Events Calendar
2025 EVENTS!
Spring Farm to Table with Katie O'Conner
Spring Farm-to-Table Dinner | 5-Course Feast with Chef Katie O’Conner
May 10th, 2025 5pm-9pm
About the Chef: A Kansas City native, Katie began her culinary career in the metro area, where she refined her skills in farm-to-table dining. While working at Room 39 Mission Farms, she met Wanderlust Farms owner Jessica Lim, forging a connection through their shared passion for locally sourced, thoughtfully prepared cuisine.
Classically trained in culinary school, Katie quickly took her talents to the global stage, competing in South Korea in 2013 and at the prestigious Culinary Olympics in Germany. Her journey has since taken her to kitchens around the world—working in Germany (2014), Hawaii (2016), Montana (2017), New Zealand (2018), Australia (2020), and Alaska (2022). Each stop has deepened her love for regional flavors, sustainable sourcing, and the way food brings people together.
Katie believes that every meal is an opportunity to create lasting memories. Now back in Kansas City, she is excited to share the flavors and inspiration from her travels, bringing a taste of the world to her hometown.
Lavender workshop and dinner with Shelti Farms and James Ruxton Nicholas
Join us for a memorable Lavender Workshop & Dinner at Wanderlust Farms, in partnership with Shelti Lavender Farms and Chef James Ruxton Nicholas. This immersive experience begins with a hands-on lavender distillation class, where you'll learn the art of making lavender oil and explore the many uses of lavender hydrosol. After the workshop, enjoy a delightful four-course seasonal lavender-infused dinner prepared by Chef James.
Total Experience: $225
Reserve your seat today for a one-of-a-kind evening of lavender, learning, and delicious dining!
Yoga Brunch with Megan's Yoga Tribe
Start your Sunday with Yoga Brunch & Mimosas at Wanderlust Farms! Enjoy a one-hour all-levels yoga session on the dock with Megan’s Yoga Tribe, followed by a delicious family-style brunch featuring quiche, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, pastries, seasonal salad, and fresh-squeezed juice, tea, and coffee. BYOB and sip on mimosas as you soak in the serene farm atmosphere. Bring your bike and explore the Rock Island Spur of the Katy Trail to complete the perfect day!
Spring Farm to Table Dinner
About Katie O'Conner
|
Farm-to-Table Spring Harvest Dinner with Chef Katie O’Conner at Wanderlust Farms
Experience the vibrant flavors of spring at Wanderlust Farms with an unforgettable Farm-to-Table Dinner featuring the culinary expertise of Chef Katie O’Conner. Join us for an evening of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, expertly prepared and served in a warm, family-style setting. Date & Time: May 10th, 2025 5pm to 9pm. Location: Wanderlust Farms, 796 SW 1411th Rd, Holden MO 64040 A Celebration of the Spring Harvest Spring is a time of renewal, and our four-course menu is designed to highlight the season’s freshest bounty. From crisp greens and tender vegetables to farm-raised proteins and handcrafted desserts, each dish reflects the essence of farm-fresh dining. The Experience
Reserve Your Seat Seating is limited for this exclusive dining experience. Secure your place at our table today! Come celebrate the beauty and flavors of spring with us at Wanderlust Farms—where food, nature, and community come together in perfect harmony. |
Lavender Workshop and Dinner
Join us for an enchanting evening celebrating the beauty and versatility of lavender at our Lavender Dinner & Workshop in collaboration with Shelti Lavender Farms and Chef James Ruxton Nicholas. This unique farm-to-table experience includes a hands-on lavender distillation class, a personalized product-making session, and a four-course seasonal lavender-infused dinner prepared by Chef James Ruxton Nicholas.
Date & Time: June 28th, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Wanderlust Farms 796 SW 1411th RD Holden, MO 64040
Price: $225 per person
The Experience
- Lavender Distillation Workshop – Learn the art of lavender essential oil distillation and explore the many benefits and uses of lavender hydrosol. Led by Millie Strain of Shelti Lavender Farms, this interactive session will provide insight into the craftsmanship behind lavender-based products.
