What a glorious Spring day we had in Chicago today!

We woke up bright and early this morning, had a little breakfast and then Stan and I headed out to visit a place I’ve been eyeing for quite some time now.  Since the sun was shinning in all it’s glory and the weather was cooperating, we thought it’d be a perfect day to visit “Rustic Road Farm” in Elburn, Illinois.

Neither one of us had been to Elburn before and it turned out to be a beautiful and peaceful little town with lots of hilly roads and farm houses that reminded us of Galena, which we love.

You know it’s going to be a wonderful experience when you see the owners walk around, answer questions and have friendly conversations with everyone.  You feel welcomed the moment you enter their farm!

As soon as we pulled up, we could see their free-range chickens walking around leisurely, a herd of sheep and goats trying to get our attention and the cutest little shop in the back with a sign inviting you to come in that read “Baby goat hugs”!  I mean, who can resist that???  I looked at Stan and said “say no more, we are going in!”  Well, let’s just say that was one of the best decisions we’ve made in a while! 😉

The moment we walked in, one of the owners welcomed us with a big smile.  In the market, they sell produce, pasture eggs, all kinds of homemade soups and chili, honey from their own hives, meats, sauces, homemade desserts, and so many other things.  You immediately feel like you stepped into a scene of “Little House On The Prairie”, such a cute place.  When we got to the register to pay for our produce, the owner took time to talk to us and even gave Stan suggestions on how to cook the fancy mushrooms we got.  AND I got to pet their sweet 14 year old dog named Cooper.

Then it was time to visit the goats, play with them and hug them!!!  Oh my, oh my, was that fun!  I got so inspired by nature that I even held a chicken and I NEVER go near anything that has feathers.  Turns out, chickens have the softest feathers and if held properly, they are quite friendly, at least, mine was. 😊

Stan and I took turns holding two goats.  One was black with some white on top and the second goat we played with was white with some brownish/gold all over.  Both adorable!  The white goat even fell asleep in my arms and I had a hard time saying goodbye, she was so sweet.

We found out that Rustic Road Farm has goats for adoption right now, and if we had a fenced in yard, I’m not too sure we would’ve come home empty handed.  That’s how cute they are.

Before we headed home, we took a walk in the back of the farm where we found pigs happily wallowing in the mud, lots and lots of chickens and the happy smell of farm life.

As we walked back to our car to go home, Stan said to me “I’m glad we came here today.  I have been feeling stressed about different things lately and this relaxed me.”  Yep, farms have that effect on most people. 

On our way home, we stopped at a cute and family owned coffee shop in Elburn, “The Corner Grind”.  We had the Italian sub which was delicious served on a fresh baguette, a cup of chicken and wild rice soup and the tastiest made to order iced chai latte which tasted like the American version of Horchata and if you know me, you know I LOVE a good horchata!  The meal combo left us craving for more and bonus we got to eat our food outside since the weather was so beautiful.

We called today’s escapade “empty nesters in training” day!  We have a lot more of those planned for the near future, because before we know it, both of our girls will be out of the house attending College, working and leading their own lives and Stasiu and I… well, back to being on our own.  It’s kind of having to re-learn how to dance the tango after years of being experts at it.

When the hustle and bustle of city life (or suburbs) gets to be too much… head over to Rustic Road Farm, or any other small town.  They tend to be the answer to the peace and quiet we are searching within. Ending the day with very happy hearts.

Rustic Farm House is located at 1N292 Brundige Road, Elburn, Illinois and The Corner Grind at 2 S Main St, Elburn, IL 60119

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