PAINTED PASTURES is a beautiful 12-acre farm in Smithsburg that has become home to some uniquely charming animals since January 2020. It was given the name Painted Pastures because it so perfectly describes the place. It is like a little piece of heaven where flowers bloom and visitors, are greeted by friendly multicolored Nigerian Dwarf goats and clucking chickens with shiny red, white and black feathers. Owner Lori Anderson can be found on the farm just about any day of the week, tending to her animals and flowers with her beloved companion Anne the dog. Everyone is invited to visit this friendly place to see the goats, chickens, sheep, and horses. Ronnie the Rooster will be there to greet all the guests and keep all his animal friends in line as well. The Nigerian Dwarf goats are the star of this show (shh don’t tell Ronnie). The fields are a perfect play yard where they climb, jump and head butt each other knowing they are safe and loved. In the spring, the field is full of “kids” ( baby goats) and their mommies. It is quite the sight to see. “There is something very special about the atmosphere here. It makes people feel good and makes them forget about their troubles,” Lori says. Lori raises her goats for their rich milk which she then uses to make soaps, lotions, balms, sugar scrubs and bath bombs. These goat milk personal care products are naturally emollient, and the soaps come in a wide variety of colors and fragrances. The Farm store is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and is filled with these products and many unique and one-of-a-kind pieces from other local artisans. You can also find their products at The Market Hub, Old Home Stead, McCutcheon Apple Products, Scenic View Orchard, and Deliteful Dairy. There is a lot of beauty on this quaint farm property. Along with the goat milk products, Lori raises and sells fresh cut flowers. They are grown in a hoop greenhouse just down the hill from the goat barn. During the summer months, she runs a roadside flower stand at the end of her driveway. Gorgeous bouquets of fresh flowers are available to purchase starting at $15 each. She says that she employs the “honor system” at the flower stand and it has worked out quite well. There are many ways to enjoy all that Painted Pastures has to offer, including the Farm to Table Dinners where guests enjoy all locally sourced meal served under the trees on the farm. These events are a new and fun way to experience the farm while enjoying a delicious meal. This Farm to Table Brunch is a new addition to the schedule. Another new and exciting event planned for 2023 is a Paint Night, later in the summer. At all these events, guests are welcome to hang out with the animals while they enjoy the peace and tranquility of their surroundings.
