Tucked away down a beautiful tree-lined road sits Turner Farm, one of three working farms in the Village of Indian Hill. Today, Turner Farm is an integral part of the community. It’s not just full of open pastures and wooded areas, it’s also a working farm and a great place to get fresh vegetables, meats, and flowers.
Turner Farm has deep roots in Indian Hill. It’s been in operation since the 1800 and in 1994, it made a commitment to organic growing. In addition to gardens, fields, and wetland areas, the farm features an education and a kitchen. Usually, you can take cooking classes at Turner Farm, taught by experienced chefs, but since the kitchen is closed due to COVID-19, you can pick up delicious takeout instead.
Turner Farm Farmer’s Market
One of the hallmarks of Turner Farm is their bustling farmer’s market. Open Monday through Saturday all day, the market offers a great variety of vegetables, organic, grass-fed meats, and eggs. You can also purchase local honey at the store, herbs, and other food products. And if you come hungry you can order from their menu that features homemade pizzas, bowls and salads.
When we visited recently, we got bags of kale, a dozen fresh eggs, and the most beautiful small eggplants. There’s just something about knowing where your food has been grown. Everything we purchased was incredibly fresh and delicious.
Community Supported Agriculture
Turner Farm supports community supported agriculture (CSA). This model lets community members buy shares from the farmers while everything is being planted and grown. The financial support helps farmers purchase what they need for their crops and gardens. Then, when it’s time to harvest, community member supporters reap the rewards with fresh produce.
Those who take part in the Turner Farm CSA receive vegetables for 22 weeks, from May to October. Members pick up their shares every week and can choose a few veggie types to create a personalized box. Note: The October 2020 CSA is full (and almost over). Check back with Turner Farm later in the year to sign up for 2021.
The future of Turner Farm
Turner Farm is protected by Agricultural Conservation Easements. This means that it’s permanently protected. More than 230 acres of woods, fields, gardens, and pastures in Indian Hill won’t be developed, so generations of families in Indian Hill will be able to enjoy the farm and all of it has to offer.
Visiting Turner Farm today
There’s no doubt were living in an unusual time, but the farmer’s market at Turner Farm is bustling. Open six days a week, one family member at a time is allowed in the market, but not to worry – while you shop, whoever you’ve come with can peruse the farm a bit and take in the sights.
Make sure to take advantage of Turner Farm’s kitchen takeout. During the week, you can pick up lunch and dinner. On Fridays it’s dinner only. Take a look at some of the amazing entrees they offer for dinnertime: chorizo lasagna, bacon wrapped meatloaf and black garlic burgers.
Looking for something unique and fun to do with a friend? You can pick flowers at Turner Farm every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 15 stems from the garden cost $10. Remember to bring your own bucket and snips.
Fall is a great time to visit Turner Farm. When the weather cools and the leaves begin to change, the market will offer fall vegetables, cider, apples, and pick-your-own pumpkin area. So, why not pay a visit to Turner Farm? And just think: if you lived in Indian Hill, this beautiful place would be in your own backyard.