Climate change is striking us hard. Finding a place deserving of an episode took time. This episode shares the story of one amazing place on Earth where they are working with nature in numerous way. Step into The Inn at Shaker Mill Falls. It is an 18 room inn and retreat center operated out of a historic, repurposed gristmill built by the local Shaker Mt. Lebanon community in 1824.
Hospitality is the basis of what you'll learn. They are eager for you to be nourished in this magical valley and then return to your ordinary life renewed and refreshed with a new sense of purpose. That is what is obvious in the Inn.
We dig deeper, and learn that there are so many elements to this place. There is much more to this place: regenerative agriculture in two forms: permaculture in a market garden and permaculture in a forest farm. Then they have a mission to rescue food on behalf of those in need, which is shared from a local cafe. They also are working toward using some of the food rescue haul in a community kitchen.
I would like to thank host Michael Pergola for sharing so much about a complex and lovely place on earth. I would like to thank Brahm Gartner for his help behind the scenes. This story is bigger, and Holy Guacamole will have a future episode on the farming and their permaculture plan through Brahm. He is the farmer at the Inn, and the force for change as he conducts himself in the world. Keep an eye out for that episode.
Thank you for Lisa Simons and Bill Spence for introducing me to this incredible story, and allowing me to cook and prepare a meal. A few days that made an impact on my life.
Want to know more about the Inn at Shaker Mill? Check out their website. Curious to know more about the farm and inn, do not hesitate to reach out to Michael or Brahm through their contact page.
Listen and enjoy.