On a quiet stretch of Sussex County farmland, a working farm with deep culinary roots is hosting two more late-summer dinners that spotlight the best of what it grows and raises. The Farm at Glenwood Mountain, a 180-acre property run by Steve and Candice MacLean, will open its herb garden for outdoor meals on August 15 and 16, part of an ongoing supper series that’s quietly become one of the state’s most compelling farm-to-table experiences over the last few summers.
Chef Steve MacLean handles the cooking himself, turning out a four-course menu built around whatever’s in peak form that week. Before he traded city kitchens for farm life, MacLean trained at the French Culinary Institute and cooked in some serious New York spots. Now, about a decade after the MacLeans took over the once-abandoned property, the chef is back to doing what he loves: working at the source. Vegetables and herbs picked from the property’s soil. Grass-fed livestock raised by the farm’s team. Everything is raised and grown a stone’s throw away from the kitchen.
Although MacLean’s farm dinners kick off at 6:30 pm, it’s not unusual for guests to arrive at the property early. Settle in. Explore. Check out the property’s market and perhaps, take in the view: rolling pastures, livestock, and more. Dinners are BYOB and intentionally low-key. You won’t find white tablecloths or pretentious bells and whistles, just really good food in a place that ultimately feels like a secret. Think quiet, rustic luxury.
The farm has evolved over the past ten years from a livestock operation into a full-scale culinary destination. Beyond the dinners, the farm now has a market where you can pick up their own meats and produce, plus a beautifully restored 1930s dairy barn that hosts private events. The property’s kitchen was originally built with the sole intention of highlighting New Jersey’s seasonal ingredients when they’re at their best.
Dinners are typically hosted in the property’s herb garden, but are also available in the barn or at the Chef’s Table, depending on the weather. Regardless of the setting, an evening at Glenwood Mountain keeps the focus on an authentic, organic experience that pays homage to what the Garden State is known for: farm life.
For anyone traveling in, the property also offers a handful of overnight stays that let you linger a little longer. There’s a warm, five-bedroom farmhouse with a pool ideal for groups or families, and a charming cottage nearby with its own BBQ-ready setup. Accommodation options also include larger suites, whether you’re with a larger group or simply in search of an idyllic weekend getaway. With the Appalachian Trail and Warwick, NY’s wineries just a short drive away, there’s reason enough to spend a few nights. The Farm at Glenwood Mountain is hosting two more dinners this summer on August 15th and 16th – and a few seats are left for this Saturday, 7/26 as well. While seating is limited and tends to sell out quickly, you can purchase seats here for $125. Sign up for the latest information and join the VIP list here.
Michael is the Editor-in-Chief of New Jersey Digest and Creative Director at X Factor Media. A Bergen County native, he discovered his passion for storytelling while studying at Montclair State University. In addition to his work in journalism and media, Michael is an avid fiction writer. Outside the office, he enjoys kayaking, a bold glass of Nebbiolo, and the fine art of over-editing.