By Victoria Scott

About 15 minutes from Nashville’s heart, there exists a little piece of paradise named Green Door Gourmet. The 350-acre property houses a stunning event space (called the Grand Barn), a store, and a USDA-certified organic farm.

Their country store — open six days a week — harkens back to a 19^th century general store and features over 100 products from artisans and farmers. Enter the beautiful oak cabin, and you’ll find your favorite local treats (think The Bang Candy Company marshmallows, Jeni’s ice cream, and Oliver and Sinclair chocolates) and baked goods (fresh loaves from Dozen bakery, anyone?) alongside equally remarkable products from lesser-known vendors (Ma’Bella goat’s milk soap and Glendale Farm lamb, for example).Sylvia Ganier, who owns and runs the farm alongside her husband, is especially proud of the store because it connects vendors with customers without the travel and timing challenges of managing farmers’ market booths.

As for the farm itself, Green Door Gourmet’s organic strawberries in particular are a big hit. Last year, the farm even partnered with Metro Nashville Public Schools to provide the berries to five different elementary schools. Don’t worry though, those of us who weren’t so lucky can still look forward to strawberry picking beginning in early May.

But if you’re looking for more than strawberries, they’ve still got you covered. The Green Door Gourmet Local Farm Box is a 22-week subscription service (they also have flexible options if that’s too much of a commitment) that provides fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even flowers! With convenient weekend pickup, the program allows Nashville residents to eat delicious fresh produce and support local businesses at the same time.The farm and surrounding buildings are breathtaking, so it makes perfect sense that the property doubles as a wedding and event venue. Those planning a wedding have access to the Grand Barn and Cedar Arbor — plenty of space for indoor and outdoor festivities — along with enough backdrops (fields of flowers, tree-lined paths, and rustic buildings) to make any photographer swoon.

So the next time you feel the need to escape Nashville’s city life and return to the country for an afternoon, make sure to add Green Door Gourmet to your list. You won’t regret it!