The Old Man Farm: Medicinal Plants and Marie Sharp’s

What the reviews say

The Old Man Farm holds a Google rating of 5 from 163 reviews, and the available feedback consistently describes an educational, personable experience rather than a conventional sightseeing stop. Visitors focus on two main elements: a medicinal plant tour and an introduction to the history and products of Marie Sharp’s.

Several reviewers booked the combined experience and considered the two parts complementary. The plant-focused portion provides practical information, while the Marie Sharp’s presentation adds a strong local business story and an extensive tasting. Guides also receive enthusiastic praise. Jefferson is named repeatedly for delivering an informative, engaging tour, while Leann is thanked alongside him in another review.

Medicinal plants and practical learning

The medicinal tour is repeatedly described as educational. Visitors learn about plants grown on the farm and how they may be used, with at least some tours including a hands-on activity at the end. One reviewer describes making a hair-growth product using plants from the farm.

This practical element appears to distinguish the experience from a simple walk through cultivated grounds. Reviews suggest that the emphasis is on explanation, traditional plant knowledge and participation. That makes the tour particularly relevant for travellers interested in local agriculture, plant uses and experiences built around learning rather than passive viewing.

The feedback provides less detail about how much of the wider farm visitors see. One reviewer specifically wished for more of a farm tour featuring the plants and fruit trees, so those expecting an extensive agricultural walk may want to clarify the current format.

The Marie Sharp’s experience

The second major draw is the story of Marie Sharp and the development of her hot sauce business. Reviewers describe the history as fascinating and memorable, with a video used as part of the presentation. Even visitors who already knew and enjoyed the products found value in learning more about the person and business behind them.

Tasting is central to the experience. Reviews mention hot sauces, jams and jellies, with reported totals varying between 17 and 32 products. That difference may reflect the tour selected or the tasting available on a particular visit, so the exact lineup should not be assumed. Some feedback also mentions locally made fruit wines and an optional or additional wine tasting.

The breadth of flavours is one of the clearest recurring highlights. Fans of Marie Sharp’s products appreciated being able to compare varieties, while newcomers received a structured introduction to the range.

Editorial verdict

Based on public ratings and traveller reviews, The Old Man Farm works best for visitors who enjoy food tastings with a strong educational component. The combination tour receives the most detailed praise because it brings together medicinal plant knowledge, a hands-on activity, local enterprise and a substantial tasting session.

It is less suited to travellers primarily seeking factory access. One reviewer reports that visitors can no longer enter the factory, and another wished for more time among the farm’s plants and fruit trees. For most, however, the guides, business history and variety of sauces, jams, jellies and occasional fruit wines make the experience feel focused and distinctive.