One of the best things about living in The Berkshires is the abundance of and passion for local food. Farmers’ markets, farm stands, and farm to table restaurants are popping up each year. The season has just started, and summer is upon us, which means abundance of deliciousness.

With Heirloom Fire, we are putting on a fabulous dinner, “An Evening in the Country”, which includes products from participating farms, as well as local art crafters and artisan producers. The menu contains 99% local foods (mostly from our host, Mill River Farm) and products, including fun seasonal cocktails, a delicious meal, and a special dessert, prepared by talented chef Jim Gop.

These dinners we create each year celebrate and support local farms and foods, provide education and outreach on the importance of local food in our region, and increase awareness about where and how local foods are produced.

Jan Johnson, the founder of Mill River Farm, sends this message to everyone: “We believe in the healthiness of eating fresh, locally and sustainably grown whole foods. We think healthy soil provides the foundation for nutrient-dense food, whether for people or animals. We have chosen to have our farm, Mill River Farm, certified organic, and we work hard to maintain that status. Our farm supplies almost all of the vegetables we eat. Thanks to four season harvest techniques, pioneered by Eliot Coleman, we also enjoy fresh greens and herbs from the garden, even in the coldest Berkshire months.”

Saturday, July 30, 2016 from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM or longer 

Mill River Farm – 282 Brewer Hill Road, Sheffield, MA 01244

Purchase tickets here

The Berkshires is adored for its scenic beauty and precious for its productive family farms and thriving cultural communities. Its mountains, forests, fields, lakes, and rivers offer a bountiful environment for numerous species of wildlife and native plants. This splendid natural setting, with its distinctive towns and cities, make the Berkshires a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.

Participating vendors: Heirloom Fire, Jackie Sedlock Pottery, Stephanie Boyd Works, Suzy Konecky, Classical Tents and Party Goods, Elaina Mortali Photography, Magdalena Events & Design, Mill River Farm, Sandra Thomas

Other attractions for visitors

Hike Race Brook Falls, Monument Mountain, Bartholomew’s Cobble, my favorite- Ice Glen, and Greylock

Tour the Norman Rockwell Museum

Tour and Tasting at Big Elm Brewery

Explore

The Mount, Edith Wharton’s home + idyllic grounds

Downtown Great Barrington, historical mansions in Stockbridge or Lenox

Tanglewood, Mass MOCA, The Clark Institute

Golf courses, water sports, adventure activities                                              

Restaurants

Cafe Adam, Allium, Prairie Whale, John Andrews, Old Mill, Whitehart, Nudel

Lodging

The Fairfield Inn and Suites, Windflower, Inn at Sweet Water Farm, The Wainwright Inn, The Thornewood Inn, The Briarcliff Motel, The Berkshire 1802 House, Race Brooke Lodge, Staveleigh House, Ramblewood Inn, The Monument Mountain Motel, The Days Inn, The Holiday Inn, August Moon, The Egremont Village Inn