Ah, Spring! Doesn’t everything feel fresh and new? The atmosphere in your home and your cooking take on different personalities. You put away the heartier comfort food recipes and bring out ones that take advantage of the local, seasonal harvest and cook quicker. Even the colors and scents you add to your home feel lighter and brighter.

That’s how the Farm Stand at the Ørchard on Catawba looks and feels right now. We’ve swapped out our winter line for kitchen items, décor and foods that say spring and make great gifts for birthdays, bridal showers and more. Here’s our four favorite must haves of the season. Come in and find what makes you happy, too!

- off the vine -

a catawba island blog

Must Have 1. Le Creuset Cookware.
This classic French enameled cast iron cookware is the backbone of our restaurant kitchen and homes. We’re so hooked on how it performs and its good looks that we partnered with Le Creuset to become the region’s official dealer. It’s durable, chip resistant, heavy, and good for just about every cooking technique, from a simple sauté to a lengthy braise—even grilling. We carry non-stick and cast iron grill pans that bring the delicious flavor of outdoor grilling conveniently indoors, when quick is as important as delicious. Visit the Farm Stand and check out the color selection we have in stock, or we can place an order on your behalf.

Must Have 2. Carnivore Lust Dust.
You know the saying about good things coming in small packages? Jimmy Gibson’s Carnivore Lust Dust is proof. This compact tin is packed with the big flavors of a secret seasoning that compliments any cut of beef and literally anything that could use a flavor boost. Don’t look for it on Amazon because it’s a Farm Stand exclusive and the culinary legacy of the late Gibson, a Cincinnati-based, award winning steakhouse chef, and frequent guest on the Food Network. After closing his Cincy restaurant, Catawba became his home where he fished for walleye, became our friend and entrusted us with his recipe for Carnivore Lust Dust that we blend here. It’s our honor.

Must Have 3. c.1921 Candle Co.
If you’re a fan of hygge, the Danish art of creating coziness, you understand the power a lit candle has on setting the mood. It’s the first thing we do every morning at the Farm Stand, even in our offices. Our go-to candles are from c.1921 Candle Company, poured from all American soy. We were over the moon when they offered to create simple, clean signature scents that reflect spring at the Ørchard on Catawba like Annika’s Apple Crisp, Farm Stand Cinnamon Rolls and Catawba Peach. Our candle scents change with the seasons but what remains is that the flickering flame of a candle delivers atmosphere, light and coziness and more than one lit in your home is heaven.

Must Have 4. STEM Handmade Soap.
Yeah, it’s tempting to “borrow” the awesome STEM soap from our guest bathrooms and we’re flattered that our guests love it that much. It’s not your ordinary drugstore hand soap. STEM Handmade Soap is produced in small batches in Dave and Steve’s Lakewood, Ohio home, inspired by their mission to create a skin care line from high quality, natural ingredients that are great for you and good for the environment. Blended with essential oils, we’re excited to carry our own Farm Stand signature scent: Rosemary & Mint. It’s light, bright and inspired by the spring aromas from the lush herb gardens at the Ørchard on Catawba. The hand wash in our restroom is part of our guest experience but it is available in the Farm Stand, too.

Ørchard on Catawba is about an hour from Toledo and just over an hour from Cleveland. We’re on the way to the Miller Ferry and an easy stop whether you’re going or coming back. We are open daily at 8AM and invite you to join us for dining, wine, beer and cocktails, a wonderful shopping experience and a chance to enjoy the atmosphere of the grounds, from the orchard to the vineyard and all the feature we create to make your visit special. Visit us at 3350 NE Catawba Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452.