Last weekend we packed up the girls and headed out for a day of driving around the countryside visiting some local farms for the annual Farm Hop. I was so excited that we were able to do it this year. Our first stop was Juniper Farm where organic and biodynamic practices thread their way through all their livestock and vegetable production. We got to walk through the fields and by their chickens and turkeys to get to the main buildings.
We tried to get into the farm store but it was SO busy. They have their own veggies, meat and eggs as well as specialize in fermented products like kimchi and sauerkraut. They also carry other local farmers products.
They were selling sliders and a large array of different yummy looking salads. I went for a turkey slider.
There was also stew cooking over an open fire which is what Chris and the girls went for.
It was such a perfect day, we just say around to eat and listen to the live band that was playing.
These mini maple donuts were to die for.
Our next stop was Ferme et Foret just up the road which is an ecological farm and wild foods enterprise. They were selling their own maple syrup and delicious butter tarts. You could also tour their maple shack and mushroom yard.
They also gave a sheep shearing demonstration and filled everyone in on how important it was to shop local.
They also had this HUGE pig.
The last stop was Roots & Shoots Farm which is a small-scale, organic vegetable farm that works to improve our local food system while inspiring their customers to explore the wonders of seasonal produce. They have booths at the Ottawa and Westboro farmers’ markets.
They had these huge gorgeous red barns.
It’s a good thing we didn’t hit this place first as we might have never left. They were serving beer, coffee, poutine and ice cream.
They even had a little lounge to enjoy it all in.
It was great to show the kids where food comes from first hand and to be outside in the fresh air all day. It was also a little inspiration to get our vegetable garden started next spring. We will definitely be keeping our eyes peeled for this event next year and give you a heads up so you can come along as well because it was SO worth it.
