I love local food and the people who make it happen.



For that reason, I volunteer my free time to for organizations that support the same goals.



As part of the board of directors for the West Virginia Farmers Market Association, I learned about White Picket Farm.



This Eizabeth farm is a bit nontraditional.



Instead of cattle and pigs, you'll find flowers, herbs and veggies.



And the owner, Deb, is a bubbly, inviting hostess who hosts a number of fun workshops by request.



Want to taste various types of flavored olive oils?



She can walk you through a tasting.



Want to learn how to make your own candle?



She can supply the beautiful dough bowls as a base.



Want to cut flowers from the farm and learn how to arrange them?



Me, too, and I did just that.



My friend Lisa and I recently went to check out the farm in person and catch up.



The property - which sits adjacent to a golf course - is just stunning.



A beautiful winding garden of wrought iron sculptures (she does that, too!), unique flowers, outdoor spaces and decor makes for a pleasant version of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.



Like Pinterest come to live.



An Appalachian Martha Stewart.



You get the idea.



So, we did wander throughout the entire property, snipping whatever we'd like for our bouquet - including from these experimental rows of flowers that produced beauties like I've never seen - and made lots of bees happy.



We also saw tomatoes, peppers and berries growing.



They even make maple syrup.



And, finally, we were treated to a delicious lunch.



It was a platter of locally grown foods, specialty oils and dynamite flavors - cheeses, hummus, crostini, watermelon, caprese salad, pasta, and more.



I think she put in an extra dash of love because she is friends with Lisa, because it was amazing.



We ended a trip with a little shopping spree in the shop, which has soaps and candles and all kinds of amazing smell-good things, in addition to some jellies.



And as a marketing professional, I geeked out over how lovely and consistent her branding is.



You don't always see that with small businesses, but Deb is doing it right.




Truly a gem.



We sat and drank lemonade with limoncello until late in the afternoon, like we had known her for ages.



It was a perfect place to relax, catch up and learn something new.



With delicious food.