We absolutely adore our community, and with new developments happening for our neighbors at Finley Farms in Ozark, Missouri, we had to share their story! But this up-and-coming area that's receiving a lot of love has roots that run deep, and a recovery story that's become local legend.
Before the bustling small town of Ozark was even named, there was The Mill. Built in 1833 along with the Riverside Bridge, it was owned originally by the Kimberling family. The Mill held a very important spot on the local map - right at the convergence of the Finley River, the Ozark Trace, and the mail route. A critical part of the area, it became a gathering place for the community as well as an official voting location, and later a county seat.
By the end of the Civil War, most of the area was devoid of its farms and people. The Mill, which still survived, helped to boost the devastated economy by providing a place for a milling industry. But that wouldn't be the last of The Mill's troubles. After a series of fires, the Hawkins family who then owned The Mill rebuilt it along with a new concrete dam that produced 90-horsepower drive from the river flow, a brave attempt to maintain its footing for the sake of the residents.
But over time, this once utilized area became quiet. The closing of The Chadwick Flyer railway and eventually the watermill in the early 1990s caused families to work elsewhere and put the historical building to sleep.
Until Johnny Morris stepped in.
The Morris family, owners of Bass Pro, have lived near the Ozark area for generations. With a heart for reestablishing his community to what the land and history have to offer, he took on the massive project of preserving The Ozark Mill as a riverside restaurant.
His innovation was put to reality with his daughter Megan Stack, a visionary for Finley Farms, to create an opportunity in Ozark that connects people to nature, education and experiences. Finley Farms is working to accomplish that dream through multiple venues:
The Mill - Carefully preserved and protected from the water's edge, The Mill will become a riverside restaurant with a experience of nature the region is known for, utilizing produce and herbs grown right on the property for an essential farm-to-table meal. It will also feature individual gathering rooms that will be available to host meetings or events, including The Hawkins Room (remember them?) which will be open towards the end of 2021.
The Farm - A high-yield urban farm that just celebrated its first full year of growing. It produces vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers in addition to honey from farm-raised bees. Run by Brendan Sinclair and Liesel McCleary, their expertise in agriculture is helping to grow not just an edible seasonal bounty, but knowledge the public can feast on to their heart's content.
The Workshop - Already a local hot spot, this restored industrial garage features a main coffee shop (a very important part of Lilac Market's planning sessions), but that's not all they're serving up. Multiple workshops offer hands-on education from culinary to cocktails, kids classes to beehive tours, and expeditions with 37 North Expeditions. You can get nestled in with an artisan cup of coffee, some seasonal bites and a view of the garden from the patio.
The Chapel - Yet another feature will be The Chapel, which shares open-air next to the Finley River. A perfect spot for a wedding, it will connect to the newly-raised, century-old Riverside Bridge, which brings you right back to The Mill or out to an upcoming trail system that will reach all the way to Lake Springfield.
While there's still much work to be done, there are tons of things to enjoy at Finley Farms right now! You can come through the Farm at no cost, enjoying the growing flowers and foods by the outdoor seating (flowers are even for sale at the weekly farmers market, so get over there soon!). You can also book a tour of the farm, a perfect chance to see its function and beauty up close.
Ozark Farmer's Market - Speaking of the market, come out to Finley Farms for the Ozark Farmers Market every Thursday from 3PM-7PM CT. Local artisans, craftsmen, farmers and one particular headband company can be found there, held by The Workshop. The Workshop is also open Tuesday through Saturday and is the perfect spot for work, study or just enjoying the lovely sights.
Keep an eye out for bigger events happening at Finley Farms later this summer and into fall.
We at Lilac Market are so proud and grateful to be a part of a community that truly represents the Midwest heartbeat, as strong and steady as the river itself.
Have you checked out Finley Farms yet? Mention this post to us at the Ozark Farmers Market on Thursdays and get 10% off!
You can visit Finley Farms at 802 Finley Farms Ln, Ozark, MO 65721.
Sign up for an upcoming workshops and events at Finley Farms here.
Book one of the Finley Farms venues that’s just right for your next occasion here.
Find hours and view the menu for The Workshop and updates on The Ozark Mill and The Garrison here.
Visit the Ozark Farmers Market and see what vendors attend here.
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