SouthStar Farms

SouthStar Farms: Endangered Forest Herb Sanctuary and Nature Retreat: Home of The Maddest Hatter’s Tea Shop, Apothecary, and Cafe' as well as the Badger's Den. 

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Eleven miles east of Pella, Iowa, and about two miles east of the sleepy town of New Sharon sits an 18-acre tract of land that contains a small piece of the Midwest Oak Savanna. Darren and Wendy Welder purchased this strip of land in 2017. Many months where spent renovating the existing buildings, improving the grounds, and replanting Iowan native plants to restore and reforest this small piece of the oak savanna. This is still an ongoing project. This also includes the new structure which is the Apothecary, tea shop, cafe, and an eclectic novelty shop we call the Badger's Den.

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SouthStar Farm as a whole has been designed to provide a relaxing and enjoyable nature-based atmosphere. This includes a limited food and drink menu and is served in The Tea shop and cafe' or the outdoor seating area. A selection of drinks, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic. 

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Guests are invited to sit out back and around a bonfire pit and enjoy the spectacular summer night sky while casually visiting with friends and unwinding from the crazy world we all now live in. There is very little light on the farm. So come out, prop your feet up, have a drink and/or a snack, and relax - we can't wait to see you!  (Bonfires are scheduled times and subject to weather and local burns bans)

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