What makes Elizabeth Gardner with Full Bloom Farmhouse a good neighbor?

Nestled in the heart of Abingdon stands a true testament to perseverance and vision – Full Bloom Farmhouse, a 125-year-old former dairy and tobacco farm that has been lovingly transformed into a captivating event venue. In this week's Good Neighbor Podcast, host Skip Monty had the pleasure of speaking with Elizabeth Gardner, the creative force behind this enchanting destination.

Elizabeth's journey to becoming the proprietor of Full Bloom Farmhouse wasn't a straight path. With roots in agriculture from her family's cattle ranch, she carried a deep connection to farm life throughout various career explorations. From teaching to running a cookie company and even operating a tour business, Elizabeth was searching for a way to combine her diverse passions. The breakthrough came through vision boarding – a practice that helped her visualize her ideal life surrounded by cute farm animals, lush gardens, and hosting memorable celebrations. It took nearly a decade to find the perfect property, but when she discovered this historic farm with its hand-built barn from the early 1900s, she knew she'd found her dream.

Contrary to popular expectations about wedding venues and "bridezillas," Elizabeth has found that their farm setting naturally attracts more relaxed, down-to-earth couples. The rustic, family-friendly atmosphere resonates with those seeking a comfortable, unpretentious venue for their special day. This farmhouse, with its rich history dating back to 1900, offers a nostalgic backdrop that often reminds visitors of their grandparents' places, creating an immediate emotional connection. If there are ever any challenges, they typically come from mothers of brides who might initially question a farm setting for a wedding – but Elizabeth notes they invariably leave happy after experiencing the heart and care put into every celebration.

Marketing for Full Bloom Farmhouse leverages Elizabeth's artistic background and eye for beauty. She maintains an active social media presence, posting daily on Instagram (which feeds into Facebook), particularly enjoying creating video reels. Her strategy focuses on showcasing the natural and curated beauty of the property – from seasonal changes in their greenhouse constructed from old farmhouse windows to promotional wedding videos that help prospective clients envision their own celebrations. Their website complements this approach with transparent information about services, pricing, and availability.

What makes Full Bloom Farmhouse truly special is how Elizabeth has managed to blur the line between work and passion. The business embodies what she would choose to do even if she didn't need to work – gardening, decorating, creating beautiful spaces, and planning improvements. Recent projects include renovating a 1971 Airstream as overnight accommodation for newlyweds and curating antique pieces from Facebook Marketplace to decorate their barn. The property features thoughtful entertainment options like a game room with ping pong and foosball, a treehouse, swings, and giant Jenga sets. Their mini-menagerie of farm animals – including mini cows, ponies, Tennessee walkers, dogs, and barn cats – adds to the charm and creates a complete experience for guests.

Elizabeth hopes visitors to Full Bloom Farmhouse will remember it as a place that celebrates the beauty and heritage of the region. Many guests find themselves reminiscing about their own family farming experiences, creating a meaningful connection to the agricultural history of the area. For those interested in visiting or planning an event, the venue can be found online at fullbloomfarmhouse.com or on social media as fullbloomfarmhouseVA on both Instagram and Facebook. As Elizabeth puts it, it's a place that celebrates "the good things in life" – a fitting mission for a business born from a dream and built with heart.

To learn more about Full Bloom Farmhouse go to:

https://www.fullbloomfarmhouse.com/

Full Bloom Farmhouse

(276) 623-7393