since Bilbo’s return from the Lonely Mountain, rumors have swirled that he has treasure hidden within Bag End’s halls. Visitors have been known to look for it from time to time to no avail. Most of all, however, those with a wandering spirit can expect riveting tales of Bilbo’s various exploits. Bilbo may even show his guests some of his souvenirs from his time in Thorin’s company including many maps, his Elvish sword Sting, and his Mithril coat.

Gandalf’s Fireworks

If you happen to visit the Shire at the same time as a certain wandering Grey Wizard, you will be in for a spectacular show. Appearing as an elderly traveler, Gandalf the Grey’s reputation in the Shire is notoriously dichotomous. Hobbits tend to be rather averse to excitement and danger. Ever since he recruited Bilbo as a burglar for Thorin’s company, many of the locals have labeled Gandalf as a disturber of the peace.

Despite this distinction for the trouble he can sometimes cause, Gandalf often visits the Shire with fireworks in tow. As if the typical sparklers, fountains, and rockets were not enough, Gandalf lends his magical abilities to his pyrotechnics as well. He can make it rain flowers, send spears shooting down and out across the water, and even conjure a soaring dragon. Hobbit children and adults alike set aside their concerns about Gandalf’s penchant for the unpleasantness of adventure.

Hobbit Meals

If there is one thing that Hobbits do better than any of Middle-earth’s other inhabitants, it is food. While not as efficient as the Lembas bread of the Elves, Hobbits have plenty of time in their slow, simple days to enjoy multiple meals. Between breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, afternoon tea, dinner, and finally supper, any guest visiting the Shire can expect to be extremely well-fed.

Hobbits enjoy calming, delicious fare such as tea and cake, which any respectable Hobbit will offer you should you knock on their round door. If you are seeking vegetables and grains, you can always stop by Farmer Maggot’s home. (It is worth noting that vegetables and grains can also be acquired from Farmer Maggot’s home in a more roundabout, less honest way by seeking help from the mischievous Merry Brandybuck and Pippin Took.) Appetizing food can also be sought at The Green Dragon Inn.

Visit the Green Dragon Inn

No visit to Hobbiton is complete without spending an evening at the Green Dragon Inn. The esteemed establishment serves a variety of hearty and mouthwatering foods from pies to scones to various cheese dishes. Hobbits also took to brewing their own ales over the years. They enjoy the process of carefully perfecting it for their discerning palates only second to drinking it.

When the Hobbits gather at the Green Dragon and the ale starts flowing, you can also expect a great deal of merriment. Its kind barmaid, Rosie Cotton, ensures that no one goes hungry or thirsty. With halls filled with laughter and joyful singing, you’ll feel right at home in Hobbiton’s favorite gathering spot. If you’re looking for a particularly rambunctious gathering, be sure to visit when Merry and Pippin are there. They have been known to climb right on the tables and lead those in attendance as they sing drinking songs.

Gardening with Samwise Gamgee

If you find yourself more inclined for quiet time outdoors, look no further than Bagshot Row. One of its inhabitants, Samwise Gamgee, is a well-known gardening aficionado. The humble, kind Hobbit and best friend of Frodo Baggins would love nothing more than to share his love of flowers and plants with anyone who would listen.

Sam tends to the garden in front of his own modest Hobbit hole, and is also employed by Bilbo Baggins to tend to the expansive gardens at Bag End. If Sam is willing to be a walking companion, he can educate curious visitors about any of the plants growing in the Shire. Beyond knowing the names of the trees, flowers, and weeds in the Shire, Sam also knows some of the ways they can be used.

With its rolling hills, sweeping farmlands, and simple, relaxing way of life, the Shire would be a wonderful place to visit. Although the Hobbits’ lives are slow-paced, they are far from dull. Hobbits fully appreciate the beauty to be found in the simple things like nature, food, and good friends. Anyone lucky enough to visit the Shire would come home calm and refreshed, if they decided to come home at all.

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