What’s good here: Old McCaskill’s Farm in Camden

The idea of purchasing, preparing, and eating locally raised meats and locally grown produce has waxed and waned in popularity.

But the boom of Saturday’s Soda City market on Main Street in Columbia, City Roots’ in-town farm, and much anticipated seasonal fruit and vegetable stands, sustainability is a notion on the minds of many.

Old McCaskill’s Farm does this seamlessly, especially every Friday. The freshest meats, all antibiotic-, medication- and hormone-free, and just-picked or hand-canned produce are served for lunch on Fridays only. Many in Columbia, nearby Camden and beyond know this, and they flock to Old McCaskill’s to enjoy what is on the menu, which changes weekly depending on what is readily available.

One week in March, there was tender, juicy, thick meatloaf, fresh slaw, hand-canned green beans and cobbler made with preserved peaches. Another week, there were Italian dishes with the farm’s meats and veggies.

After Friday’s lunch, or other days during the week, patrons can purchase items in the small store: farm-raised lamb, beef, pork and bacon, chicken, and even goat. There is goat cheese and pimento cheese for sale, as well as seasonal produce, local milk, jellies, jams, and local honey. An onsite root cellar stores much of what the owners “put up” for the winter.

Food is prepared by Ashley McCaskill Robinson, daughter of the farm’s owners.

How did Old McCaskill’s Farm get its start?

Everything about Old McCaskill’s Farm connotes age and heritage, yet the home, also a bed and breakfast, was not constructed until 2008 by Lee McCaskill, contractor. He built it and the other buildings, including restaurant and store, to look as if all existed on the property for generations.

Many found objects are incorporated to achieve the aged aesthetic. Lee’s wife, Kathy, is the farmer – raising all the animals, fruits and vegetables, and even shearing the sheep and sending wool to a factory on Prince Edward Island in Canada to be made into shawls and blankets that are then returned to be sold in the store. They also sell canning supplies so patrons are able to can fresh produce themselves.

The family enjoys preparing food for visitors – at the bed and breakfast and on Fridays – because Kathy said she wants people to be able to experience where food originates, pointing out that most people only think about food coming from a grocery store.

What does the place look like?

Charm oozes from the Old McCaskill’s Farm property. Instead of feeling like a patron in a restaurant, visitors for Friday lunches are made to feel like guests.

Large picnic tables inside – where food is presented buffet-style – are decorated with a simple arrangement of flowers in a mason jar. There are also picnic and other style tables outdoors for eating when weather permits.

Surrounding the “restaurant” are quaint containments of various animals – as well as sundry antique, architectural, and utilitarian items. Eating outside affords a view of the stately, yet friendly, farmhouse and the landscaped grounds.

Who eats here?

Those who add their names to the Old McCaskill’s Farm email list receive an e-newsletter each Wednesday listing the selected menu for Fridays. One Columbia couple announced that they look forward to regular Friday treks to the farm. Others decide based on menu, while some make it a special outing as couples or as a family.

Mothers especially enjoy bringing their children to Old McCaskill’s Farm, where they can enjoy a break from urban life and experience a glimpse of true sustainable living. The owners sometimes do educational tours, along with other special events, such as Shearing Day.

Deena C. Bouknight, Special to Go Columbia

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 4:48 PM with the headline "What’s good here: Old McCaskill’s Farm in Camden."