I have a new favorite TV show: The
Fabulous Beekman Boys on Planet Green
TV. Not only are these guys a hoot
to watch (chasing goats, getting to know Polka Spot the llama, a general
Martha Stewart-esque aura about them), they lead a pretty fascinating life. (I
reference Martha because Brent was the former VP for Healthy Living at Martha
Stewart Omnimedia. No big deal.)
Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh
Kilmer-Purcell, partners for over 10 years, one day decided to purchase the
200+ year old Beekman estate in upstate New York, meaning trading in their
Manhattan city life for rural farm life (although Josh still travels back and
forth between his job in the city and the farm; he is also a New York Times
bestselling author. Again: no big deal.). This
transition is visibly rough (learning to garden, shovel manure, herd goats, and
raising your own pigs which will eventually be slaughtered is no picnic), but
the boys’ alluring personalities along with the beautiful Beekman scenery makes
for a pretty fabulous show.
One of the things I admire most
about both the show and the actual situation of the Beekman boys is their
overall spunk and strife toward an eco-friendlier life. As they state ever so eloquently on the
Beekman 1802 website, “we can all better learn how to live naturally,
seasonally, and stylishly from one another.” Brent and Josh, with the help of a few local artisans and
farmers, are raising their own livestock, making their own cheese, growing
their own produce, and making products such as goat milk soaps, skin care,
stationery, and linens – their products can be purchased online.
The Beekman 1802 website also has
witty blog posts written by the stars of the show, including recipes and silly
farm stories. It’s fun (and
educational) to both read about and watch how Brent and Josh try to eco-fy their
lives at the Beekman; I suggest you take a look for yourselves. You can also watch this show On Demand
(which has proven to be a wonderful indoor summer activity for me).
