In Owego, on 861 Glen Mary Dr., there is a lovely farm stand owned and operated by Kathy Hankey. She says the store is open whenever the doors are, mostly Wednesday through Sunday up until 8 p.m. This chunk of rural life doesn’t just give you fresh produce, but a look into a simpler time and a wonderful chance to reconnect with animals and nature.
As you drive down the rural roads you will be surprised by the picturesque location of their farm. A large sign tells you right where you are and a small country shed has open doors and red white and blue fabric floating in the wind and drawing you in. This is the kind of farm stand that feels totally authentic, after driving by so many barns and pastures you definitely start to long for at least a peek into the farm life and “What’s In Store?” happily gives you a thorough introduction.
Kathy, her husband James, and their four daughters, moved from Front Street in Owego and back into the country in 2009. They call themselves Google farmers because they had no prior experience and this farm is their first experience out in nature. The shop originated as a vegetable stand run by the children. Their love of simple living, fresh produce and animals, grew the shop into something truly unique.
You can buy all sorts of Amish grown, pesticide free produce from the shop but it has so much more. Fresh eggs from their chickens come in a variety of colors that will certainly entertain adults and kids alike. Pickled vegetables of all kinds and other jarred and jammed treats line the wall. Finally, you will definitely find a variety of handicraft objects, ranging from adorably sewn children’s clothes, special foot warmers, knitted washcloths, and homemade candles and soaps. These aren’t all made by Kathy! She thanks friends, neighbors and family for their contributions to the shop.
On the newly built back porch of the shop you have a beautiful view of a large creek and grazing pasture for the sheep and alpaca. It is a beautiful spot; perfect for bringing a packed lunch, some fishing gear or a good book. Kathy says that she will soon be providing ice cream, bottled water, and bottled tea for guests who wish to simply soak up the nature around them.
The nature is not just looking out at the beautiful creek, but the many animals they keep. Friendly alpaca and sheep will come up to you and nibble bread from your fingers, go across the street and you can see a variety of goat including an angora breed that is adorably reminiscent of a poodle, a mother jersey cow and her calf, and beautiful peacocks, doves and chickens. The majority of these animals have been bottle raised and are incredibly friendly and docile. They completely take your mind from the stresses of everyday life and are a wonderful educational tool for small children.
The farm stand is wonderful for many reasons, but what makes it different is just how important compassion seems to be. All the bread is donated by the Outreach Center and in turn Kathy and her family donate a pig each year to needy families. Many of their first animals were given to them by people who could no longer care for them, or by friends and neighbors who saw and wanted to help them start up their farm. They learned to take care of them with the help of the community.
Along with the farm stand, Kathy also has a dove rental business for weddings, funerals and other occasions. She sells specially designed artfully made cakes, made for you with a variety of flavor options. She is also planning on introducing various homestead craft classes so you can learn how to felt, make soap, dye wool, and do many other fun activities.
If you ever have a free afternoon or morning, stop by and enjoy the sun and the creek and the animals. Allow your kids to learn a little about the world around them or just enjoy the therapy of being with a creature that lives simply and happily.
“What’s In Store?” is so much more than a shop – it is a rewarding experience for people of all ages.
You can learn more by Liking them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whats-In-Store/370648846296031.
