Generations of folks have enjoyed a visit to Fo’ Castle Farm, just 30 minutes from Saratoga Springs and 15 minutes from Clifton Park’s major shopping centers, for a country getaway that feels like it is a million miles away.

In a community of friendly people, parades and festivals, where working farms and orchards still dot the landscape, the beautiful Lunch Thyme restaurant (adjacent to the jam-packed Fo’ Castle Farm country store) serves up hearty sandwiches, warming soups, seasonal salads, and homemade desserts.

“This is not your average restaurant. There are a lot of choices, and everything is made-to-order, fresh, and served in a pleasant atmosphere where there’s flowers on every table,” said co-owner Kate Kile.

Kate and her sister, Loren Cunniff, began Lunch Thyme at Fo’Castle Farm two years ago in the former location of Stella’s Pasta Bar.

They’ve spruced up the décor in the three spacious dining areas, and whether you’re warming up by the fire, enjoying their enclosed sun porch, or outside with a beer or a glass of wine on the patio, this family-owned restaurant prides itself on providing attentive service that ensures you feel well-cared for.

Carrying on a family tradition, they serve meatballs made from their grandmother’s recipe (the same recipe their uncle served at his sub shop). Simple and slow-cooked for hours, Dorothy “Dottie” Berner’s meatballs are so good you can order them on the side or take them to-go to relish at home.

“Less is more,” said chef Loren, who trained at Peter Kump’s New York Cooking School (now known as the Institute of Culinary Education) in New York City. After returning to the region, Loren and Kate’s children went to school together here, and when they heard about the opportunity to work on the grounds they all grew up visiting with their families, it was too good a chance to pass up.

Their food is, too!

The menu includes a selection of specialty sandwiches and comforting soups including Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Bisque, Butternut Squash, and Chicken Noodle. Their quiche’s buttery crust is creamy and rich. People especially love their cheddar broccoli, bacon and cheddar, and ham and Swiss varieties.

Serving up slices of pie and the farm’s celebrated cider donuts, this is a taste of the country that feels like a mid-day getaway.

Lunch Thyme at Fo’ Castle Farm, 166 Kingsley Road, in Burnt Hills is open Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 3pm. They also offer onsite or offsite catering and host the Burnt Hills – Ballston Lake Rotary Club weekly meetings.

For the menu and more information, find them on Facebook and at www.focastlefarm.com