If you’re looking for a dining experience that includes sitting under a towering oak tree, eating food that comes from an organic and chemical-free farm, and whose only two “insta worthy” displays are two beautiful German shepherds gently roaming the property, you should take a drive out to Bountiful Farms. It's located in Okahumpka, which, if you aren’t familiar, is about 10 minutes out of Leesburg. The family-run farm brings its bounty to local farmers markets, like the Winter Garden Farmers Market, but during the non Summer months of October - May, they operate an outdoor bistro on the farm that you can visit.

THE VIIBE

The entire dining area sits under the towering oak tree, providing shade with the working farm not far off in the distance. There's an excellent chance the person taking care of you during your meal also handles a specific part of the farm. On our visit, we had the farm's beekeeper take care of our meal.

On our visit, there was live music accompaniment, one solo guitarist playing popular songs of the past. Even on a warm November day when the temperature is still hitting 80 degrees, you don't mind sitting outside in jeans for lunch because you are housed in the shade of this oak tree, with smiling faces all around, and you don't have to pay for parking or even parallel park. No city sounds, or any urban distractions of any kind. Everything is relaxed and comfortable.

THE FOOD

All food preparation happens in the food trailer on site, and while their kitchen may be small, they have a menu with a great assortment of items. Salads, sandwiches, and a list of delectable appetizers, all with names that will make you chuckle, are available, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and organic items. View the menu here.

What we ordered:

• Poppin Nannies - deep fried goat cheese and farmers cheese

• Hush Puppies with fried green tomatoes

• Southern Chick - buttermilk marinated, southern fried chicken breast

• Grilled Mahi

• The Gobbler - crispy, pan seared turkey breast. Sauteed Swiss chard, Gouda cheese and blueberry compote

• The Reuben - a classic

Prices for these sandwiches ranged from $13-$14 with sides (fries are a dollar upcharge, and they are worth it). The foursome of us thoroughly enjoyed what we ordered, and the portions were large enough that some of them were wrapped up and taken home for leftovers. Everything was fresh and flavorful, and I don’t think there was one complaint among us.

Additionally there is a small store you can visit to grab fresh produce, local honey, among more items that are from the farm or from other local purveyors.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• The days/hours the bistro is open this season are Wednesday through Saturday, 11-3.

• While you don’t have to make reservations, they did mention they greatly appreciate it because it helps the kitchen determine how much they need to pull from the farm on any given day. To make reservations call 352-409-3204.

• They currently only host parties of eight or fewer.

• There are bathrooms on site.

• You can pay in cash or by card.

HOW TO MAKE A DAY OF IT

You may not think it’s worth the drive to Lake County, but it was such a lovely experience that I would say that is, especially when you consider you are supporting a local farm and a local family while getting to do something different.

There are also other places you can visit on your trip to make a more extended day of it:

COFFEE

Nautilus Coffee in Tavares 22 minutes

The Coffee Snob in Leesburg - 13 minutes

Water Gypsy in Leesburg - 12 minutes

DESSERT

Yalaha Bakery - 8 minutes away

Le Petit Sweet in Mt. Dora - 32 minutes away

Magic Tea Market in Mt. Dora - 32 minutes away

BAR

Mammoth Oak Brewing in Leesburg - 13 minutes away

The Brick & Barrel Public House in Leesburg - 12 minutes away

Handlebar in Mt. Dora - 32 minutes away

SHOPPING

Wildwood Antiques in Eustis - 9 minutes away

Not Just Cardboard in Leesburg - 13 minutes

Vyntage Goods in Mt. Dora - 32 minutes away

This is not a sponsored or promoted post, all items were paid for personally.