Destination Dinner at Together Farms
As summer comes to a close and fall starts to appear, we spend as much time as we can outside, knowing all too well that this season is fleeting. One of our favorite ways to savor this time of year is dining alfresco. Paired with a drive through the Wisconsin countryside, you have yourself a beautiful evening. Thus became the tradition of visiting Together Farms, a remote family-run restaurant and farm.
An hour and a half drive from Stillwater, MN through small towns, winding hills, and golden fields you’ll arrive at a bustling outdoor restaurant. This charming spot features 100% grass-fed beef (plus vegetarian options) and live music. It’s a taste of farm life with elevated flavors and a community vibe that feels like you’ve encountered a family dinner party.
For the family at Together Farms farm-to-table is more than a marketing phrase, it’s a way of life. The family started farming for themselves in 2010. Several years later they added a commercial kitchen to host events. Ever since it’s been a destination for travelers. Featured in a variety of publications, including Conde Nast, this award-winning farm not only tastes good but does good.
The farm practices conscious farming which is close to home for us. My parents farmed in Southern Oregon for years. My dad grew medicinal plants for the Herb Pharm and my mom worked on an organic farm growing seeds for Seeds of Change.
For Together Farms being conscious means taking care of their animals for their well-being and those that consume it. This starts at the core; their diet. The animals rotate grazing locations daily, providing them with a nutrient-dense, ever-changing grass diet. Plus the animals are fed minerals, salt, and apple cider to round out their nutrition.
Once you arrive, you’ll place your order (likely with someone in the family), grab a drink, and stroll around as you wait for your food. You can visit the animals, listen to live music, and browse their store. The music, set against the backdrop of their picturesque farm is iconic, complete with the family dogs running around greeting guests.
For dinner, we always order a mix of appetizers; fried pickles, cheese curds, and of course burgers. We go with the vegetarian black bean burgers while our husbands enjoy the 100% grass-fed beef burgers. The food alone is worth the drive.
The farm features a variety of seasonal events like burger night, wine night, and comedy shows. Check their calendar ahead of time to see what’s coming up. If you want to make a whole weekend of it, the farm offers private camping throughout their property. PS They close in early October.
Once we’re finished eating. We feed our scrapes to their pigs (yes, it’s encouraged). This is hilarious and the animals love it.
We always swing by the Store to pick up a few gifts made by local artists. The charming shop has everything from meal kits to candles to meats from their farm.
You’ll leave Together Farms with a whole new appreciation for farm-to-table. There’s something truly special about understanding where your food comes from and more importantly, what’s in your food. We always leave happy to know that there are people out there taking the time to share their craft with the world, just like it’s been done for years before us.