- Make Your Own Lavender Product – Create your very own lavender-infused lotion or bug spray to take home, using freshly distilled lavender hydrosol.
- Seasonal Farm-to-Table Dinner – Indulge in a stunning four-course lavender-infused meal, expertly prepared by Chef James Ruxton Nicholas. Each dish highlights the delicate floral essence of lavender, paired with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create a truly unique dining experience.
Event Schedule
- 4:00 PM – Arrival & Welcome Drink
- 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM – Lavender Distillation Workshop & Product Making
- 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM – Farm-to-Table Lavender Dinner
📅 Date: June 28th, 2025
📍 Location: Wanderlust Farms, Holden, MO
💰 Price: $225 per person
Join us for a night of learning, crafting, and indulging in the calming and delicious essence of lavender!
About Millie Strain – Owner of Shelti Lavender Farms
Millie Strain is the heart and soul behind Shelti Lavender Farms, a four-generation family endeavor rooted in passion, tradition, and love for the land. Alongside her husband Daniel and their four children—Elle, Emery, Weston, and Halston—Millie has cultivated an acre of lavender (about 2,000 plants) on their 46-acre farm, established in 2017. Working closely with her parents, Tim and Shelly, Millie has turned Shelti Lavender Farms into a flourishing business, selling high-quality lavender products online, at local retailers, and at farmers' markets like @opfarmersmarket and @downtownlsfarmersmarket. A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Millie finds joy in gardening, formulating natural products, and creating meaningful experiences for others. Her passion extends beyond the lavender fields—she is dedicated to crafting a lifestyle that blends nature, family, and creativity. At Shelti Farms, her children play an integral role, making this farm not just a business, but a way of life. Thank you for supporting our farm and family—your impact matters!
www.sheltifarms.com You can also shop our products locally at: @lovettcoffeehouse in Lone Jack @belfiorefarm in Lee’s Summit @queenbeeboutiques in Blue Springs @colonial.gardens.kc in Blue Springs @magnoliaintheburg in Warrensburg @artisanscorneronwall in Harrisonville @thewildpoppykc in Belton @the_porchswing in Greenwood @the_copper_canary in Liberty @thegrovehomeinteriors in Oak Grove |
About Chef -James Ruxton NicholasChef James Ruxton Nicholas brings over 30 years of culinary expertise to the table, with a career that began at Club Corp, the largest private club corporation in the world. After spending the first seven years of his career honing his craft, James went on to open Highland Springs Country Club in Springfield, MO, where he served as Director of Culinary for over 20 years. In 1993, James was awarded ACF of the Ozarks Chef of the Year, a prestigious recognition of his exceptional culinary skills and leadership. He later earned his lifetime Certified Executive Chef status with the American Culinary Federation, a testament to his continued dedication to the art of cooking. Beyond the kitchen, James has lived a life full of creativity and adventure. In the 1970s, he was a professional musician, touring the country with his brother, Tom Nicholas, on a 1947 Greyhound bus, sharing their love of music with audiences far and wide. After years of working in high-pressure culinary environments, James has embraced a new chapter in his career as a private chef, where he enjoys a slower pace and the opportunity to focus on creating intimate dining experiences for family, friends, and guests. For this Lavender Farm Dinner, James has crafted a lavender-inspired four-course menu that combines his years of expertise with a passion for farm-to-table cooking. Join Chef James Ruxton Nicholas for an unforgettable evening at Wanderlust Farms, where his culinary mastery, love for storytelling, and dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients come to life in every bite. |
Yoga Brunch & Mimosas with Megan’s Yoga TribeDate & Time: June 29th, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: 796 SW 1411th Holden, Mo 64040 Price: $85 Join us for a refreshing and rejuvenating morning at Wanderlust Farms as we welcome Megan’s Yoga Tribe for a one-hour all-levels yoga class on the dock, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Rock Island Lake. Stretch, breathe, and find your center in this serene outdoor setting, then indulge in a delicious family-style brunch featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. The Experience
|