From Farm to Fork

As you drive to The Babcock House, you may see arrows and hand-printed signs pointing down rural roads: Fresh Strawberries. Corn. Watermelons. Peaches. These are signs pointing to farms selling produce directly to the public. We’re blessed in Appomattox and the surrounding areas with a wealth of wonderful locally-grown produce. From the fields of local strawberries at the pick-your-own farm to the farmers’ markets in the area, foodies will love the seasonal produce available.

One of the benefits of staying at The Babcock House is the intimate dining atmosphere. Our chef prepares fresh, locally grown seasonal fruit with breakfast. Our dinner menu is also based on local, seasonal produce, some of which is grown right at The Babcock House. It changes weekly, reflecting the abundance of the season. When you book your stay, you can add dinner reservations easily to your stay by choosing the Dinner for Two option or the All-Inclusive Package. Dinner reservations are only available to the inn’s guests, but we do offer catering and services and private parties. Please contact us for more information.

Why Shop at Farmers Markets or Direct From the Farm?

Some people question why they should stop at the local farmers markets for seasonal produce. After all, you can purchase strawberries, peaches, watermelon, asparagus, and dozens more types of fruits and vegetables at any local supermarket. Supermarkets offer an abundance of in-season and out-of season produce year-round and the convenience of daily hours and easy parking.

But what do you trade for that convenience of shopping anytime for produce? Flavor. Taste. If you’ve ever bit into a home-grown tomato, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Nothing compares with the sweet-tart flavor of a ripe tomato or the perfect pucker of sweetness from a fresh peach.

Many varieties grown for supermarket sales are grown not with taste in mind, but for sturdiness so that the produce ships well and looks good once it reaches the store display. Produce is often chosen for its appearance rather than its taste. Store-bought tomatoes may be perfectly red and round, but frankly, they taste like watery cardboard. A home-grown tomato may have bumps or ridges, but the taste can’t be beat.

Environmental Considerations

Another consideration is the cost to the environment of purchasing out of season produce at the supermarket. The box of blueberries imported from Chile may have more frequent flyer miles than you do! Companies expend a great amount of fuel to ship produce many miles to the grocery store. That adds up to a considerable amount of carbon emissions. Purchasing at the local farmers market saves money and helps the planet.

Lastly, think about the packaging your food comes in when you buy it at the store. Lettuce is shrink wrapped in plastic. Plastic boxes and containers swaddle berries and so on. Buying at the farmers market may mean carrying your own tote bag to bring your produce home. That means you aren’t discarding plastic packaging in the landfill where it will stay for many years.

Better taste and quality, concern for the environment, and reduction of pollution are all great reasons to shop at the local farmers markets. But best of all? It’s pure fun. There’s something wonderful, like stepping back in time to a Medieval market hall, about walking among the farm tables and buying directly from the farmer. You may encounter varieties and foods you’ve never seen before. Try them. You’ll surprise and delight your palate.

Farmers market prices may be slightly higher in some cases than the supermarket, but the money goes straight to the farmer, helping local people support their families. Shopping at farmers markets is a winner no matter how you look at it.

Tips for Shopping at Farmers Markets

If you’ve never been to a farmers market before, here are a few tips:

• Markets are usually rain or shine, so come with an umbrella if it’s rainy.
• Bring small bills and change. While farmers can make change, it’s thoughtful to pay with small bills.
• Take a tote bag with you. Farmers may offer bags, but it’s another way to reuse, recycle, and reduce waste.

The Appomattox Farmers Market

The Appomattox Farmers Market is held every Saturday, from April through October, at 180 Old Courthouse Road. Vendors offer fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, honey, cut flower bouquets, and sometimes hand-made bread, pastries, and other delights. The market opens at 8 a.m. and ends at 12 p.m. Get there early for the best selection! It’s a wonderful open-air market that supports the local community and helps farmers profit directly from their labors.

The Pamplin Community Farmers Market

The Pamplin Community Farmers Market is a unique local indoor farmers market located on the corner of Main Street in Pamplin It is a short drive east on 460 from The Babcock House. It is open mid-April through October on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Community farmers Market was the brainchild of several local residents who realized that local residents would benefit from fresh, seasonal produce available within walking distance of their homes. The old corner barber shop was repurposed into the indoor market. It offers seasonal vegetables and fruit grown throughout Pamplin, Prospect, and Appomattox, honey and eggs, baked goods, and locally raised chicken. It is a convenient way to shop direct from the farm without visiting multiple locations. The market offers an ever-changing seasonal array of tempting products.

The market is currently raising funds to install a community kitchen so residents have the opportunity to preserve garden produce, so if you can add your change to the countertop jar, it will go to a good cause!

The Farmville Heart of Virginia Farmers Market

The Heart of Virginia Farmers Market is located at 213 North Main Street in Farmville, Virginia. It is about 30 miles east of Appomattox. It is open rain or shine on Saturdays from the last Saturday in April to the last Saturday in October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a large and busy farmers market with many vendors selling fruit, vegetables, eggs, fresh cut flowers, and specialty meats, including locally raised yak, angus beef, and chicken. There are also craft vendors selling handmade products and local Amish families offering fresh from the farm baked goods and produce. Please drive carefully near the market as you will sometimes encounter an Amish horse and buggy en route to and from the shops on a Saturday morning.

Exploring Local Farms

Drive through Appomattox and you’ll see signs pointing down country lanes indicating all types of farm-fresh produce for sale: eggs, honey, seasonal vegetables and fruit. Shopping directly from local farms is a great way to experience our small town rural life. It can be challenging to follow the signs, however. If the farm has its name on the sign, note the name and when you can pull over safely, look it up online. Many farms have a Facebook page with their address and hours listed as well as what is currently offered for sale.

Farms often sell seasonal produce, and some specialize in just one crop: strawberries, for example, or peaches. When you drive up to the farm, look for either a farm stand or perhaps a carport or shed repurposed as a mini store. Bring cash, as many farmers do not accept checks or credit cards.

Listing all the wonderful local farms is nearly impossible, and many just sell products for a week or two when they have excess produce available. But what fun it is to drive down country roads to find treasure: a you-pick strawberry farm, or a beekeeper with hives visible from the road selling honey. Please be sure to drive safely and avoid braking suddenly on roadways. And of course, be vigilant about slow moving vehicles such as tractors and haying equipment which also share the road.

Enjoy the Season’s Finest Foods

Each season offers its own culinary delights. If you’re a foodie, or just love exploring fresh flavors, Appomattox and the surrounding area has much to offer at the local farmers markets and farms. Savor the seasons with us at The Babcock House and make a reservation for dinner. Chef Charles creates dishes using seasonal produce grown right here at the inn or procured from local sources.