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Nestled among the whispering pine trees of rural Illinois, Buzzing Pines Cafe is more than just a place to grab a bite, it’s a labor of love born from the lifelong dream of Ashley Nelson, a Burlington, IA native with a passion for community and wholesome food.
Located at 1384 Township Rd 2450N, just four miles north of Oquawka and near Big River State Park’s equestrian trails, this charming cafe opened its doors Monday, September 1, offering a fresh, health-conscious dining experience that’s as inviting as the countryside it calls home.
Ashley Nelson and her husband, Blake, have been together since their teenage years and have three daughters: Caleigh, Kinsley, and Thea.
After a decade of watching their Burlington neighborhood change and having outgrown their home with two young children, a serendipitous Facebook post in 2016 led them to their dream property north of Oquawka.
“We drove down the driveway lined with pine trees, and we didn’t care what the house looked like we knew this was it,” Ashley recalls.
The sight of a deer in the backyard sealed the deal, cementing their love for the wooded, country setting that would later inspire the cafe’s name and vision.
Ashley’s lifelong passion for serving others fueled her dream of owning a business. “In high school, I used to talk about running a soup kitchen,” she shares, a sentiment her husband still chuckles about.
That desire to nourish and unite people has come to life at Buzzing Pines Cafe, where the focus is on wholesome food and genuine connection.
Buzzing Pines Cafe sets itself apart with a health-conscious menu that skips the fryer in favor of fresh, flavorful options.
Open Thursday through Monday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., the cafe serves breakfast and lunch, catering to early risers and midday adventurers alike.
Diners can savor wraps, salads, flatbread pizzas, and sandwiches, with breakfast highlights like smashed avocado on sourdough bread and classic biscuits and gravy.
The star of the show? The Honey Lemonade Blend-up, a refreshing twist on a lemonade shake-up made with honey from the Nelsons’ own beehives.
“It’s absolutely delicious,” Ashley beams, noting that the flatbread pizzas are also a personal favorite.
The Nelsons’ commitment to local sourcing shines through in the cafe’s soft opening offerings, featuring Dave Hinshaw’s watermelon and cantaloupe.
Every contractor involved in the cafe’s construction, including Frame-Kon, Scott Equipment, Jones Septic Service, Spiker Trucking, Killer Decals, and County Line Insulation, was proudly local, reflecting the Nelsons’ deep dedication to the Oquawka community.
The name Buzzing Pines Cafe is a nod to Ashley and Blake’s journey as beekeepers, a venture they began a few years ago.
A creative friend helped craft the name and logo for their honey business, and it felt like the perfect fit for the cafe. “We fell in love with this property for the pines,” Ashley explains, “and the name Buzzing Pines just captures that magic.”
Buzzing Pines Cafe is designed to be a gathering place for all—families, foodies, and everyone in between.
“I love seeing people enjoying themselves with real conversations,” Ashley says. In a delightful quirk, the cafe’s rural location means spotty cell service, encouraging patrons to unplug and connect. (Wi-Fi is available for those who need it.)
With four outdoor tables already in place and plans for a patio expansion next year, Buzzing Pines is poised to become a destination for relaxation and community.
Community is at the heart of everything the Nelsons do. Ashley’s passion for giving back is evident in her five years as a Girl Scout troop leader for Troop 3522, co-led with her best friend Lisa, and their plans to launch a 4-H Club in Oquawka this year.
This spirit of service extends to the cafe, where Ashley’s vision is to create a space that feels like home.
What sets Buzzing Pines apart from other dining options? “We’re in the middle of nowhere,” Ashley states, embracing the cafe’s unique, off-the-beaten-path charm.
With plans for future add-ons and a commitment to keeping things local, Buzzing Pines Cafe is more than a restaurant, it’s a celebration of family, nature, and the joy of coming together over good food.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor exploring the nearby state park, the Nelsons’ Buzzing Pines Cafe invites you to slow down, savor a Honey Lemonade Blend-up, and soak in the serenity of Oquawka’s pine-lined countryside.
Blake and Ashley Nelson with their three daughters Thea, Caleigh and Kinsley