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Winter Settles in at Prairie Fruits Farm

The December chill has finally caught up with us, bringing snow squalls and winter winds that make us nostalgic for those mild fall days. Our farm team has been busy ensuring our goats stay cozy, refreshing their barns with fresh straw for perfect winter nesting. Earlier this week, we enjoyed a delightful break watching our young goats venture outside for exercise—their playful jumping and balancing on their back legs bringing smiles to everyone's faces despite the cold.



Visit Our Farm!

Last Call: Visit Caprae this weekend for soul-warming food and relaxing drinks! 


Fall & Winter Hours

  • Tuesday-Friday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

  • Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

  • Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Monday: Closed

Important Dates to Note:

  • December 7th: Closing early (4 PM - 9 PM) for a private holiday party

  • Holiday Break: Closed December 23rd - January 13th

  • January Reservations: Opening at the end of December


What to Enjoy During Your Visit

  • Visit with our contented goats

  • Explore our nature trails

  • Dine at Caprae

  • Sample our award-winning cheeses



Caprae Updates

The holiday spirit is alive in our dining room! Our kitchen team is crafting seasonal delights, and we're eagerly anticipating Kristie's special holiday cocktail creations. Come experience the festive atmosphere yourself!


Current Dining Options

  • Tuesday: Taco Night (walk-ins welcome)

  • Wednesday-Saturday: Dinner Service 4-9 PM

  • Saturday Lunch: 11 AM - 4 PM

  • Sunday Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Bar open until 4 PM)

Reservations are recommended but not required. Book through Tock or try your luck as a walk-in!


Holiday Schedule Changes

Important Dates to Note:

  • December 7th: Closing early (4 PM - 9 PM) for a private holiday party

  • Holiday Break: Closed December 23rd - January 13th

  • January Reservations: Opening at the end of December


NEW! Chef's Tasting Menu

Experience the best of the season through our new four-course tasting menu, available Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Make reservations through Tock or try your luck as a walk-in. Please note that all guests at the table must participate in the tasting menu experience.


Good to Know

- New Fall menu launched November 6th

- Reservations available on Tock

- Indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting)

- Casual service style—check in with the bartender upon arrival

- Bar offerings include cheese plates, gelato, and craft beverages

- Sunday kitchen closes at 2 PM, but the bar remains open until 4 PM for drinks, gelato & cheese purchases


Follow us on social media for daily specials and updates! While reservations aren't required, they're recommended as we occasionally close for private events.



From Our Creamery: Holiday Cheese Guide

Market Offerings

  • Fresh Chèvre

  • Feta

  • Blushing Goat

  • NEW! Candied Voss Pecans

  • Underground Meats Salamis

  • And more seasonal surprises!

Holiday Shipping Now Available!

Can't make it to the markets or farm? Let us bring our cheese to you!

Shipping Schedule

  • Orders ship every Wednesday

  • Delivery within 1-2 days (depending on location)

  • Carefully packed to ensure perfect arrival

  • Click here to visit our online shop

Perfect for Holiday Entertaining

  • Cheese board essentials

  • Party platters

  • Gift packages

  • Corporate gifts

  • Host/Hostess presents

Ordering Tips

  • Order early for best selection

  • Place orders by Tuesday for Wednesday shipping

  • Gift messaging available

  • Bulk orders welcome

Ways to Get Our Cheese

  1. Visit the Farm: During regular business hours

  2. Farmers Markets: Regular markets and special Mistletoe Markets

  3. Online Shopping: Direct shipping to your door

  4. Wholesale Orders: For business customers

 


Find Us at Local Farmers' Markets

As we bid farewell to the 2024 outdoor market season at both Urbana and Bloomington, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us and our fellow local vendors. It's been a wonderful season!

But don't worry—we're not going far! You can still find us throughout the winter:

  • Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market

    • Every Saturday through April

    • Lincoln Square Mall

    • Hosted by The Land Connection

    • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Special Bloomington Thanksgiving Holiday Market

    • Saturday, December 21st (Saturday before Christmas)

    • Grossinger Motors Arena

    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Mistletoe Markets

    Join us for these festive shopping experiences where you'll find a selection of award-winning cheeses, perfect for holiday entertaining and gifting! Special partnership with Central Illinois Bakehouse!

    At Lincoln Mall, Downtown Urbana

    • Saturday, December 7th: 10 AM - 5 PM

    • Saturday, December 14th: 10 AM - 5 PM

  • Riggs Holiday Market

The Riggs Christmas Market 2024 is starting this weekend and we're so excited. Join us for hot spiced wine, hot cocoa, local vendors, and lots of Holiday cheer!

  • Friday, December 20th. Saturday, December 21st, Sunday December 22nd

  • Riggs Beer Co- 901 S High Cross Rd, Urbana, IL

  • Friday 5-8 pm, Saturday 12-7 pm, Sunday 12-7 pm



While you're at our stand, don't forget to check out our farm merchandise. It's a great way to take a piece of Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery home with you.



This Week's Farm Share:

A fresh take after holiday indulgences

Featured Items

  • Petite de Boule

  • Koss Farms Summer Crisp Lettuce

  • Candied Pecans

  • Dried Blueberries


    Featured Recipe: Winter Celebration Salad

    A light, refreshing dish perfect for post-holiday dining

    Ingredients:

    • Summer Crisp Lettuce, torn

    • Petite de Boule, grated

    • Candied pecans

    • Dried blueberries

    • Optional: Light vinaigrette

    Assembly:

    1. Layer torn lettuce in a serving bowl

    2. Sprinkle with crumbled Petite de Boule

    3. Top with candied pecans and dried blueberries

    4. Dress lightly just before serving


  • Farm Share Notes

    • Pickup available at market or farm

    • Shares filling quickly for the holiday season!

    • Click here to secure your weekly share

    • Holiday Pause: No shares on December 28th and January 4th



Spring 2025 Kidding Season

Thanks to the careful monitoring by our veterinary partners, we're excited to announce that kids will be arriving in early March! The 150-day journey to kidding season has begun, and we're already preparing for the spring excitement.


Want to be Part of Kidding Season?

  1. Reserve a Kid: Now accepting deposits for spring kids! Visit our website to secure yours.

  2. Volunteer Opportunities:

    • New volunteer portal now open HERE

    • Detailed schedule coming in January

    • Perfect for hands-on farm experience

  3. Newspaper Collection: Start saving those papers! We need plenty for kidding season.


Farm Stays

Our cozy log home is now available for overnight stays! Immerse yourself in farm life, enjoy our artisan cheeses, and experience farm-to-table cuisine. Book your stay for a unique getaway! Book your farm stay through Airbnb or our Website



From Our Farm to Your Table

As the snow falls and the winds blow across the prairie, we're grateful for our farm community and the changing seasons that guide our work. From our snowy corner of the prairie, we look forward to sharing the holiday season with you! Stay warm, and we'll see you at the markets or the farm.


 

*During all open hours, guests can explore our marked trails, visit the goats, and enjoy meals or beverages in our pavilion or on the lawns. Our staff is always happy to chat about our farm, goats, and cheese-making process.


*Please note: No outside food or pets are allowed. All activities are weather-permitting.


Follow us on  Facebook and Instagram, for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at farm life during this transitional season.

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