By Darlene Brace
Pine Junction is a charming restaurant venue located in the picturesque countryside near Sherman and Findley Lake. Surrounded by rolling hills, it sits in a lovely clearing with a warm and rustic atmosphere, with fresh air and sunshine filtering through the trees. Since owners Lonnie and Shirlee Pound opened their doors in 2006, it has become an increasingly popular destination for many. Because of its location, some folks say that half the fun is just the adventure of finding it!
The restaurant is open year-round and is a comfortable haven for snowmobilers during the winter months. Inside the restaurant, you’ll discover two full bars and a spacious yet cozy dining area with a rustic wood design. It features plenty of seating options for both small and large groups, making it perfect for dinner gatherings of any size. The menu boasts a delicious variety of items, including BBQ ribs, Black Angus burgers, broasted chicken, pork chops, stir-fries, and chicken wings, among many others. Be sure to save room for their scrumptious homemade desserts!
This venue also features a spacious outdoor area that includes a large pavilion with a bar, a fire pit, and a grassy meadow. This beautiful setting is ideal for wedding ceremonies and receptions, as well as private parties and special events. The picturesque surroundings create a tranquil atmosphere, framed by forests and gardens, making it a lovely backdrop for photographs.
This month, Pine Junction will host the return of a special event called Drafts and Crafts on May 25th, from 11am-5pm. The event will occur mostly under the large pavilion, rain or shine, with heaters available in case the spring air is chilly. Approximately thirty craft vendors will showcase various items, including jewelry, candles, artwork, clothing, laser-engraved products, and much more. Some locally made specialty treats like Whiz and Smash and Renea’s Candy Creations will be present as well.
Under the pavilion, there will also be live music performed by the premier country band Small Town Revolution. The band will play from 2-5pm, so don’t forget your dancing shoes.
The restaurant will be open and serving food from its menu. At the bars inside the restaurant and the pavilion bar, you find a variety of beer on tap, featuring craft beers and other drinks from local breweries like Bent Run, Hamburg Brewery, 1911 Distillery, and Southern Tier Brewing, to name a few. There will also be a full bar available and will include some special spring cocktails.
You will have the opportunity to check out the live chainsaw wood carving demonstration by Damian Skal. Watch as Damian creates stunning works of art with his chainsaw. He will be demonstrating his wood carving skills from the beginning of the event until the band starts playing. You’ll be able to purchase his beautifully carved artwork throughout the day. You don’t want to miss this!
While you browse the craft vendors and enjoy the live music, your children can play comfortably in this outdoor setting. There will be plenty of kid-oriented activities to keep them engaged, including temporary tattoos, face painting, tinsel hair wrapping, and 3D printing of plastic shapes. The spacious outdoor area is great for them to move around, dance, and have fun.
Pine Junction will be hosting other events throughout the summer and beyond. Be sure to mark your calendars for their Father’s Day Car Show on June 15th, taking place from 11am to 4pm. Additionally, the 5th Annual Don’t Tell Shirley Concert in the Pines will take place on July 23rd.
Pine Junction is located at 9757 Bailey Hill Rd in Sherman and is open from 11am-10pm, Wednesday through Sunday. It features delicious food and has fun events, and it’s the perfect venue for private gatherings, making it a popular destination year-round. For more information about the Drafts and Crafts festival, Pine Junction restaurant, and their venue rentals and events, please visit pinejunction.com or check their Facebook page for updates.