The winter winds have finally made their home here at the farm, bringing that distinctive December chill we all know so well. Our goats, ever wise about comfort, are snuggled up in their barns, contentedly munching hay and staying warm in their fresh bedding. There's something particularly peaceful about watching them nestled together, completely unfazed by the winter weather outside.
🍽️ Cozy Up at Caprae This Week!
There's something magical about winter dining at the farm—when the cold winds blow outside, our dining room becomes an even more welcoming haven of warmth and comfort. This week marks your last chance to experience our winter menu before our holiday break (December 23rd - January 13th), and we've got something special to warm both body and soul.
Featured Winter Comfort: Braised Short Rib
Chef Garron Sanchez's latest creation perfectly captures the essence of winter comfort:
Tender beef slow-braised to perfection
Creamy chèvre polenta made with our fresh farm cheese
Crispy shallot rings add a delightful crunch
A sophisticated finish of MadHouse dark malt vinegar
This dish exemplifies what we love about winter dining—rich, satisfying flavors that warm you from the inside out. Pair it with one of our craft cocktails or wines for the perfect evening retreat from the December chill.
Make It a Memorable Evening
Whether you're celebrating the season with friends, enjoying a date night, or simply treating yourself to a special meal, Caprae offers the perfect blend of casual comfort and culinary excellence. Our cozy dining room, friendly staff, and farm-to-table cuisine create an atmosphere that makes every visit feel like coming home.
Don't miss your chance to dine with us before our winter break! Make your reservations here to secure your spot for one last magical evening of 2024.
Good to Know
- 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
Our cheese makers have been working tirelessly to keep up with holiday demands, ensuring there's plenty of our handcrafted cheese for your seasonal celebrations. You can find our creations at several local spots:
Harvest Market, Champaign
Martinelli's Market, Champaign
Common Ground Food Co-op, Urbana
Urbana Farmers Market at Lincoln Square (Saturday, 8 AM - 12 PM)
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
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
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! Special partnership with Central Illinois Bakehouse!
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
Market Offerings
Fresh Chèvre
Feta
Blushing Goat
NEW! Candied Voss Pecans
Underground Meats Salamis
And more seasonal surprises!
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:
We've curated a special breakfast-inspired collection this week (available for subscribers only):
Creamy goat milk yogurt
Fresh-baked granola from Central Illinois Bakehouse
Farm-fresh eggs from Wren Farms
Local honey from Rena's Honey in Urbana
Farm Share Notes
Pickup is available at the 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?
Reserve a Kid: Now accepting deposits for spring kids! Visit our website to secure yours.
Volunteer Opportunities:
New volunteer portal now open HERE
Detailed schedule coming in January
Perfect for hands-on farm experience
Newspaper Collection: Start saving those papers! We need plenty for kidding season.
Visit Our Farm!
2024 Last Call: Visit Caprae this week 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:
Holiday Break: Closed December 23rd - January 13th
January Reservations: Opening soon!
What to Enjoy During Your Visit
Visit with our contented goats
Explore our nature trails
Dine at Caprae
Sample our award-winning cheeses
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
The past year has been filled with wonderful moments shared with our farm community, and we're looking forward to welcoming you back in January with renewed energy and fresh ideas. From all of us at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, thank you for another beautiful year of supporting local agriculture.
Warm wishes from our cozy corner of the prairie to yours!
*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.