New online map highlights farm stands across the Jackson Purchase

If you’re looking for fresh vegetables, or just a fun weekend road trip, a new local website has you covered. The Farm Stand Trail (thefarmstandtrail.com) is a map to find all the best local goods that the Jackson Purchase area of Kentucky has to offer. 

“What began as a personal need grew into something much bigger,” said Renee Weatherford, owner of the Magnolia Hill Homestead. 

Weatherford, who is originally from a coastal town, created the Farm Stand Trail website after getting lost in the rolling hills of Western Kentucky. 

“My thought was to create a trail, similar to the distilleries,  as a way to connect people to local farm stands, growers, and neighbors,” she said.

Weatherford and her husband came to Kentucky looking for a quieter life and, after finding their home here, created The Magnolia Hill Homestead.

“The beauty of the land, the slower pace, and the sense of community made it clear we were exactly where we were meant to be,” said Weatherford, who has also created local community groups for those interested in homesteading as well as hosting small events at Magnolia Hill geared towards things like foraging and time on the land with a local homeschool group.  

“(The Farm Stand Trail) is not only about food, although that is a big part of it. I wanted to design a network where people can support one another, discover what is being grown close to home, and build relationships within the community.” Weatherford said. 

As of now, The Farm Stand Trail boasts some 21 stands in Western Kentucky. 

One of those stands is from Wildcut Farms owned by Chad and Karen Vaughn.

“In 2025, we started growing blueberries and blackberries and started a farm stand as a way to sell our products,” said Chad Vaughn.

The Vaughn’s are both United States Air Force veterans, with a combined 53 years of service, who have recently retired here in Kentucky to be home with family. Karen minds the stand, while also creating ceramic pieces for KV Pottery, and Chad manages the berries and garden.

 “We wanted fresh vegetable varieties that can’t be purchased at local big box stores, as most are made for high production, but not so much for flavor. We want to provide varieties to the local community like Golden Delight zucchini, Purple Haze carrots or different varieties of tomatoes that can’t be found locally.” said Vaughn. 

Many of the stands that are featured on the map and website also sell their goods at the downtown Farmers Market in Murray on Saturdays but for some getting there that isn’t always a possibility. The Farm Stand Map makes fresh food often found at the Saturday market available all week long, but as Renee Weatherford said, there’s more to it than just that. 

“This brings visibility to the small, often unseen places that have so much to offer, and it creates an experience where people can slow down, explore the beautiful countryside, and feel more connected to where they live,” said Weatherford. “There is something special about taking the back roads and discovering places you might have otherwise passed by. The Trail gives people a reason to do that, and in the process, they meet the people behind the stands and experience the heart of this area.”