Blog About Weston
What exactly IS The Farmer’s House?
Visitors to the Weston area frequently ask about The Farmer’s House. They pass the “farm” on Hwy 273 on the way into town and they encounter a retail store on Main St. by the same name. Weston is so proud to be home to these locations and we want to share a little more on this amazing not-for-profit organization.
“The Farmer’s House provides innovative community-based programs for youth and adults with developmental disabilities (our Farmers). A supportive, positive environment is the foundation of our structured programs which emphasize meaningful activities that support the identification, acquisition and retention of personal, social and vocational skills. Services are offered in Weston and Platte City, Missouri and in Westwood, Kansas. Our goal is to empower individuals to live a meaningful life and encourage positive interactions through social, recreational, vocational and transition services.”
Early Work Experience
Employment Services
Community Integration
Social Enrichment
The Farmer’s House markets in Weston, Mo. and Westwood, Ks., are cheerful places with something for everyone. You’ll find an array of kitchen wares, home goods and whimsical items for all ages. They carry a terrific selection of specialty jams, apple butters, pickled items along with delicious pies to take and bake. These markets are more than just great places to shop – they’re markets with a mission. Each location is a social enterprise site designed to provide early work experience and vocational training for individuals with developmental differences, our Farmers. 100% of your purchase supports their non-profit mission to empower youth and adults with developmental disabilities to pursue their best lives.
Find out more about The Farmer’s House and how you can help, visit www.TheFarmersHouse.org.
Where’s the Big Box Store?
You won’t find a box store here. Weston is a small town with a wealth of stories, its fair share of characters, a variety of memorable experiences. One of those experiences is shopping!
Local merchants sell unique offerings with very little redundancies. In a two-block area you can browse the nation’s leading distributor of Polish pottery (Renditions), shop original creations from a fashion designer in Taiwan at Pacific Breeze, have your dog fitted for a kilt at the area’s popular Irish mainstay Celtic Ranch, then walk next door for pastas and goodies imported from Italy at La Bella Cucina. Poland, Taiwan, Italy, Ireland….and you haven’t even crossed the street!
TIP: Local ownership means the owners work weekends, so many shops take off on Mondays.
Families Play in Weston
Family memories start here!
The Weston Historic Orchard and Vineyards, the iconic Red Barn Farm, and The Farmer’s House offer the best of Apple Picking Season and beyond! The Green Dirt farm even offers an up-close tour of their Sheep Farm and Cheese Kitchen.
Hiking, biking, camping, and participating in park programs are the favorites at nearby Weston Bend State Park.
Museums, kid-friendly shopping, and family dining make Weston an easy place for a short escape. If you’re lucky enough to get in on a festival or holiday – be part of an old-fashion celebration with parades, entertainment, and games.
And don’t forget the annual photo with Weston’s Father Christmas!
History Buffs love Weston!
Museums? We’ve got them!
The Historic Weston Museum, Lewis & Clark exhibit, and a one-of-a-kind offering: National Silk Art Museum. The historic Laurel Hills Cemetery has a unique collection of historic facts as you drive through, including a tribute to the 400 slaves and freed African-Americans buried there.
In late spring, Weston celebrates the life of one of our notorious early settlers during an annual Ben Holladay Day. And make plans to celebrate the Black history of Weston during our annual Juneteenth event.
Drop by the Chamber office to pick up a driving tour of historic spots and some of the 90 pre-civil war homes still in use. For a look inside some homes, visit during the Annual Candlelight Homes Tour. This historic tour takes place the first weekend of December.
Tours of the Historic Holladay Distillery and Weston Brewing Company are “must sees!” Call ahead to reserve.
Weston for Entertainment
What’s your idea of fun?
Skiing and tubing at Snow Creek maybe followed by a massage
Singing along in an Irish Pub or listening to local folk artists and regional acts in an outdoor vineyard
Harry Potter weekends, Disney, and various Trivia Nights
How about a Ghost Tour, a Whiskey and Tobacco Festival or a monthly parade of vintage cars
Weston celebrates the corn harvest, the apple harvest, the winter holidays, Juneteenth and the 4th of July
An artist’s open house or see potters and artists at work
How about picking grapes at harvest time, culinary classes, wine tastings, lively festivals or just relaxing by watching Plein Air artists at work and people walking by.