The Ground

The Ground is more than a place, it’s a living philosophy rooted in connection. Nestled in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, The Ground brings people closer to nature, each other, and the food that sustains us. At its heart is Tabula Rasa Farms, founded in 2015 by Brenda Smola-Foti and stewarded with her husband Frank Foti. Together, they have cultivated a regenerative agriculture model that honors the land, nurtures animals responsibly, and champions permaculture practices that restore rather than extract. From this ethos, a vibrant community has grown. The Inn at The Ground offers luxurious accommodations overlooking the working farm, where guests can walk 8 miles of wooded trails, observe rotational grazing, and savor nourishing, farm-fresh breakfasts. Experiences span farm tours, wellness retreats, yoga, and recreational offerings like tennis and pickleball, all designed to ground guests in both body and spirit. Nearby, Grounded Table, the farm’s restaurant in historic downtown McMinnville, serves ingredient-driven meals by James Beard Award-nominated chef Sarah Schafer. Every dish tells a story of seasonal abundance and sustainable sourcing. Whether at the farm, The Inn, the farm store in Carlton, or the table downtown, The Ground invites guests to slow down, reconnect, and experience the deep satisfaction that comes from living in harmony with the land. Everything is connected—and at The Ground, that connection is made tangible.