The Great Relocation: Expectations vs. Reality
Before we swapped our five-acre Colorado exurb for a 50-acre Kentucky homestead, we made a pact: Go local or go home. We were eager to pour our resources back into our new community, envisioning ourselves as the cheerful patrons of the town’s small businesses.
But as it turns out, “voting with your wallet” is much harder when the ballot box is 60 miles away. Our commitment to local commerce hit several immediate roadblocks:
• The Poultry Problem: Our flock is spoiled. Unfortunately, no one within a 30-minute radius stocks my specific preferred feed, let alone the “flaked oyster shell” or “refreshing nesting herbs” our chickens have come to expect.
• The Ingredient Gap: I attempted to source soaps and moisturizers locally, only to find they were loaded with the artificial fragrances and additives we’ve spent years purging from our home.
• The Wine Woes: I’m not a snob, but I am particular. If I can’t find a crisp Provence Rosé or a Paso Robles Cab, my cellar feels a bit thin. Currently, that specific “appreciation” requires a two-hour round trip.
Our Temporary Workaround
We haven’t abandoned our mission, but we have had to pivot. For now, we rely on the convenience of online shopping for the “clean” body products and specialized feeds we trust. Every few months, we make a strategic “supply run” to Lexington to stock the wine rack. It’s not the local-centric lifestyle we envisioned, but it’s the bridge we’re crossing to get there.
Looking Ahead: The Summer Strategy
We’re keeping our eyes on the horizon. As the weather warms, we plan to hit the farmer’s markets and start shaking hands. We’re betting that our “interpersonal network” will lead us to the things we want to source locally:
1. A local artisan making truly “clean” body care.
2. A bulk feed mill that meets our flock’s needs for nutrition and freshness.
3. A neighbor with a ranch full of natural, grass-fed beef.
4. A regional winery that might just surprise my palate.
Your Key Takeaway: The “Remote” Reality Check
If you’re planning your own escape from the rat race, remember that trading “convenience” for “tranquility” is a package deal. Depending on how deep into the woods you go, the “creature comforts” you take for granted might become genuine luxuries.
If you’re committed to supporting local businesses, prepare for a period of double disappointment when the local shelf doesn’t match your standards. My advice? Don’t give up. The artisans and providers are likely there—they just don’t have a website (at least not one you can find). You have to be persistent, do the legwork, and dig a little deeper to find quality, clean and local products you’ll enjoy.