by Sarah Golden, Staff Writer
Fans of urban planning will say that the best communities are those that have a “third place.” Most say third places, a local spot within communities where people can gather that is not where they live or work, is a dying concept in modern America. In Europe and other parts of the world, they’re more commonplace – a local café, pub, park, or charming public square where friends and neighbors gather to chat over a cup of coffee or something stronger.
Reston has a little of this rare charm at The Farm at Halley Rise, which just celebrated its second annual Beer in the Garden event. This urban farm, located behind the Wegmans off Reston Parkway, houses a berry patch, herb garden, fruit trees, and a pollinator and vegetable garden. Managed by the urban agriculture company Up Top Acres, the farm harvests fresh vegetables to donate to Cornerstones, a local charity. It also serves as a beautiful third place where Restonians can gather in nature.
The ultimate purpose of the Beer in the Garden event is to get locals out to the farm, connect with each other, and experience the wonderful resources urban farms offer, said Up Top Acres’ Charlotte.
During the event, the farm shared some of their herbs and vegetables with local brewery Lost Rhino, which developed syrups to pair with their beers. Visitors also sampled a beer of their choosing with jalapeno, rosemary, or lavender syrups, in a beautiful glass with a logo commemorating the special occasion. The Lost Rhino Kolsch with lavender syrup was a nice herbaceous and subtly sweet concoction.
The event also featured a bouquet bar where attendees could arrange their own bouquets of sunflowers, eucalyptus, and daisies. The experience of making your own floral arrangement while surrounded by flowers and herbs tends to make people grateful to have access to such a beautiful place.
If flowers and beer aren’t your thing, there were plenty of friends and family hanging out in between the flower beds amid the sunshine and live music.
The farm is accessible during non-event hours as well, and visitors are welcome to sit, relax, and even help themselves to the fresh berries and herbs.
To learn more about upcoming events and the work Up Top Acres does to increase access to fresh foods across urban areas, visit www.uptopacres.com/thefarmathalleyrise.
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