Introduction

As I stand at the entrance

of Wilson’s Orchard & Farm on a spring morning, the gentle hum of nature surrounds me. Rows of apple trees stretch across rolling hills, their branches reaching toward the sky in anticipation of another bountiful season. This isn’t just any farm – it’s a living, breathing example of what’s possible when agricultural tradition meets forward-thinking innovation. I’ve learned that people aren’t

just buying houses – they’re investing in communities and lifestyles. Wilson’s Orchard & Farm has become one of our area’s most cherished treasures, a place that turns neighbors into friends and everyday moments into lasting memories.

Let me take you on a journey through this remarkable 125-acre polyculture farm and show you why living near Wilson’s is about so much more than just having access to fresh produce.

The Wilson’s Story: From Passion Project to Community Treasure

Every amazing place has a story, and Wilson’s begins with founders Joyce and Robert Wilson. Back in the 1980s,  purchased a livestock farm as a retirement project and it quickly blossomed into something much more meaningful.

“It was a passion project for them,” explains one of the current team members. “They saw potential in this land when others didn’t.”

 “Even though Paul is technically retired, he’s still out in the fields everyday with our farm workers, getting on heavy equipment, and building things from dawn to dusk,” shares a staff member with admiration. “His commitment to land stewardship

 reflects his naturally nurturing character.”

This deep connection to farming runs in Paul’s blood. His family has been farming in the Midwest for six generations, witnessing firsthand how agriculture has transformed over the decades.

Growing Beyond Apples: The Polyculture Revolution

When Wilson’s first began, it was solely an apple orchard open only during the fall months. Today, it’s a year-round destination with 16 different crops and over 200 varieties growing across its picturesque valley.

During my visit, I learned about their commitment to polyculture farming – a method that moves away from the single-crop fields that dominate Iowa’s landscape. Instead, Wilson’s plants a diverse mix of crops that work together, mimicking natural ecosystems.

“A big part of our mission is to produce regenerative food and farm systems,” explains the farm manager, Matt. “Planting a mix of crops together mimics the rich diversity found in natural ecosystems. It helps reduce the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides, creates richer soil that retains moisture and nutrients, while also giving us stronger food security.”

This approach isn’t just good for the land – it creates an ever-changing experience for visitors throughout the year. In spring, you might find yourself wandering through fields of tulips during their “Tulip Fest”   while fall ushers in the “Pumpkin Fest”, states Sara.

A Taste of Wilson’s: Farm Fresh Dining That Delights

After spending the morning exploring Wilson’s Orchard & Farm and chatting with their passionate team, my friends and I settled in for what would become not just lunch, but a revelation in farm-to-table dining.

Let me be clear: what’s happening in Wilson’s kitchen deserves your immediate attention. This isn’t just good “farm food” — it’s exceptional cuisine that happens to be served in one of Iowa’s most picturesque settings.

We started with their smash burger, which arrives looking deceptively simple but delivers complex layers of flavor that had us fighting over the last bite. The locally-sourced beef is cooked to perfection — crispy edges giving way to a juicy center — but it’s the caramelized onion aioli that transforms this from an excellent burger into something transcendent. This magical concoction adds a sweet, savory depth that melts into every bite, complemented perfectly by the soft artisanal bun that somehow maintains its integrity to the last mouthful.

The accompanying salted French fries (also available with Cajun spice for the more adventurous) achieve that elusive perfect texture: crisp exterior, fluffy interior, and remarkably oil-free. But the true star accompanying these golden treasures is Wilson’s house made ranch dressing. Forget everything you know about ranch — this version is so fresh, and so perfectly balanced that one of my companions declared it “drinkable.” We found ourselves ensuring no fry went uncovered!

The strawberry lemonade deserves special mention. Made with berries harvested just steps from where we sat, it delivers an intense, authentic strawberry flavor that commercial versions can only dream of replicating. Sweet – it tastes like summer in a glass.

Perhaps most impressive was the Gochu pizza — a masterclass in balanced flavors featuring chili garlic sauce, local pork, bell peppers, jalapeños, and Thai basil, all atop a sourdough crust (description from the menu). The result is a perfect slice — neither too thick nor too thin — with a complex, tangy base that provides the ideal canvas for the toppings. The absence of traditional red sauce allows the farm-fresh ingredients to shine, creating a harmony of heat, herb, and savory notes that had us contemplating ordering a second one to take home.

What makes the dining experience at Wilson’s so remarkable isn’t just the quality of the ingredients — though their commitment to using what’s growing just outside the kitchen door certainly elevates every dish. It’s the thoughtfulness behind each recipe, the evident skill in the execution, and the clear passion that infuses everything from the carefully crafted menu to the warm, attentive service.

