Hey there, fellow foodies and farm aficionados! Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a gem of a local farming enterprise just a stone’s throw east of Stratford – Lynn River Farms, the brainchild of the dynamic duo Lindsay and Mike Higgins.
Our weekly dose of delight comes in the form of doorstep deliveries from Lynn and Mike. Every Wednesday, around mid-day we hear, ding-dong – there stands Lynn, grinning from ear to ear with our culinary treasures in hand! It’s like Christmas morning, but every week. Seriously, if joy had a flavour, it would taste like one of Mike’s gourmet creations.
I recently took a jaunt out to their farm that is spread over 42-acres on a crisp afternoon in early February. Originally owned by Lynn’s grandfather, then acquired by her dad in ’81, Lynn and Mike purchased the farm and made it their own in 2009. Their homestead at the back of the property is a serene oasis, complete with a charming large white tent that plays host to magical outdoor dining experiences throughout the season.
Now, Lynn’s got farming in her blood – she’s part of a long line of green-thumb gurus who’ve been tilling the soil around Stratford for generations. And Mike? Oh, he’s not just a farmer, he’s a culinary wizard! You’ll catch him in the kitchen, whipping up tantalizing treats that’ll make your taste buds sing. And when he’s not wearing his chef’s hat, he’s out there tending to their livestock and coaxing the gardens to life. And let’s not forget about their three fantastic boys, who’ve jumped on the family bandwagon with gusto, adding their own dash of personality to the farm while simultaneously providing some innocent entertainment for guests.
Now, when you first meet Lynn, you can’t help but be swept up in her passion for farming and feeding folks wholesome, locally grown goodness. And when I asked her why they do what they do, she hit me right in the feels: “There’s something sacred about growing food to share with people. We savor every bite a little more, eating with intention and connecting not just to the food, but to each other as a family.”
When it comes to veggies, they grow the classics– lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, you name it. But she’s also taken a page from her grandmother’s playbook and sprinkled some floral flair into the mix. Sunflowers, poppies, and even edible blooms make appearances, adding a splash of color to their dinners under the stars.
And let’s talk meat, shall we? They’ve got chickens, laying hens, turkeys, and lamb, all living their best lives out in the pasture, soaking up the sun and munching on grass like nobody’s business
But here’s the kicker – Lynn and Mike aren’t just in it for themselves. They’ve cultivated a network of local farmers who share their values and principles, supporting each other in a beautiful symbiotic relationship that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious.
Now, onto the main event – what Lynn River Farms is all about:
1. Online Ordering: Fresh soups, salads, sourdough bread – you name it, they’ve got it. Just hop online, place your order, and presto! Your culinary dreams come true right on your doorstep every Wednesday.
2. Dinner Events: From May to October, every Friday and Saturday is an invitation to a six-course feast that’ll leave you in a food-induced stupor (in the best possible way). Live entertainment? You betcha! It’s like dinner and a show, farm-style, twice per month.
3. Private Events: Need a venue for your big day? Look no further than Lynn River Farms. Their white tent overlooking the farm is the perfect backdrop for weddings, family shindigs, or whatever celebration you’ve got in mind. And bonus – it’s right in your own backyard!
So, if you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure that’ll tickle your taste buds and warm your heart, head on over to www.lynnriverfarm.com and get acquainted with Lynn and Mike. Trust me, your stomach will thank you later!
