The Hitching Post Restaurant and The Kemp Sanctuary At Nettle Meadow Farm Share a Heartwarming Mission
[From the Fall 2023 Showcase of Homes Magazine]
Written By WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH | Photos by JOSH, LIZZ, AND WENDY HAUGH
Eighteen years ago, Lorraine Lambiase and Sheila Flanagan left corporate law careers in California to pursue their two true passions—cheese-making and animals—on a rustic farm in upstate New York. Upon arriving at Nettle Meadow Farm in Thurman with their four dogs and four goats, the women never imagined that their new home would so quickly evolve into a rescue facility for elderly, neglected, and differently-abled animals.
The farm’s previous owners had run a small cheese-making operation, so a number of goats were included with the sale of the property. “The sanctuary evolved almost instantaneously when we arrived in 2005,” recalls Lambiase, who manages the Kemp Sanctuary at Nettle Meadow Farm. “Because several of the goats that were already here in the production program were older and had a variety of serious health issues, we retired them that first summer... and the sanctuary was born.”
For many years, Lambiase and Flanagan created their award-winning Nettle Meadow Artisan Cheeses—all made with pasture-fed goat, sheep, and cow’s milk from local farms—in a cramped, farm-based plant. But as their business evolved, and space grew ever tighter, they knew a move was imminent. When The Hitching Post—a massive, historic, log-cabin style restaurant/banquet hall in Lake Luzerne—came up for sale in 2019, the women found the perfect site for their best-in-class cheese-making facility. And three years later, with Sheila Flanagan at the helm and their new plant up and running, their cheese production increased from 26 to 1000 gallons a day.
Today, 80% of the 14,000-square foot Hitching Post is devoted to cheese production. The remaining space includes the restaurant/tavern, viewing room for visitors to watch the cheese-making process, and farm store/gift shop. The building’s interior alone—with its mammoth logs, said to be some of the largest in the Adirondacks, and massive stone fireplaces—is well worth a visit. Given its rustic yet elegant dining areas, an intriguing menu which fully utilizes Nettle Meadow’s award-winning cheeses, and a hearty selection of American-crafted beers and wines, The Hitching Post is the perfect venue for parties, events, and fundraisers.
Although Lambiase and Flanagan love all things cheese, they’re quick to point out that their true mission is the animals. Profits from their Lake Luzerne operations go directly toward supporting the extensive needs of their Kemp Sanctuary residents. The women lease their herds of working goats and sheep to local farms with expansive grazing pastures and safe, roomy shelters. Then, they purchase the milk for their creamery from those very same farms. Later, as working animals age out and their milking days end, they return to their forever home at Nettle Meadow.
Guided tours of the Kemp Sanctuary are offered Saturdays at noon, and self-guided tours are encouraged seven days a week, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Lambiase asks that visitors refrain from opening the pens or feeding the animals anything without guidance.
“Feeding the animals something they are not used to can be very dangerous for them,” she explains. “Stand back and don't try to pet the two rams, Harrison and Whoops, and definitely don't try to pet the berserker llama, Foonzie.” [Berserk Llama Syndrome (BLS) is a psychological and behavioral disorder where a llama shows increased aggression towards humans.]
“Yelling or screaming can scare the animals,” she adds, “so use gentle voices, and please don't chase any of the free range birds that may be out and about. This is their safe place, and it’s important to treat all the animals with respect.”
Roughly 75 animals currently live at the Sanctuary, including goats, sheep, pigs, horses, Highland cattle, a llama, pony, peacocks, guinea hens, chickens, cats, and birds. “During a year, we have anywhere from 6500-8000 people come to visit the Sanctuary. We have three workers who regularly tend to the animals, and six of our Hitching Post employees help out as needed. We’re losing a fantastic farmhand soon, though, so we’ll have need of another part-time or full-time animal caregiver and stall cleaner.” If interested, please apply.
The Kemp Sanctuary is a registered nonprofit, and 100% of every dollar donated goes to supporting the animals. In 2022, feed, medications, and supplements alone ran $800 a week. Yearly memberships are available (see website), and cash donations are always appreciated. “We’re also grateful for shavings, hay, fencing, fence posts, blankets, tools, paper towels, cat food for barn cats, and Tractor Supply gift cards,” says Lambiase.
On a sunny, frigid day last January, my husband and I visited The Kemp Sanctuary for the first time. Despite the bitter cold, we had a terrific time. A number of animals ventured outside, curious and eager to meet us. We learned that the Sanctuary had recently taken in a neglected horse and pony. “The horse was in terrible condition,” Lambiase told us, “severely emaciated with three infected hooves. The pony, thankfully, was in better shape.” As Chuck and I approached the horse’s stall, we found him draped in a heavy blanket, happily munching hay, safe and warm in his newfound home.
Four months later, revisiting the Sanctuary with our son, Josh, and his wife, Lizz, we were initially concerned to find the horse not in his stall. “Oh, he’s out in the back field,” Lambiase reassured us, smiling, “and doing much better.”
Having heard that Lorraine Lambiase studied psychology in college, I wondered if her background in any way helped, or influenced, her understanding of the animals. “Being a psychology major may be one facet,” she mused, “but, even more, I’ve had many, many years of working with animals in all stages of life and learning to listen to what they are asking for. Young and sick or injured animals may be scared and need reassurance. Some differently-abled creatures don't know any other way and are happy as can be, even though at times they may be difficult to look at. Similarly, older creatures reaching their geriatric years are often just looking for respect, and not to be forgotten. So many people are quick to want to put these older creatures down because they are frail and their health is a challenge, but the key is to listen to what the animals want and to respect their needs.”
After stocking up on cheeses at Nettle Meadow’s quaint farm store, my family headed south to Lake Luzerne to enjoy a delicious meal at the Hitching Post. Together, the farm/sanctuary and creamery/restaurant made a perfect pairing, and we couldn’t have asked for a better day. If you love animals, artisan cheeses, and terrific food, why not take this two-prong excursion yourself? It’s a daytrip you will never forget.
To learn more, visit www.nettlemeadow.com
The Kemp Sanctuary/Nettle Meadow Farm:
484 South Johnsburg Road,
Thurman, NY - 518-623-3372;
The Hitching Post & Tavern:
1256 Lake Avenue,
Lake Luzerne, NY - 518-696-6184.
Watch their cheese being made at nettlemeadow.com/how-it-s-made