In a state where the farm-to-table movement is still gaining traction, Wilson’s isn’t just participating — they’re showing everyone how it should be done. This is dining that connects you to the land, the seasons, and the community in the most delicious way possible.

If you value food with integrity, flavor that tells a story, and dining experiences that create lasting memories, Wilson’s Orchard & Farm needs to shoot to the top of your must-visit list. Trust me — your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll be texting your own friends before you’ve even finished your meal, insisting they join you for your inevitable return visit

From Farm to Table: A Complete Experience

What truly sets Wilson’s apart is how they’ve expanded beyond just growing food to creating a complete farm-to-table experience. As I continue my tour, the rich aroma of freshly baked snacks, coffee, cider, and home made soaps, wafts through the air, drawing me toward the farm’s bakery and shop.

“Almost everything is made from scratch, using local ingredients to provide the most nutritional value to our community.” Krissy says, “Strawberries are her passion and favorite to incorporate into daily dishes and drinks” as I witnessed by the lemonade earlier.

The farm’s expansion into a cidery, bakery, and event space wasn’t just about diversification – it was about creating deeper connections.

“We envisioned a space where visitors could enjoy the changing life cycles of nature year-round through

hand-crafted cider, freshly baked goods, and farm-to-table meals.” states Sara.

At their restaurant, the farm-to-table philosophy comes full circle. Chefs work directly with farm managers to plan menus around what’s being harvested that season. The result is food that tells the story of the land in every bite, States Krissy.

The Wilson’s Difference: A Work Culture Worth Celebrating

Have you ever been to a place where the work culture is tangible, the staff are like family, there’s a waiting list to work there, and you wonder if it’s too good to be true?

Well, if you haven’t experienced this rare phenomenon, head to Cumming, Iowa and visit Wilson’s Farm—you’ve arrived. In today’s world where we constantly hear about toxic workplaces and employee burnout, Wilson’s stands as a refreshing counterpoint that proves it doesn’t have to be that way.

It’s hard to believe organizations like this still exist. Places where small businesses genuinely give back to their community and staff, where people treat each other with respect and kindness, and where healthy competition breeds innovation rather than division.

My visit to Wilson’s was nothing short of delightful, and a large part of that was witnessing the team’s camaraderie. It’s tangible. The positive energy is infectious, radiating from every staff member I encountered. You can see it in the way they interact with each other—the inside jokes, the supportive glances, the seamless way they work together like a well-oiled machine. This isn’t forced corporate “team building”; it’s an authentic connection.

If you have a teenager looking for a summer job or meaningful mentorship, or if you’re interested in volunteering yourself, I cannot recommend Wilson’s highly enough. I want to shout it from the rooftops: these folks are the real deal. They operate with humility and transparency, demonstrating profound respect for both the earth and human nature.

In a world increasingly dominated by faceless corporations and transactional relationships, Wilson’s Orchard & Farm reminds us of what’s possible when business is done differently—when people and the planet are valued alongside profit. It’s a living example of how work can be fulfilling, community-centered, and yes, even joyful.

So the next time someone tells you that the “good old days” of ethical small businesses are gone, point them toward Wilson’s. Some things may be rare, but they’re not extinct—and they’re worth celebrating when we find them.

Building Community Through Food & Celebration

As we make our way to Wilson’s stunning event space, I’m struck by how the farm has become a gathering place that strengthens community bonds.

“We wanted to create a space where people of all ages can enjoy themselves and get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life,” says the marketing coordinator. “Here, we encourage a return to mindfulness and connection, whether through a leisurely dinner, a stroll through our fields, or the enjoyment of live music.”

The event space itself is as practical as it is beautiful, with a built-in bar, changing rooms, sound system, dimmable lights, and climate control. But what stands out most is the team’s approach to hosting celebrations.

“Our goal is to be your partner in creating an unforgettable event, and we believe the planning aspect should be as joyous and stress-free as possible,” Sara tells me. “We’re committed to exceeding expectations by offering flexibility and support that goes beyond standard venue offerings.”

Beyond weddings and private events, Wilson’s has created a year-round calendar of community gatherings. Monthly yoga sessions, painting workshops, and crafting experiences led by local artists bring people together even in the quieter seasons. During summer months, “Sunday Funday” features local bands playing on the patio, free for anyone to enjoy.

The Agrihood Advantage: What This Means for Residents

One of the most exciting aspects of Wilson’s Orchard & Farm is its role in Iowa’s first “agrihood” – a neighborhood built around agriculture as its organizing principle.

