Geraghty’s Micro Farm & Market: A Conversation with a First Generation Farmer
For today’s episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael traveled to Geraghty’s Micro Farm & Market. Joining her for the Tourism Tuesday chat was Justin Kerns from Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Dayna Geraghty, co-owner of Geraghty’s Micro Farm & Market. Click here to have a listen.
Dayna explained the concept of homesteading and how their farm started off as a way to simply feed their family in a healthier, more sustainable way. Their plan was to educate others by sharing their day-to-day successes and struggles in the hope that they could inspire others to grow their own food. Three years ago, it became their family business.
She told us how they came up with the term “micro farm” because their property was substantially smaller than most of the traditional farms in our community. Because they sit on only eight acres, their need to raise livestock that is more manageable and easier on the land was vital and they needed to maximize each and every square foot.
On their micro farm you’ll find several different breeds of bantam chickens, furry pigs known as KuneKune (pronounced cooney cooney) and a small herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats.
Dayna explained that unless you grow your own food or personally know your local farmer that it’s impossible to truly know what you’re eating. They are very transparent about how they raise their livestock which includes being pasture-raised on locally sourced, whole grain, non-GMO feeds.
She talked about their CSA program (community supported agriculture) and how it’s grown in the last 3 years from just six families to serving twenty six this year.
Their CSA starts in June and runs through October each year. You pay for the 20-week program in advance and then come to the market each Sunday to pick up your basket. This year’s CSA will include:
• Each box will contain roots, fruits, greens & herbs when it comes to produce.
– For example – carrots, radishes, beets, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, beans/peas, corn, peppers, lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, cilantro, sage, thyme, basil, etc.
• Every other box will contain a dozen chicken eggs. 10 dozen total throughout the length of the CSA.
• Every other box will contain 1 whole, pasture raised chicken. 10 in total.
• Fresh cut flower arrangements as available.
• Occasional homemade soaps as a fun add-on.
• Canned goods here and there such as salsa, pasta sauce, pickles, etc.
• Plus, you can look forward to a few other surprise items as a thank you for supporting our farm!
To sign-up (they’re almost full) visit their website by clicking here.
For peeks of activity from Geraghty’s Micro Farm & Market, follow them on Instagram, on Facebook, or visit their website: https://www.gmicrofarm.com/
The market is open every Sunday from 12pm – 4pm and is located at 1659 Apple Pie Ridge Road, Winchester, VA 22603.
Podcast: River’s Bend Ranch on The Valley Today
We were on the screen recording today’s conversation for Tourism Tuesday – Luray/Page County edition – on The Valley Today with Edison from Luray/Page Chamber of Commerce and his guest, Susan Corbett from River’s Bend Ranch. Click here to have a listen.
Susan gave us a bit of history for the ranch that her parents purchased in the mid 1970’s and originally ran as a school for troubled boys. We talked about how it’s evolved since then into a wedding & events venue, hemp farm, and horse boarding facility.
She explained the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to keep the ranch running and praised her staff for sticking with her through the pandemic.
We talked about future projects that she has planned such as adding flower gardens, vegetable gardens & adding additional land for pastures and events. She hopes to partner with local restaurants to offer produce as well as start a farmer’s market.
You can learn more details about River’s Bend Ranch on their website: http://riversbendranch.com/index.html and by following them on Facebook.
Edison gave us the details for some upcoming chamber events. Their Women in Business Lunch will take place on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 from 11:30am – 1pm at The Valley Cork. Crystal Napier, owner of Renee’s Boutique – Clothing for the Confident Woman will be the featured speaker. Crystal will be speaking on “Leading with Your Best Self”. The discussion will include Crystal’s entrepreneurial journey, the why behind the tagline, how to turn your pain into your purpose, and how to build your own success.
Edison also reminded us that this week is Restaurant Week in Page County and encouraged listeners to grab a bite at any of the local restaurants.
For more information about the Luray/Page Chamber of Commerce and/or any of their events, visit their website: https://www.visitluraypage.com/chamber/ and follow them on Facebook.
Visit Harper's Ferry/Bolivar
We took a quick trip across state lines for our tourism segment today to chat with Lynn Pechuekonis. Lynn and her husband are the owners of Rockhaven Bed & Breakfast in historic Harper’s Ferry. Lynn is also the Vice Chair of Harper’s Ferry/Bolivar Historic Town Foundation and serves on the Harpers Ferry – Bolivar Tourism Association board.
