A Slice of Rural Heaven

I am always searching for hidden gems that will inspire me and create special memories for me. I’ve learned that you don’t always have to travel to far away destinations to find them, sometimes you can discover them in your own backyard.

About 20 miles from downtown Jacksonville, Florida, busy 6-lane highways turn into slow two-lane country roads which lead to a 330-acre farm called Congaree and Penn. This is not your typical farm and that is exactly what makes it so special. Congaree & Penn’s philosophy is simple; they’re a “Florida farm dedicated to agriculture and culinary endeavors, and

gathering the community to enjoy both.” In just 6 years, owners Scott and Lindsay Meyer have created a destination that has become a popular spot in Northeast Florida as far as foodies go.

Situated on land that was once the family’s tree nursery, Congaree and Penn began as a tiny rice farm, which seems an unlikely crop for the Sunshine State, but it’s interesting to note that rice is said to have been grown in NE Florida centuries ago. Today, the farm’s 4 acres of rice paddies grow medium-grain Jupiter rice, a sought-after ingredient by many of the country’s top chefs.

But rice fields are just a part of what this slice of rural heaven offers up, and the best part is that you can explore and taste it all. There are “you pick” fields bursting with Ouachita blackberry bushes, rows of muscadine grape vines, arbequina olive trees, and fruit orchards. Congaree is also home to horses, goats, ducks, chickens, and thousands of honeybees. This farm is likely to have the largest Mayhaw tree orchard in the world. What is a Mayhaw? Native to the South, and harvested only in May, the Mayhaw is a fruity, tart, brighter-than-a-cranberry berry which Congaree turns into the tastiest of jellies and their signature cider.

Congaree & Penn hits it out of the park by offering its guests an array of inventive adventures like; a sunset farm cruise, goat greets and hikes, private farm tours, canine field days, and their innovative and delicious field to fork dining experiences. Imagine enjoying a chef prepared dinner under the stars nestled within their vineyards. Congaree and Penn is a one-of-a-kind experience at a truly one-of-a-kind farm.

Travel Tips -

· Check out Congaree and Penn’s website for details on the farm and experiences offered - https://www.congareeandpenn.com/ (At this time, a farm pass is required to access the farm).

· Congaree and Penn is a dog-friendly farm. They even schedule special canine field days for dogs and their human friends. It’s an off-leash outdoor adventure on the farm’s back field and oak hammocks.

· Go inside the stylish Quonset hut and taproom to order lunch, dinner or a signature cider and enjoy it on Congaree’s outdoor patio. Try the Farm Sunset Cider!