Hi, I'm Lori Godwin
After growing up in Savannah, Tennessee and traveling the world, I'm always returning to Downing Hollow Farm. It's where I feel a deep sense of belonging. As the owner of a bed and breakfast, short-term rental manager, caterer, and host of retreats and events, I find that wearing these hats is the charm of farm life. Living in the countryside gives me the chance to share this joy with you.
My Story
Welcome to my corner of the world. My life has been shaped by a love of music, good food, and the kind of everyday moments that bring people together.
I was lucky early on to learn from Karen Carrier in Memphis, who helped guide my path in the kitchen and showed me what it means to cook with intention and care.
In the 1980s, I played in an all-girl punk band called The Hellcats, and in the ’90s I performed under my stage name, Lorette Velvette, traveling and playing music across Northern Europe. Music has always been a big part of my life—but so has the land.
In 2003, my family and I settled in Olivehill, Tennessee, and built Downing Hollow Farm from the ground up. We raised a family there, grew vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs, and welcomed farm interns from around the world. We sold at Memphis farmers markets and served customers in Savannah for several years.
While in Memphis, I co-founded the Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market and later served as both Vendor Chair and Board Chair. I also started one of the early CSA programs in the city and ran The Rolling Store, offering regional cheeses, olive oil, and chocolates at the market.