ALISON_BEYER (ALISON_BEYER_PHOTOGRAPHY)
048RosyTomorrows
With the pause in Florida harvesting from July to September, it’s as if Mother Nature begs farmers to plan for the season ahead. Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm in North Fort Myers took big strides for 2015-2016—and we’re not talking about the cows, pigs and chickens roaming its fields.
A local leader in organic agriculture, the farm has adopted a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, meaning guests pay a flat fee for yearly membership that gives them access to the newly created “Provision Days”—the farm’s weekly opening window every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. when you can stock up on the all-natural meats, heirloom crops and freshly baked goods. (FYI for fans of the farm: The prior Wednesday “Market Days” have been phased out, although there are talks of adding hours during the week depending on demand.)
Memberships are available only online (click here to purchase one right now for the introductory rate of $35). If you show up on a Saturday without one, the chickens will chase you away—just kidding! But in all sincerity, for less than the cost of lunch, you’ll become a “Friend of the Farm” and help a local business do things the way they should be done. And imagine the spread you can create at home with a rainbow of freshly picked veggies—early crops include purple Okinawa spinach, saladette tomatoes, West Indian lemongrass and mint marigold—insanely flavorful meats (worth the $5.99 to $18.99 per pound price tag), eggs and prepared foods.
Everything sold that isn’t dug up from the ground, such as bread, granola, cookies and meals to go, is made just steps away in the Barn, a rustic yet elegant event space with a full kitchen. As season gets underway, the Barn will host casual “Family Dinners,” cooking classes and more formal soirees featuring local celebrity chefs, open first to members then to the general public.
The farm will also offer tours beginning in November or December when the grounds are in full bloom—but they had us at herds of happy cows and piglets.
To plan a visit:
Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm
8250 Nalle Grade Road, North Fort Myers
(239) 233-4888
Saturday “Provision Days,” 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Click here to purchase a “Friend of the Farm” membership.