It’s hard, in my neck of the woods, to find local sources of Good Things. I try to support area businesses, but there is a sad lack of creative, unique, small-scale shopping that doesn’t involve antiques. There are a scant few places here to buy organic food (besides our Really Big grocery store- which hardly counts.) I’ve only found two farms that do free-range food. One is an hour north of me, and the other is 45 minutes to the south. It’s sometimes very discouraging.
So, in my very humble online way, I would like to start mentioning and highlighting some of the places I’ve patronized. Maybe someone else will find it convenient to support those businesses, or be inspired to find similar entrepreneurs in their own necks of the woods. Lord knows I had a tough time finding them in the first place, but it was definitely worth it.
Fair Trade Coffee: Dean’s Beans
Miller Livestock, Kinsman, OH (beef, chicken, eggs, maple syrup, lamb, pork, etc)
Van Buren’s All Grass-Fed Organic Scottish Highland Beef
I love the Van Burens’ farm. Max, a vet by trade, and Mary, a schoolteacher, own about 200 acres in eastern Ohio. The herd of Scottish Highland cattle is exclusively grass-fed on Max and Mary’s organic fields. Each summer the Van Burens host a Farm Visit day, where the curious and the savvy alike can see the beef operation, observe the cattle in action, and taste some delicious end-products. When you think of your idyllic childhood version of a farm, this comes pretty close.
Whitehouse Fruit Farm, Canfield, OH
Whitehouse Fruit Farm has been in the Hull Family for several generations. It has evolved through the years into a wonderful little Farm Market, which I patronize almost weekly in lieu of our Giant grocery store. They are just beginning to stock organic selections, but I like shopping here anyway since so much (when in season) is locally grown. The cider is delectable, the deli is the finest around, and just wait until you try the blueberry donuts. Divine!
Recent Comments