FARM CRAWL HAMILTON: Lose Yourself in Farm & Country Life - Look Local

I‘ve always said that we have a lot to be thankful for when it comes to the bounty of the earth. While the rest of Ontario buys their fruit and vegetables from football-field sized grocery stores, in Halton we have the privilege of driving up to a farm and purchasing a basket of freshly picked fruit right from the tree.

If you’re like me and you can easily loose yourself in farm and country experiences, you won’t want to miss Farm Crawl Hamilton. Organized by the farmers of Hamilton and Halton, Farm Crawl Hamilton offers a glimpse into what life is like on a farm while offering up some pretty tasty food. On July 19 from 10am to 4pm you can pick raspberries and make raspberry jam, or just have a delicious al fresco lunch in a tranquil hosta garden; you can learn all about sheep shearing or environmentally friendly pig farming; or you can discover how to plant vegetables in an organic vegetable garden and taste golden honey from the bee colonies.

Some farms offer food samples, there are self-guided tours at others, but feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at any of them. There are six participating farms this summer – so plan your day in advance. Here are my choices – hopefully I’ll see you there.

ManoRun Organic Farm

Chris Krucker and Denise Trigatti, along with their four children, welcome you onto their 25-acre organic farm. Only 25-acres you say? On ManoRun they have a large vegetable garden, a chicken coop, and pastureland for their cows, pigs and horses. From this combination of farm activities they make jam and pickles, sell fresh eggs and organic beef, run a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program and attend farmers’ markets. How do they do it? Come out, discover how and enjoy some food prepared by Chef Ken Lefebour of Nellie James Gourmet To Go.

Weir’s Lane Lavender + Apiary

At Weir’s Lane you’ll find the most romantic lavender fields swaying in the breeze on a hot summer’s day. City slickers Kevin Beagle and Abigail Payne moved to the country to pursue their passion for peace, nature and a better quality of life. Now they’re inviting you into their world for an impressive view on country life. This is a world where bees and plants work together, beauty and peace combine, and where dreams are made possible. Walk the magical lavender fields, sample pure honey, and shop their farm store that offers more than 100 lavender and bee related items.

Lotsa Hostas + Jerry’s Berries

Yes, it’s a cute name but it also stands for farm fresh delicious and country beauty. Jerry and Glenda Bargeman hope you’ll visit their farm and loose yourself in their lush and tranquil hosta gardens. Bring a picnic lunch to eat in the hosta garden which overlooks the raspberry patch, much like dining in a vineyard but sweeter, more tempting and ultimately more delicious!

There’s nothing better than roaming around a farm to reconnect with yourself, your food and nature. Take advantage of this opportunity to escape city life, even if it’s just for a day, and hear the stories of those who grow our food.

By: Lynn Ogryzlo

Lynn Ogryzlo is a food, wine and travel writer, international award winning author and regular contributor to Look Local Magazine. She can be reached for questions or comments at www.lynnogryzlo.com.