The open forum of a marketplace provides a refreshing getaway from shopping aisles. Each venue offers a unique setting that may include activities for children, live entertainment, and an array of foods. The curious shopper discovers she has direct access to fresh and locally grown fruits, herbs, flowers, and vegetables, dairy-based products, proteins, homemade goodies, and artisan-based, handmade crafts. In addition, the welcoming man, woman, or couple behind the table provides a small sampling of popular items. Whether you are a first-timer or a repeat customer, take the time to introduce yourself, ask questions, and inquire if owners receive visitors, offer a produce box, or have a farm store. The answer is likely “Yes” or “It’s coming soon!”
Greensboro Farmer’s Curb Market
Established in 1874, the Saturday Farmer’s Market, located at 501 Yanceyville Street in Greensboro, features an indoor and outdoor walk-up opportunity to meet local vendors year-round. Between the hours of 7:30 AM to noon, you can meet co-owner of Armstrong Artisan Farm, Jessica Armstrong, who sells pasture-raised beef, pork, lamb, and goat meat. Visitors will also find farm-fresh eggs and handmade wool products, such as yarn, felted wool soaps, dryer, and bird nesting-balls. Please, stop by their booth and say hello!
An Artisan Farm
The desire to visit the farm and store is a worthwhile investment of time. After passing tranquil, pastoral scenes going into Stokes County, most visitors may be pleasantly surprised when arriving at 1499 Brook Cove Road in Walnut Cove. You’ll see empty fields for future corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and sunflower fields. Pastures of cows and sheep. And, with excellent eyesight, pigs in the distance. The first unusual sight will be an eye-catching chicken coop, painted in artistic designs, with meandering hens roaming here and there! Visitors will soon discover Armstrong Artisan Farm is much more than anticipated!
Children, Home, and Family Business
“Our Farm is not only a business, but a place where we raise our family,” writes Jessica. “It had long been our dream to raise our children somewhere they would be able to learn to work hard, stay on task, and have fresh air whenever they pleased. What better place than a farm!” The oldest two siblings, ages eight and seven, assume responsibility for the pigs, newborn lambs, and other daily chores, such as collecting eggs, filling water buckets, and assisting with feeding before settling into homeschool lessons. Farm responsibility is never just a job; the Armstrong Family views it as a way of life. Jessica writes, “From rotating pastures, checking on newborn lambs in the middle of the night, to just sitting and watching the flocks graze, we are there every step of the way.”
Summer and Fall Festivities
Austin and Jessica Armstrong, between their university education and experience in sheep flock management, delved into the business of producing top-quality Artisan pasture-raised lamb, beef, and pork products. On the other hand, the agricultural aspects of growing acres of corn and other crops never produced the anticipated outcome at harvest. The result led to an annual attraction! Jessica shares, “In 2017, we advertised a 15-acre corn maze and a small pumpkin patch. And, each year, we expanded. In 2020, businesses and festivals were closed or canceled; yet, unexpectedly, the people kept coming.” Visitors can enjoy any number of activities, such as corn mazes, “you-pick” or pre-picked pumpkin patches, a jumping pillow, several bounce houses, duck races, pony rides, two apple cannons, sheep herding demonstrations, local vendors, live music, and a petting zoo. Each year more people learn about the spectacular themed events, whether it’s a “Farm Fun Day,” the Carolina Harvest Festival, a Chicken Stew, or Fall Festival. This year, the farm hopes to see you!
From items in the farm store to tickets for special events, including birthday parties, https://www.armstrongartisanfarm.com is the ideal location to spend the day or evening with family or good friends! Armstrong Artisan Farm will be open for its annual Corn Maze and Fall Festival on Fridays and Saturdays (10 AM to 6 PM), from September 9th through November 5th, 2022.
