Hafner's Market and Jo Li Me Cafe

On a beautiful fall day I had the pleasure of taking my loving, 89 year old Mom to lunch. One of her favorite places to go is Chuck Hafner's Farmers Market and Garden Center and Jo Li Me Cafe in North Syracuse, NY.
I grew up in North Syracuse and my parents house was build on what was part of Hafner's Farm where they grew cabbage and other produce.   Since 1809 the Hafner brothers have been growing and selling fruit and vegetables.  And now has developed into a 65,000 feet retail space and 7 acre nursery center. Springtime I spend hours looking over their annual and perennials flowers.

Their gift shop decor changes with the seasons.

You can find Chuck's Garden Garlic Artisan Olive Oil and...

Chuck's wife, Linda has written a cookbook called Simple, Fresh and Healthy. Linda's family, the Gelsomin's once owned another North Syracuse landmark, Sweetheart Market.  Although the business closed in 2003 the sign still stands.

Every Christmas this is the place to go for Christmas trees, ornaments and floral arrangements.

The day we were there they were just starting to decorate all of their Christmas trees with unique ornaments.

And during the summer months it's the place to go for ice cream.

And then their is the restaurant, Jo Li Me Fresh Garden Cafe.  Great food and relaxing atmosphere!

 

Wood beams were pulled from a 19th century barn in Clay that was in the Hafner family and on their property. Some beams were used to fashion dining tables for the café.

The cafe has a menu to match Panera's

Mom had Cheese Quiche and I had a Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Sandwich and Mediterranean Salad.

 Next week: Anyela's Winery.