“Being part of the first agrihood in Iowa is one of the coolest things about living here,” a staff member shares enthusiastically. “The purpose of an agrihood is to provide residents with access to fresh, locally grown produce.”

Since opening their Cumming location in April 2024, Wilson’s has transformed the daily experience of local residents. Before, people had to drive out of town for groceries, restaurants, and entertainment. Now, they have a year-round destination right in their backyard.

“We’ve been hearing from our customers that they feel more satisfied living here because we host year-round events, release a new menu every season, and offer interesting food items at the Farm Market that would be hard to find elsewhere,” explains a team member.

This connection to fresh, local food isn’t just a convenience – it’s a way of life that’s increasingly valued by homebuyers.

“There’s so much potential for Iowa to become a Silicon Valley of sorts – a hub for farming innovation and advancements,” the team member continues. “This community is just showing us the beginning of what’s possible.”

Looking Forward: Wilson’s Vision for Iowa’s Future

As we wrap up our tour, I’m struck by the broader vision behind Wilson’s Orchard & Farm. This isn’t just about creating a successful business – it’s about proving what’s possible for Iowa’s agricultural future.

“Ideally, our contribution will be as a proof of concept,” explains a staff member. “We’re showing that it’s possible to have a successful diversified, direct-to-consumer agriculture business in Iowa – that it’s viable to do something in agriculture at scale other than growing corn and soy or confinement livestock.”

The challenges of growing diverse crops in Iowa are real. Many of the fruits and vegetables Wilson’s produces aren’t typically grown commercially in the state anymore. Most of Iowa’s agricultural resources and support systems are geared toward corn and soy production.

Can’t Say No To Sara

So we’re packing up our camera gear, thinking we’re done filming, when Sara comes bouncing over with this contagious smile. And you know me—I can NEVER say no to one more story, especially when someone’s practically glowing with excitement to tell it.

“You guys HAVE to hear this,” she says. “And trust me, you’re gonna want that camera rolling.”

Sara then launches into how during her very first week working at Wilson’s, Jacob Goering (co-owner) gives her this top-secret assignment. I’m talking about undercover-mission-level secrecy. Her job? To covertly capture photos and videos of a surprise proposal about to go down in the orchard.

Get this—the couple had flown all the way from San Diego, California! And the bride-to-be? Completely clueless about what was about to happen, but the bride was not the only one to get a surprise!

But here’s where it gets wild. In an incredible twist of fate, they found out that Grant, the future groom, was connected to Jacob’s grandfather when he mentioned he grew up in Solon, IA and was super familiar with the Iowa City location. That’s when Grant asked Jacob if he knew his grandfather and then everyone realized their past connection. How incredible is that?

So picture this perfect scene: They’re taking the apple orchard tour, and while the unsuspecting girlfriend, Evie, is taking in the views, admiring the trees and that gorgeous Iowa landscape, her boyfriend is quietly dropping to one knee behind her. When she turns around—BOOM—there he is, ring in hand, ready to change their lives forever.

Sara said the look on her face was PRICELESS. Pure shock, followed by the happiest “YES!” and tears streaming down her face.

I mean, COME ON! What are the odds?

This couple from California, with a Chinese heritage bride-to-be, getting engaged at an orchard in IOWA owned by a guy who happens to have a connection with the groom, Grant, and also speaks the bride’s native language?

Is it a coincidence? Destiny? The universe conspiring to create the perfect moment? Whatever it is, it’s beautiful. Think about it—this guy managed to weave together his family’s past, their shared heritage, and their future into one perfect moment. And he did it in a place that, on the surface, seems completely random but is actually woven with all these meaningful connections.

Sara was like, “Not a bad first week on the job, right?” Talk about setting the bar high! Can you imagine? Your first assignment is to secretly document one of the most magical moments in someone’s life, and then you discover all these incredible layers to the story.

These are the moments that make Wilson’s so much more than just a farm or orchard. It’s where memories are planted, where stories take root, where connections—both to the land and to each other—grow into something beautiful.

And THAT, my friend, is exactly why I can’t shut up about this place. Wilson’s isn’t just growing apples and berries—they’re growing moments that change people’s lives. And sometimes, if you’re lucky like Sara, you get to witness the magic firsthand.

Copyright:

2025 Vonnie Potter JaaiBirch, LLC All Rights Reserved.

Author: Vonnie Potter

Video and Photos owned by Vonnie Potter should not be used without permission

Photos taken by Reel Vision Media