Hopkins have plan for another events venue

The Hopkins family is seeking approval to enlarge its growing agricultural tourism offerings.

Covered Bridge Inn LLC and Hopkins Henlopen Homestead LLC have filed a conditional-use application with Sussex County for an events venue to be located on the family farm on the south side of Fisher Road near Lewes.

The plan includes the construction of Honey Bee Barn, a honey extraction operation and small-events venue adjacent to the existing events venue barn.

During an Aug. 13 Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing, Ingrid Hopkins, owner of the Covered Bridge Inn wedding/events venue, said county officials approved her application for that facility four years ago. “And the wedding venue has flourished,” she said.

She said the new building would offer one-day rentals from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“We are continuing that blending of our family business of agricultural tourism with agricultural production. It's not only a draw for business, but a great use of our property,” Ingrid said.

Amy Hopkins, owner of Hopkins Henlopen Homestead, said the family bee and honey business has grown to 25 hives. “The hives keep growing and growing, and the demand for our local honey is also growing exponentially,” Amy said.

Besides Green Acres Farm, the largest dairy farm in Delaware, the family also operates Hopkins Farm Creamery.

Since the property is part of an Agricultural Preservation District, the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation must approve the plan. The commission voted to keep the public record open for receipt of the foundation's recommendation and to place the application on a future agenda.

Sussex County Council will have a public hearing on the application at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown.