6 Opportunities to Support Local Economy and Ecology at a Farm-to-Table Meal This Season

More than just picturesque places to take your kids, pick a few apples, and laugh at the antics of spunky goats this fall, the farms of northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are essential components of the economy, ecology, and culture of our wonderful region. They also offer opportunities to learn about all of the people and systems in place to bring your food from its beginnings to your dinner plate through farm-to-table events and close partnerships with innovative restaurants. Read on to discover six can’t-miss opportunities to savor a farm-to-table experience this season.

Dine Right on the Farm

North Star Homestead Farms – Hayward, Wisconsin

North Star Homestead Farms is a vibrant working farm tucked within the Chequamegon National Forest Reserve, just east of Hayward, dedicated to preserving our environment and serving our community. In addition to the inherent value of its farm, cafe, market, and creamery, North Star connects with the community through arts events and seasonal farm-to-table dinners. So reserve your table for dinner any Friday between now and September 27. While you savor your multiple-course meal presented by the innovative Chef Kara, you will discover more about the interesting history and inspiring mission of North Star Homestead Farms.

Stoney Acres Farm – Athens, Wisconsin

Stoney Acres Farm is a third-generation family farm with diverse Certified Organic offerings. As an extension of Stoney Acres’ values of family, sustainability, and local community, the farm offers Pizza on the Farm nights every Friday and Saturday until November 9 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. In addition to farm-to-table pizza, Stoney Acres now will be selling beer from Stoney Acres Brewery at these events as well. Be sure to bring your own seating so you can chow down in comfort.

Maple Hill Farm – Ladysmith, Wisconsin

The farmers at Maple Hill Farm believe that everyone should know where his or her food comes from. What’s more, they want you to see how it is raised, learn why it is raised that way, meet the friendly folks who raise your food, and understand the vital place of small family farms in the local community and society at large. To encourage you to connect with the farm, Maple Hill Farm will be offering wood-fired pizza, citrus water, and dessert on September 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. In addition to a hearty dinner, you will also enjoy a relaxing tour of the farm, where the ingredients of your pizza were raised. This special event also offers a horse-drawn wagon ride—what a charming way to see the farm’s rustic beauty in harvest season! Reservations are required, so contact Maple Hill Farm today to make your reservation today.

Honor Local Food Culture at This Festival

MQT Local Food Fest – Marquette, Michigan

On Saturday, October 12, join the party at the MQT Local Food Fest, presented by Taste The Local Difference, to foster the connection between UP farmers and eaters and all of the vital parties in between. Your $35 ticket will grant you admission, lots of farm-to-fork food, a swag bag, access to a silent auction of locally produced goods, and a chance to win awesome door prizes! The MQT Local Food Fest will also feature the Farmer’s Harvest Basket Competition and the third annual NMU Alumni Culinary Competition. All guests will help choose the winner of the Traveling Pineapple Trophy. Now that sounds like a delicious decision to make.

Pull Up a Chair at a Farm-to-Table Restaurant

Farm Table Restaurant – Amery, Wisconsin

Farm Table Restaurant has impeccable standards in sourcing its delicious and healthy food, prioritizing small, local farms that utilize sound ecological practices and maintain USDA Organic certification. Farm Table is also committed to preserving the bounty of summer produce through pickling and freezing, so you can still enjoy a variety of locally sourced ingredients on the menu come wintertime. Whether you stop in for a breakfast plate of Bacon-Loaded Breakfast Potatoes or a dinner of Open-Faced Flatbread, topped with local ingredients that rotate with the seasons, you’ll find that both your plate and your conscience are cleared, and your tastebuds are satisfied.

The Fat Radish – Bayfield, Wisconsin

Its location in Bayfield’s unique ecosystem enables The Fat Radish to source most of its ingredients from local farmers and creameries and from the fisheries of Lake Superior. From its specialty coffee drinks and bakery items to its deli section and restaurant entrees, you will appreciate the freshest of ingredients in everything you order at The Fat Radish. The Black Market Curry Bowl’s warming sweet potatoes and butternut squash—topped with aromatic curry sauce—and the simply craveable Lake Superior Whitefish Nachos are two exquisite examples of The Fat Radish’s diverse offerings.