The
driveway leading to Double Blessing Farm gives nothing away as to what is grown
there; it isn’t until you’ve crested the hill that the goat pasture and barn
come into view. On a sunny autumn day we had the opportunity to tour the farm
and sample some of their wares.
In the
farm’s early days the owners purchased their first goat and named the farm upon
finding out she was pregnant, or so the story goes. Today they breed goats and
sell a half-dozen products made out of goats milk. Our tour of the farm included
storytime and a short lesson about goats, after which we got to meet and greet the
local residents. Lauris and Mikus were amused to learn that baby goats are
called kids! Moms (and those of the kids who were willing) were then treated to
goat cheese and crackers, a deliciously creamy, mild cheese that can be
purchased at the Travelers Rest Farmers Market. Lauris tasted goat’s milk and
declared it tastes just the same as cow’s milk, but the favorite treat was homemade
fudge.
Double
Blessing Farm is also the home of Red Clay Soap. We took a look at (and smell
of!) some of the soaps currently available, all made with goat’s milk and for
sale on their website. The boys took home small samples of the soap, and we had
hardly made it home before they were washing their hands to try it out.
Double
Blessings is also home to chickens, a border collie Mollie and a husky-cross,
Moo. We admired the chicken coops and threw Mollie a few sticks, but soon it
was time to head home. I’m already thinking about returning in the spring when
there will be baby goats to pet, although we might catch the owners sooner on
either of the last two Thursdays this month at the Bluegrass Festival & Harvest Market. (One of the largest farmer’s markets in the Upstate, the Market
is located in Trailblazer Park, Travelers Rest from 5 to 8:30pm, and includes
not only local vendors such as Double Blessings but also food trucks and live
music.) Fingers crossed they have some of that goat cheese for sale!
You can find the Red Clay Soaps website here.
Information on setting up your own tour of the farm is
available here.
Seems like a really nice farm to visit. I *love* goat milk soap!! The stuff I use is usually ordered from a farm in Indiana, but am always looking for new and different variations on the theme. :)
ReplyDeleteCan you get goat milk in your area? I should think you would be able to make your own :)
DeleteHaha, I'd much rather pay someone to make my soap for me!!
DeleteBērniem tiešām patī apmeklēt fermas. interesanti, ka latvijā īsti nav tādas atvērtas fermas, jo laikam jau lielākajai daļai ir lauki,kur aizbraukt. Bet Anglijā arī ir, un mēs arī apmeklējam fermas diez gan daudz.
ReplyDeleteFrancijā arī tādas bija, šeit retāk jo cilvēki pieraduši iet uz zvērdārziem un līdzīgām vietām. Mums tomēr prieks, un man patīk bērniem mācīt kā ražo tās lietas kuŗas atrodas veikalos.
DeleteWhat a lovely place and what a lovely day. The soap is intriguing ... I, too, am always on the look for natural products of different provinence and I also like to champion the small producer. when I move to Boston in the New Year for a spell I must check out some of these wonderful goodies - for now I'm here in Auvergne and equally spoiled for choice (as you will know) :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it was more difficult to find things in the Auvergne - I think for me probably mostly due to my lack of French! But you'll have fun in Boston, one can find anything there!
DeleteSo you're enjoying farm life as well:) And mmmm... homemade fudge! Sounds like a great place!
ReplyDelete