Pond Hill Farm Offers Four Seasons of Farm Fun in Michigan
In partnership with: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Jimmy Spencer moved to the property that is now Pond Hill with his family when he was 4. However, it wasn’t until the age of 17 that he embraced the role of farmer and began his quest to leave the land and the place better than he found it.
Spencer’s goal was to build a family destination and a community gathering point as an example of what successful small agriculture can be. According to Spencer, Pond Hill Farm, located just 5 miles from Harbor Springs, Michigan, is now a place where people come from all over to eat, drink, be merry and be entertained.
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Spencer grows 8 acres of wine grapes, 15 acres of pumpkins, 5 acres of winter squash and has four greenhouses where salad greens and cucumbers are being intensively grown. Everything grown on the farm is utilized in their on-site farm cafe, brewery and winery.
No matter the season, there is quite literally something for everyone at Pond Hill Farm. Many of the activities are free, allowing folks from all walks of life to utilize and enjoy the property.
“We’re a place where very large mixed family groups can come and entertain three to four generations of people,” Spencer says. “Where you can go, and everyone can be happy.”
For Spencer, it’s about seeing this property remain a farm past his generation and into the next. Over time, many small farms are developed into commercial properties or subdivisions.
“I hope this land is better for the land, plants, animals and people as a farm than it would be as another subdivision,” Spencer says.
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Seasonal Offerings
In the winter months, Pond Hill Farm transforms into a winter wonderland. Outdoor enthusiasts come to fat-tire bike, snowshoe or cross-country ski through miles of picturesque, groomed trails. After fun in the snow, guests can warm up inside the cafe as they sip mulled wine. The little ones indulge in Crazy Kids Cocoa, hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, crushed Oreos, sprinkles, chocolate syrup, caramel and marshmallow. To burn off the sugar rush, a free sled hill with tubes is available right outside the cafe.
Spring brings in warmer temperatures and the start of a new planting and pruning season on the farm. Families venture out to enjoy the fresh air, trails and playground, then stay to consume farm fresh salads brought to life in the greenhouses over the winter. The gnome hunt on the property is available for kids of all ages to enjoy all year long. Locate each of the gnome homes to solve a phrase and return it for a special treat.
Summer offers up fields and vineyards full of produce and the chance to feed the animals and the fish in the trout pond. Human foosball and cornhole are also available for any age. When the adventures are over, live music is frequently available to enjoy while sipping a refreshing beer – brewed on-site, of course – and dining on a delicious brick-oven pizza.
“Fall is when the farm feels most alive with people enjoying the property,” Spencer says. “They can experience our 60,000 pumpkins and nature’s firework show in the leaves.”
During Spencer’s favorite time of the year at Pond Hill Farm, Saturdays and Sundays from late September through October feature Fall Fest Weekends. Visitors can revel in the giant pumpkin patch – featuring up to 1,000-pound pumpkins – hayrides, apple cannons, pumpkin smashing and much more. Hot cider, fresh doughnuts and traditional cafe offerings await guests after they’ve worked up an appetite from all their fall frolicking.
To learn more and plan your visit, check out the Pond Hill Farm website, pondhill.com.
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