We’re brewing up some outstanding events & travel destinations. This week’s guests level-up their foodie game in several ways, including what they provide, the positive impact they have on their communities, and also via expansions. If you’re curious to find out more, tune in to Food Farms and Chefs to hear from Tranquility Brewing Company, Sickler’s Circle View Farm, and Forest Farmer’s Market.
Our first guest is a very familiar voice to our dedicated FF&C’s fans, as our own Gene Blum updated us on all the goings-on at Tranquility Brewing Company. You may not know this, but Tranquility Brewing is located inside the former training facility for astronauts, so if you’re looking to dress up for their upcoming Halloween celebration–you may bring home the top prize if you attend as one. And if you’re looking to have some fun while giving back to a great cause, check out Tranquility Brewing’s website as they host numerous events–some of which include FUNdraising celebrations. Speaking of which, they’re amping up for their barrel-aged, whisky-infused Cider and Oktoberfest Beer which coincides with Tranquility’s Oktoberfest Party! Don’t worry, you needn’t miss the festivities, as they’re happening this Sunday (October 15th) at the Brewery!
We know from old commercials that, “Beef. It’s what’s for dinner,” and our next guest is doing just that. Rachel Sickler and her husband had the farming bug, and began to farm as a young couple. Both Rachel and her husband have ties to the farming industry, albeit one more loosely related than the other–but farming was a passion for the duo. So when an opportunity arose for David and his brother to purchase a farm, they did. A few years later, Rachel and David took over as sole owners of the farm, and renamed it as Sickler’s Circle View Farm. Then in June of 2019. Rachel and David saw an immediate need for proteins, so the pair began offering livestock farming so meat could be much more accessible to the community and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Take in the breath-taking views as we explore just why “Virginia is for lovers.” Our last guest, Dorothy McIntyre, began Forest Farmers Market after she and her husband found themselves in a fresh-food desert. Having moved from New York to Virginia was a challenge, however, waking up and not having an opportunity for fresh produce can be extremely frustrating–this is why McIntyre grew weary of the 2+ hour drive to shop at the “local” farmer’s market. So armed with a desire for quality ingredients, and with a goading husband’s comment, McIntyre contacted her local government and advocated to establish a Farmer’s Market. Eleven vendors later, the market was a huge hit, and grew to host over 40 vendors today–including three or four original vendors. Now, Dorothy’s Forest Farmer’s Market inspired her to establish another new one, named Moneta Farmer’s Market in Smith Mountain Lake, VA. Want to know more? Then stay tuned thru the whole show to find out what to look forward to when you visit!