Florida’s Table: Congaree & Penn in Jacksonville is an innovative farming operation with a mission to produce the highest quality grains and rice. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, Congaree & Penn grows heirloom grains and mills them on-site for use in their own products and local chef’s creations. The farm also boasts an ecotourism aspect, offering canoe and kayak trips through the impressive gardens and swamps surrounding the property. Learn more about this unique farm-to-table experience in Florida.
Florida’s Table: Congaree & Penn in Jacksonville
If you’re searching for the ultimate farm-to-table dining experience in Florida, then Congaree & Penn in Jacksonville is a must-Visit. Located near the St. Johns River, Congaree & Penn is an agricultural destination that offers a true taste of Florida’s freshest produce. Here’s what you need to know about this unique farm and dining experience.
History and Farm
Congaree & Penn is a small family farm founded in 2014 by Scott Meyer and Lindsey Blankenship. The farm is named after two rivers: the Congaree in Scott’s home state of South Carolina, and the Penn in Lindsey’s home state of Pennsylvania. The couple moved from New York City to Jacksonville with the goal of starting a small-scale organic farm. Today, Congaree & Penn spans over 200 acres and grows a variety of crops, including rice, okra, blueberries, and the famous Congaree rice.
The farm uses sustainable and regenerative farming practices, meaning the soil is treated with care and respect to maintain the ecosystem’s health. Congaree & Penn also emphasizes diversity and community involvement, with programs like tree plantings, educational tours, and chef collaborations to promote environmental and social responsibility.
Restaurant
The Congaree & Penn farm is also home to a restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant is housed in a refurbished barn and features a cozy, rustic ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu changes seasonally to reflect the farm’s harvest, but you can always expect fresh, flavorful food made with local and sustainable ingredients.
Some highlights from their menu include the Congaree rice bowl, which features the farm’s signature rice topped with a rotating selection of vegetables, proteins, and sauces; the okra fries, which are crispy and addictive; and the blueberry biscuit sandwich, which is a sweet and savory delight. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft beers, ciders, and wines, as well as non-alcoholic beverages like house-made ginger beer and lemonade.
Events and Experiences
In addition to the restaurant and farm tours, Congaree & Penn hosts a variety of events and experiences. For example, you can book a private dinner in the farm’s peach orchard, which includes a multi-course meal prepared by a guest chef using fresh ingredients from the farm. You can also sign up for a cooking class or a floral workshop, where you’ll learn how to make bouquets and arrangements using locally-grown flowers.
For those who want to take a piece of Congaree & Penn home with them, the farm has an online store that sells products like rice, grits, hot sauce, and tea made from its crops. You can also purchase fresh produce and flowers directly from the farm’s market stand, which is open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Conclusion
Congaree & Penn is a hidden gem in Jacksonville that offers a farm-to-table dining experience unlike any other in Florida. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or someone who wants to support sustainable agriculture, Congaree & Penn has something for you. So next time you’re in Florida, be sure to add this farm and restaurant to your itinerary – you won’t regret it.
