Ep. 085 Jen Littlefield - The Black Walnut, FLX
/Show Summary
Sometimes the path to where we belong isn’t a straight line. It’s a winding road made up of curiosity, courage, and moments where something simply clicks.
In this conversation, I sit down with Jen Littlefield, the owner of the Black Walnut Bed and Breakfast in the Finger Lakes. What unfolds is a story about following sparks of joy—through dance, travel, wine, and ultimately into building a place where people can gather, rest, and experience the beauty of a region that continues to find its identity.
Jen shares how her journey took her from dancing and teaching in New York City to backpacking through Europe, where a series of wine experiences changed the way she thought about food, place, and hospitality. That spark eventually led her to the Finger Lakes, where she immersed herself in harvest work, vineyard life, and the broader wine community before opening her inn.
What stands out most is how values show up in unexpected ways. Joy. Community. Connection. Home. These ideas shaped her decisions and ultimately the environment she creates for guests—one that celebrates discovery, great food and wine, and the magic of a place.
This conversation is also a reminder that sometimes the best journeys begin when we simply try something new.
In this conversation we explore:
What core values mean and how they guide life decisions
Jen’s journey from dance and choreography to wine and hospitality
How travel through Europe sparked a passion for wine and sense of place
The experience of working harvest and vineyard life in the Finger Lakes
Why community and collaboration define the region’s wine culture
The importance of exploration and curiosity, both in wine and in life
What makes the Finger Lakes special—and why it continues to inspire people who discover it