Farm to table retreat

27 Aug Farm to table retreat

When I visited my family recently, I wanted to try breakfast at a farm venue on the outskirts of my hometown in central Ohio.  I know one half of the duo that hosts “Saturday on the Farm” and wanted to show support. It was a perfect August morning with a breeze and no humidity, so my mother, brother and I headed out. We knew we were in the right place when we saw Pam’s Volkswagon full of her homemade bread in the driveway!!!

 

To my delight, we found ourselves transported to another time and place with the Hippie and the Farmer as our guides!  This enterprising duo has transformed some of the farm property into an event space with an outdoor kitchen, greenhouse, gardens, and a dining room.  Thanks to his family farm where they raise pigs, to her love of baking bread and other culinary skills with her hippie vibe mixed in, they have a unique place to feed people.  Just look at how they repurposed vintage windows from Mark’s home and parlor doors they turned into tables for the greenhouse.

   Pam Bowshier and Mark Runyon knew one another from farmer’s markets where she sold her bread and he had his pork products to sell.  They began selling locally sourced sandwiches that were  a big hit, took those sandwiches on the road, and before you know it, they were a hit, even taking all the awards at a “Bacon Bash” at Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio.  They knew they were onto something. They joined forces, creating the Hippie and the Farmer brand.  He had the farm, but they added more gardens, put in a commercial kitchen, then a dining room and before you knew it, they were very busy catering, doing weddings, and other in-home private events with their organic farm to table food with a hippie flavor!

 

Tables are scattered about the gardens and yard with a variety of Pam’s groovy props she’s collected over the years. They have recently started Pizza Farm Fridays where they can feed about twenty guests. They like the smaller groups where they can really cater to customers and be creative, whether it’s outside or in the greenhouse or dining room.

 

And what used to be the main farm office for Mark’s Oakview Farms is now a meat shop featuring  pork products along with other meat and local cheeses, eggs, honey and milk from neighboring farms.

    Some of their regular customers will also stop by on Saturdays to pick up fresh herbs which move into the greenhouse for the winter months.

It’s just wonderful to see enterprising people who take their talents and try different business ventures. My hat ( or bandana) is off to the woman who bakes bread, loves the Grateful Dead and is sharing her hippie swag for all to enjoy down on the farm.  If you get to Urbana, Ohio and want a good meal with an organic flavor, this may be your cup of tea.

    Check them out on Facebook or Instagram. @hippieandthefarmer.  For more information or reservations, call 937-926-4833.

      So happy that Pam and Mark have this venue in Urbana.  I look forward to going back for Pizza Friday on my next visit home!  Thanks for following Stylish Retreats.