It seemed to be the perfect spot for just about anything, says Stephanie Peckenpaugh. The former location of Jeff Dikes Farm Market along Highway 57 would be the ideal space for Stephanie and her husband Aaron to do just about anything.
“I’m kind of a dreamer when it comes to all the things I want to do, and this seemed like the place where I could do a lot of things to keep me busy for a while,” she says.
As owners of the food truck Pizza Revolution, the Peckenpaughs were mainly drawn to the location for its large kitchen space as well as its 5 acres of land. For the Evansville natives, it was just the home base they needed for their food truck endeavor. The fact its location was close to their own home made the deal even sweeter.
And so they purchased the property in late 2015, opening Farm 57 in early 2016.
For Stephanie, who has a background in interior design, the store is all about offering items that appeal to her, but also are unique to the area. She attends several markets — from Las Vegas and Dallas to Nashville and Atlanta — looking for products to complement the store’s atmosphere.
“We have a little bit of a funky collection,” she says.
The offerings include gift items, kitchen accessories, handmade jewelry, and much more, including the popular ice cream brand, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. Each season brings about fresh selections from regional farmers as well. Spring welcomes flowers packed in three of the properties four greenhouses. Summer invites in delicious produce, while fall sees the porch of Farm 57 fill with pumpkins and mums. And every winter, the Peckenpaughs bring in fresh-cut Frasier fir Christmas trees.
Another large draw to their store is the popular Food Trucks at the Farm event, held each Wednesday evening — weather permitting — through the spring, summer, and fall months. Anywhere from 12 to 15 food trucks from the region set up on the property, accompanied by music from local bands and DJs.
“It really has pulled people from all over the area to here, and that is awesome,” says Stephanie. “It’s a great time to come out and check out the store as well.”
The couple says they take the most pride from being able to provide a space for the community to come together.
“We really care about the quality of products in here as well, and people appreciate that,” says Aaron.
“Rather than moving to another town that seems to have everything, like everyone thinks you have to do, why not just bring things here?” says Stephanie. “This is just another way to get into the community and grow.”
Farm 57
3443 Kansas Road, 812-626-9315, facebook.com/Farm57
