By Kate Bartlett
Emily Tingue is the owner and founder of Lucky Day Homestead, located at 5111 Roszyk Hill Road in Machias. She aims to offer a space for guests to freely learn about living simply off the land, and local farms. Through her classes, she educates guests hoping to help them gain the confidence to grow in their own family gardens, forage, keep medicinal herbs, preserve, sew, cook, bake, and learn pyrography (wood burning or felt hat burning). She strives to offer a space to share without judgment of asking any question.
Emily grew up just outside of Ellicottville in a town called Ashford. Both of her families were rather well known in the farming industry, as well as entrepreneurs and contractors throughout the 60’s-90’s. “I suppose the lifestyle appealed to me growing up,” says Emily. “My grandmother would cook and garden, processing a majority of the food for the family until I was a teenager, we ate from the farm or locally.” Emily bought the homestead 15 years ago. “It needed a lot of work, but was very close to family, which was important to me having young children of my own. It was exactly the life I wanted to give my family.”
When Emily started hosting classes at the homestead, the basic inspiration was to provide a space for guests to freely learn about living simply off the land. “My hope is the homestead offers a connection with nature, a renewed respect for a simple life, and confidence to live it. I strive to help create joyous memories that stay with my guests, encouraging them to return and incorporate these practices into their daily lives.”
The homestead is home to a Farm Stand that is filled with fresh, locally made baked goods, meats, cheeses, tallow lotions, tinctures, honey, maple syrup, antiques, and more. “It’s a great variety of locally sourced goods, all at one location” says Emily. The Stand is open Wednesday through Sunday 8am -7pm, accepting cash and Venmo.
Recently, Emily transitioned the barn into it into a venue. “Having the barn space was always a goal,” says Emily. “I’m proud to have been able to turn this into a reality.” The barn hosts small gatherings, bridal and baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, intimate weddings and more. The barn also hosts unique special events including barn dances, music nights and homestead classes. “Locals are asking for more events at the barn; they’ve been a huge success.”
The Homestead also offers an Airbnb for rent, providing guests the opportunity to retreat for a quiet getaway close to nature. “It’s a great getaway for couples, or anyone looking for a natural retreat,” says Emily. The Airbnb offers an optional door-step delivered breakfast to enjoy over the gardens and the 30 acres of rolling hills and moraine forest.
Emily also offers private chef services, bringing the flavors of local farms to your table. “We work with our clients to build a menu from seasonal and locally gathered foods,” says Emily. “We bring these fresh ingredients to your home or rental to cook a meal for any gathering. This service is available for 10- 80 people throughout the Ellicottville area, as a class style gathering or a non-disruptive meal service.”
This summer, the homestead is offering a variety of fun events in the renovated hay barn, and still has space on weekends for private gatherings. “We have a local artist coming once a month to give paint classes and we also have a spiritual medium coming throughout the summer.”
Each month on the last Friday at 1pm, the homestead is offering a forage walk, during which Emily identifies and educates about many herbs and wild plants that can be utilized for various purposes.
The first Barn Dance will take place on May 7, offering a square dance mixed with line dancing for all ages and skill levels. “All are welcome to join in the fun, “says Emily. The Chillbillies and friends will performing at the homestead for a free night of music on June 19, July 17 and August 28 from 6-9 pm. For both events food will be available for purchase, but guests are welcome to bring a blanket or lawn chair and favorite summer drink to enjoy an evening of music at the homestead.
The Mother’s Day Luncheon and Garden Walk will take place on May 17 for an afternoon of lunch, tea and lemonade, dessert table and an array of fresh flower bouquets. Guests can enjoy a leisurely walk around the homestead main 4 acres, tour the garden, berry patch and growing orchard and learn about the upcoming events. Photographers from Creatives by Carley will be on site to take complimentary photos and offer mini sessions to guests. Special door prizes and games will be a new addition to this year’s event.
Emily is incredibly grateful for the support she’s received and for everyone who has participated in events at the homestead. For more information, to purchase tickets or to book an event call 716-353-0193 or email luckydayhomestead@gmail.com. Follow along in The Villager for future programs and events.