Food production in Southeast Ohio is experiencing a sort of renaissance of authentic quality, with a new focus on locally sourced, fresh, seasonal options. Communities around the Winding Road region and beyond are continuing to grow around these principles, with a goal of bringing healthy, delicious food to every corner of this region.
What can be more ‘local’ than fresh produce, flowers, plants, meats, cheeses, and so many other products that come from the land? We’re excited that there are many ways to experience these products and the places and farms where they come from.
We’re serious about getting back to our roots as producers of alcoholic spirits in southeastern Ohio. Nowhere is that more prevalent than at the Black Diamond Distillery operated by Hocking College in the southern Perry County community of New Straitsville, which is known as the Moonshine Capital of the World! Wherever you go in the region these days, entrepreneurs are brewing up legal beverages for your enjoyment.
Below are just a few of the different farms, markets, special events and spirits establishments to visit and enjoy along Ohio’s Winding Road.
Farms
Blue Rock Station
Sustainability Farm Tours (and other tours throughout spring and summer): April 12th, 1 to 5 pm 1190 Virginia Ridge Rd., Philo OH The class fee is $75 for the first person in your group and $55 for each additional family member. The fee includes the eBook version of The Business of Goat Herding. Only people above age 14 please. Class size is limited to 10 students, so register early. Contact: Annie Warmke annie@bluerockstation.com
Blaney Family Farm
Blaney Backyard Farm & Blaney Family Farm – Self-Serve Farmstand (which will be open every day, all year, as a self-serve structure). Their Spring/Summer CSA will begin distributing in either April or May (TBD), and will run through September or October. Contact: Adam & Tabby Blaney at blaneyfarmohio@gmail.com
Down the Road Farm
A small, intensively managed market farm in New Lexington, Ohio using ecological practices to grow cut flowers, vegetables, and berries. Contact: Lauren Ketcham downtheroadfarm@mail.com
Woodland Ridge Farm & Learning Center
(Annual) Woodland Ridgetop Farm Dinner takes place on May 30, 2020. Arrival 5:00 PM Dinner at 6:30 PM held at 4884 Cooper Road, Athens, OH (see page 11).
Wyatt Run Farm & Ecology Tour
A small cooperative farm located in southeastern Ohio, with courses, events, and guest house. They offer a space for workshops, retreats, and gatherings far from city life and its attendant distractions. The ecology tour takes place from May 2, 2020 through May 10, 2020.
Deep Roots Farm & FarmGirl Pies
Farmgirl pies began offering homemade pie delivery services in August 2019. Homemade pies became available at our farmers’ market stand at the Athens Farmers Market in September 2019. Info: Melanie Linscott ohiodeeprootsfarm@hotmail.com
Markets & Special Events
Bremen Produce Auction
Local produce from Fairfield and surrounding counties. Sale days are Tuesdays and Fridays starting at noon. Hay sales on the first Friday of the month. Live produce auction featuring local produce and baked goods. Bedding plants and hanging baskets also available when in season. 1511 Mt. Zwingli Road, Bremen, Ohio 43107; 740-569-7351; Tuesday and Friday at 12:00 pm (April – October). Hay sales every first Friday.
Chesterhill Produce Auction
The Chesterhill Produce Auction is a Social Enterprise of Rural Action located just outside the Village of Chesterhill in Morgan County. Hundreds of growers utilize the auction as a place to sell their locally grown produce at wholesale to other businesses in the region, including restaurants, schools, hospitals, pop-up markets in rural areas with limited fresh food access, plus individual buyers who can and preserve. Open to the public. 8380 Wagoner Road, Chesterhill, Ohio 43728. Phone: 740-677-4047 or 740-554-7927 (on auction days).
Shawnee Farmers Market
Hosted by Destination Shawnee, this market meets on First Fridays of every month, May through October, from 5-7PM. Location: at the intersection of St Rts 93 and 155 in Shawnee.
Meigs County Farmers Market
Has flowers, herbs, fruits, vegetables, baked goods and honey, as well as soaps and skin care products, and other items. Located on Main Street within the historic Village of Pomeroy. Saturdays from May through October 10AM-1PM. meigscountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Athens Farmers Market
Every Saturday and Wednesday from April until Thanksgiving. Every Saturday from November until Spring. Hours: 9AM-Noon on Saturdays and 9AM-1PM on Wednesdays. Free.
Lancaster Farmers Market
Saturday mornings from 8:30AM-Noon, May 2 – October 3. Located in a city-owned parking lot on West Chestnut Street between Broad & Columbus Streets in downtown Lancaster.
Farmers & Crafter Market of Vinton County & Wilkesville
Held at the Courthouse parking lot in McArthur every Saturday morning from 9-Noon from May 1st through October. A variety of plants, produce, and baked goods will be available. Also: every from Friday from 4-6 at the shelterhouse from May 1st-October.
The 30-Mile Meal
The 30-Mile Meal was a wonderful success in the local food movement in Southeast Ohio. Food partners in the 30-mile meal guarantee all of their food is sourced within 30 miles of where it is being served. Eat local and learn more!
Sharp Farm Market – Sugar Grove, Fairfield County
LOCAL SPIRITS
MICRODISTILLERIES
New Straitsville Black Diamond Distillery
105 W Main St, P.O. Box 495 New Straitsville 43766
MICROBREWERIES
Brewery 33– Logan
Devils Kettle– Athens
Double Edge Brewing Co.– Lancaster
Eldridge & Fisk Brewery & Taproom– Lithopolis
Jackie O’s– Athens
Brewpub & Public House
Tap Room & Brewery
Little Fish– Athens
Maple Lawn Brewery– Pomeroy
Old Bridge Brewing Company– McConnelsville
Rock Mill Brewery– Lancaster
Weasel Boy Brewing Company– Zanesville
WINERIES & MORE
Hocking Hills Winery– Logan
Shade Winery
Pleasant Hill Winery– Athens
West End Cider House & Distillery– Athens
Vinberige Vineyards– Glenford
Willis Hill Farm– McConnelsville
Wolftree Winery– Millfield