Welcome to AlPat Farms

There’s a saying that the land remembers. For me, that truth is woven into every field, pasture, and fence post here at AlPat Farms. This place isn’t just where I live — it’s where generations of my family have poured their love, labor, and care into the soil.

My great-great grandparents purchased the farm in 1887, and today I’m honored to be the 5th generation to continue their legacy. Over the years, the farm has raised everything from poultry, beef, and pork to fruits, vegetables, flowers, and hay. Farming has changed so much in my lifetime, but the values remain the same: care for the land, respect for the animals, and the joy of sharing both with others.

If you know me, you know that hospitality is in my heart as much as farming is in my bones. My grandmother, Pearl, first sparked my love for baking in her farmhouse kitchen. That inspiration eventually led me to open Pearl’s Bake Shoppe in Richmond, where for 12 years I had the privilege of feeding the community and welcoming friends both old and new. After selling the bakery, I felt the pull of home stronger than ever, and in 2022 I returned full-time to the farm.

Here at AlPat Farms, I get to bring both of those worlds together. We raise Angus cattle, tend the gardens, and welcome guests to experience life on the farm — whether it’s through a stay at one of our Airbnb properties, a meal prepared with ingredients grown just a few steps away, or simply a walk through the fields at sunset.

This blog will be a place where I share farm updates, stories from our history, seasonal recipes, and little glimpses into life here at Journey’s Run and beyond. My hope is that whether you’re a guest, a neighbor, or someone who just loves following along from afar, you’ll feel a sense of connection to this land and to the legacy it carries.

Thank you for being here at the beginning of this new chapter. I can’t wait to share the journey with you.

With gratitude,

Laurie