The Higginsons, Stephanie and Ty, are small-town farmers offering quality fresh beef straight from their farm just outside McLeansboro. In 2020, Stephanie decided to open a small store on their farm, carrying beef, goods that highlighted other local farms, fresh produce, homemade jams and jellies, and Mennonite baked goods. Community is one of the Higginson’s passions, and it showed with the farm store, providing the very best farm-to-table products, grown, and raised locally. Outgrowing the store on the farm, Stephanie opened Higginson Farms Mercantile in 2023 just down the road in neighboring Carmi. With added success, the Higginsons expanded again, opening a second store, Riverside Mercantile, in an old, renovated gas station on the Ohio River in Elizabethtown. In addition to Riverside Mercantile, the Higginsons also have two short-term rental houses in Elizabethtown, offering weekend getaways looking out over the bluffs to the Ohio River in the small river town nestled in the Shawnee National Forest.

What is your favorite part of working with different artisans and makers across Southern Illinois?

I was completely unaware of the immense talent and abundance of locally produced goods in Southern Illinois when I first embarked on this journey. With more than 40 vendors specializing in artisan crafts and most of our food items, including delectable ice cream, sourced locally, we have gained a profound understanding of the remarkable quantity of products grown and made in our region. Getting to know the individuals behind these exceptional goods, witnessing the dedication of their families, and discovering the towns they hail from has not only become our favorite aspect but also serves as the driving force behind our determination to sustain a thriving small business. Our mission extends beyond ourselves; it encompasses the representation of everyone we proudly support.

How do the Southern Illinois people, community, culture, and/or resources contribute to your success in running a business here?

The local support we receive is truly invaluable to our business. Without it, we would not be able to keep our doors open.

Why do you love running a business in Southern Illinois?

Operating a business in a small town in Southern Illinois presents numerous obstacles, yet it remains the sole location where I would choose to pursue my endeavors. The daily expressions of gratitude from individuals who appreciate our efforts in providing local products to the community, the mere fact that we exist, and the families we serve truly embody the essence of Southern IL. The warm hospitality of a small town, coupled with the immense pride of a larger city, and the unwavering support from others who cheer us on, are unique qualities that can only be found in Southern Illinois.

Why you do you love living in Southern Illinois?

We are fortunate to have stores in two distinct communities in Southern Illinois, each offering unique scenery. Our farm provides a rural setting with breathtaking sunsets and tranquility. Meanwhile, our Carmi location is situated in the heart of town, maintaining a small-town charm where community pride and love for neighbors are palpable. The other location, nestled by the river and Shawnee National Forest, boasts some of the most picturesque views, hiking trails, and exploration opportunities typically associated with the western regions. All these features, just an hour's drive away, truly make southern Illinois an exceptional place to reside. Additionally, the welcoming nature of the people in these communities adds to the genuine small-town atmosphere.