Did you know that Spring Lake has a plethora of small farms, gardens, makers and single batch creators? Nestled in Parkland County, Spring Lake is a small village, on a lake and is surrounded by charming country roads and farms. Many people have caught onto the concept of roadside stands which are operated both on an honour system and by appointment. Take a little day trip to explore the area and you will find organic produce, meats, eggs, baked delicacies and homemade goods.
By visiting these farm stands, not only are you creating a fun, family activity, you are supporting the people that have put a lot of hard work into their land, food and products while also helping the local economy. Its a win-win-win!
Read on to learn more about a few of these delightful farm stands and what they offer.
The Sausage Lady and Single Batch Farms
This inviting, small family farm operation, raises purebred Black Angus beef, Berkshire pigs and laying hens. They have a commercial kitchen in their home where they produce over 40 flavours of breakfast and dinner sausage, homestyle canned foods, sour leaf cabbage rolls and meatballs. All of their meats are gluten free with exception of their flaky pastry Sausage Rolls, baked by Blakeβs Bakery in Stony Plain.
Along with visiting their farm to purchase their amazing goods all year round, you can find their foods at the Stony Plain Farmers Market on Saturdays as well as the Alberta Beach Farmers Market on Sundays.
Location: Parkland County (near Blueberry School)
Contact: Call Nina Ulmer to check availability or to visit the farm 780-916-0146, you can also follow them on Instagram at @sausageladystonyplain or visit their website www.thesausageladystonyplain.ca.
The Jar and Vase Farm Stand
This most endearing farm stand set up is family run and will keep you coming back for more. Fresh sourdough bread pared with some of their homemade jams and jellies or local honey and you have an absolutely delicious meal. Here you will also find eggs, vegetables, fresh baked goods, florals and more. Located in Parkland County, The Jar and Vase, founded by the Jarvis Family, just celebrated their second season.
Open from May to September, The Jar and Vase offers a variety of fresh products, including: homemade bread, preserves, pickles, seasonal vegetables, fresh eggs, and handmade items like earrings and soap. In the fall, they feature apple cider and other seasonal treats.
One of the stand’s proudest achievements is inspiring others in the area to start their own farm stands, fostering a sense of community and local entrepreneurship.
Location: 1-52330 Range Road 15, Parkland County (just minutes from Spring Lake Ranch)
Contact: Instagram @jarandvase
The Hap-pea Little Garden Collective
After spending time in the local schools and seeing how many students are arriving each day hungry, The Happea Little Garden Collective decided to launch their passion project into the world. To grow organic food, sell to the local community to raise money to donate to the food programs at schools in Parkland County. This hap-pea little farm stand can be found in Spring Lake Ranch, where you can drop by or arrange to have your small batch wonders delivered (within Spring Lake). Here you will find a range of in season veggies, canned goods, elixirs, spreads and sauces.
Location: Spring Lake Ranch
Contact: Instagram @happealittlegardencollective
Pura Vida Creations
As a young girl, Klaudia remembers collecting moss, sticks and berries and storing them in a mason jar. She was fascinated with how it dried up and the aroma permeated. Fast forward to present day, she started creating homemade body care products inspired and infused by nature. Her daughter even helps her make her creations! Pura Vida features body scrubs, bath salts and soaks, chapsticks, body butter, bath bombs and candles.
Location: Spring Lake
Contact: You can find Pura Vida online at www.puravidacreations84.com, Facebook @puravidacreations84, Instagram @puravidacreations84 and at a variety of local markets. You can also order their products by good ol’ fashioned phone, text, email, or online. You can pick up in Spring Lake or they will deliver within Parkland County.
Friendly Reminder
Many of these farm stands are set up on private land, so please be respectful of their space. Also, they may operate by the honour system which means you will need some cash to pay for your goods. Some may accept EMT, so make sure you do not forget that important step of paying. Lastly, many of these makers are often busy making, growing, pulling weeds, feeding animals so double check they are open before planning your route. Have fun and let us know if you find any others along the way and we will add them to this post.
ENJOY!
Fall Photo Booth to capture a cute moment with your family
Explore walking trails
Warm apple cider and coffee
You can learn about the last remaining lots available for purchase