She told us how she & her husband turned a visit to Harper’s Ferry into their new home and business venture. We talked about the history of Harper’s Ferry/Bolivar and she gave us a rundown on things to do while visiting the area.
The Harper’s Ferry/Bolivar Historic Town Foundation was formed in 1999 to bring together a group of citizens who wanted to preserve and protect the local history of Harpers Ferry and Bolivar beyond the restricted scope of the National Historical Park and the Harpers Ferry Park Association. In March 2017, the Foundation purchased First Zion Baptist Church with the goal of preserving the building and establishing a community cultural arts center.
Lynn explained that most interpretive histories of Harpers Ferry focus on the John Brown Raid, the Federal Armory, and the Civil War. Lesser known, are the important legacies of the African American community, the Niagara Movement and Storer College. They have created the Harper’s Ferry Black Heritage Walking Tour which focuses on the working class and emerging middle-class African Americans who lived in the upper town of Harpers Ferry — and connects them and their significance with the Harpers Ferry of today. Get more details about that by clicking here.
We talked about the outdoor activities available to visitors who want to enjoy the hiking, biking and the river. She also told us about a few local shops, restaurants and breweries to try in the area.
For more information about Harper’s Ferry/Bolivar, visit: https://experienceharpersferry.com/
Winter Activities at Bryce Resort
It was Tourism Tuesday – Shenandoah County edition – with Kary Haun from Shenandoah County Tourism and her guest, Andrew Devier-Scott from Bryce Resort.
Andrew filled us in on all the fun things to do at Bryce Resort during the winter season. We talked about skiing, tubing, ice skating and even golf! He explained how their lesson work and told us that all their winter sports offer the option of renting their equipment.
Kary gave us details for a few Valentine’s Day events happening across the county.
City of Winchester Pipes & Drums
Our Tourism Tuesday conversation with Justin Kerns from Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Center included Bryant Condrey, Pipe Major for City of Winchester Pipes & Drums.
Bryant gave us the history of the organization and told us that anyone (at practically any age) can join the band. They offer training to learn to play the bagpipes or drums and will help with choosing the proper instrument.
He also explained the significance of their kilt and told us about the sgian-dubh (skee-ən-DOO; Scottish Gaelic pronunciation: [s̪kʲənˈt̪u]) which is part of their traditional Scottish Highland dress along with the kilt.
We talked about their performances at public events such as Apple Blossom and other parades for fallen heroes. They are also available for private events.
For more information about City of Winchester Pipes & Drums, visit their website: http://cowpad.org/ and follow them on Facebook.
First Night Winchester
For our Tourism Tuesday conversation today, I chatted with Justin Kerns from Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau and his guest, Christine Germeyer, Executive Director for First Night Winchester.
Christine told us about how to get our wristbands for this year’s event – now in it’s 35th year – as well as highlighted several of the new performers we can expect to see. She told us about the noon walk on The Trails at MSV on New Year’s Day.
First Night Winchester is announcing a major change to their admission procedure due to the ongoing pandemic. Masks will be required for all indoor venues, regardless of vaccination status. Wristbands go on sale December 21st and are $10 each for everyone; children 5 and younger are FREE. Wristbands can be reserved online now at www.firstnightwinchester.com or purchased in person at three locations: Winchester Book Gallery, The MSV, Winchester/Frederick County Visitors Center.
Tourism Tuesday: Warehouse Art Gallery
Our conversation for Tourism Tuesday – Luray/Page County edition – with Edie Emmons from Luray/Page County Chamber of Commerce featured Jim Mayes, owner of Warehouse Art Gallery.
Jim told us about all different artists who have their work in his gallery (over 100 of them) and told us about an upcoming move to the basement once the renovation is complete. We talked about the opportunities that will provide for more events, private rooms, plus heating/air. For more information, visit their website: https://warehouseartgallery.com/ and follow them on Facebook.
Star in the Valley Winery
Our conversation for Tourism Tuesday – Shenandoah County edition – with Kary Haun included Shane & Cara Waller, owners of Star in the Valley Winery.
They gave us some background about the winery and talked about the importance of sustainability and why growing their grapes and producing their wines all on-site was always a priority for them. We also got details for their Countdown to Christmas celebration happening on November 27, 2021.
For more information about their winery, visit their website: https://www.starinthevalley.com/ and follow them on Facebook.
For more details about the events Kary mentioned, visit: https://visitshenandoahcounty.com/events/