The sun has finally come back to our state, flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing and spring has arrived, and with it: farmers market season! Many communities throughout Connecticut host fantastic farmers markets during the summer months, (all of which can be viewed at www.ctnofa.org/FarmersMarkets.htm) and here at Natural Nutmeg we have assembled a list of our favorite farmers markets throughout the state.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY
Black Rock Farmers Market – The Black Rock Farmers Market in Bridgeport is a beautiful local farmers market that aims to serve the community of Bridgeport by providing them with locally grown produce, healthy living tips and by giving local artisans an economically advantageous platform to sell their goods. The market is a welcoming space that sells not only locally produced food from approximately 20 different local producers, and fruits and vegetables from 4 local farms, but also handcrafted items such as soaps, jewelry and artwork. Black Rock Farmers Market is partnered with SNAP and WIC and is open on Saturdays from 9am-1pm, from June 18th-October 15th, and is located on the field next to St. Ann Church at 481 Brewster Street in Bridgeport, CT.
HARTFORD COUNTY
Collinsville Farmers Market – Collinsville is the definition of a quirky, laid-back Connecticut town, and the Collinsville Farmers Market is the ultimate representation of its namesake. The market supports over a dozen local farms that bring the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor to the market each and every week. Additionally, the market hosts local musicians from all over Connecticut who provide a party atmosphere. Collinsville itself is the perfect place to spend a day, and with a yoga studio, an art gallery, kayaking and bike paths right next door to the farmers market, the possibilities are endless. The Collinsville Farmers Market takes place every Sunday from 10am-1pm, rain or shine, from June 12th-October 23rd. Due to construction, the first few weeks of the Collinsville Farmers Market will be held behind the Canton Community Center at 40 Dyer Avenue. The market will then be moving back to its regular location, The Town Hall Parking lot (at the corner of Route 179 and Main Street) in Canton, CT (across from the Canton Historical Society).
LITCHFIELD COUNTY
Goshen Farmers Market – The Goshen Farmers Market is unlike most due to its interesting location: a wine vineyard. Take a trip to Goshen’s Miranda Vineyard and enjoy all the perks of a traditional farmers market: delicious local produce and the handmade goods of local artisans while simultaneously sipping wine and picnicking in a beautiful vineyard. The Goshen Farmers Market gives its visitors the opportunity to taste fantastic European crafted wines in their beautiful tasting room while shopping for locally grown produce, honey, meats, maple syrup and crafts. The Goshen Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 10am-1pm, beginning July 2nd and ending for the season in September. Miranda Vineyard is located at 42 Ives Road in Goshen, CT.
NEW HAVEN COUNTY
City Seed Farmers Market – Another unique farmer’s market is the City Seed Farmers Market in New Haven, CT. The City Seed market is actually made up of multiple farmers markets spread around New Haven, in an effort to provide the city and surrounding area with fresh, local produce. City Seed is a proud supporter of urban agriculture and has made it its mission to provide healthy produce to their customers, as well as products like honey, meats, dairy, baked goods and even artisan made products like all-natural skin care and soaps. The City Seed Farmers Markets are partnered with SNAP, and are located at Wooster Square (Saturdays from 9am-1pm, from April 2nd-December 17th, on the corner of Chapel Street and DePalma Court), Edgewood Park (Sundays from 10am-1pm, from May 8th-December 18th, on the corner of Whalley and West Rock Avenues), Downtown (Wednesdays from 11am-2pm, from June 15th- October 26th, in front of City Hall) and Fair Haven (Thursdays from 3pm-6pm, July 7th-October 27th, corner of Front Street and Grand Avenue) all in New Haven, CT.
NEW LONDON COUNTY
Niantic Farmers Market – If you’re looking for a Farmers Market with a view, look no further than the Niantic Farmers Market in Niantic, CT. This seaside town hosts a beautiful traditional farmers market that is filled with local produce, fantastic baked goods, flowers and foods from over 13 different vendors. This market gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the ocean air while shopping for their dinner, what could be better! The Niantic Farmers Market is open on Thursdays from 3pm-6pm, from June 23rd-October 13th, and is located on Methodist Street in Niantic, CT.
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Ivoryton Farmers Market – Another scenic farmers market is the Ivoryton Farmers Market, located in the beautiful historic district of Ivoryton Village. This market is filled with fantastic artisan made goods like hemp and crystal creations, bee products, olive oil, coffee and custom jewelry and framing, as well as locally grown produce and food products. Located next to the iconic Ivoryton Playhouse, this market is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. The Ivoryton Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from 10am-1:30pm from June 18th-October 15th, and is located on the Ivoryton Village Green on Main Street in Ivoryton, CT.
TOLLAND COUNTY
Coventry Farmers Market – As the largest farmers market in Connecticut, the Coventry Market plays a major role in helping to preserve the tradition of buying local. This market, which is also the state’s most diverse farmers market hosts over 75 local vendors and artisans who bring hundreds of handmade goods and food products, along with local produce, plants and baked goods to the market. The market also hosts fantastic events throughout the summer, including barbeques, festivals and heirloom expos. The Coventry Farmers Market is open on Sundays from 11am-2pm from June 5th-October 30th and is located at the Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street in Coventry, CT.
WYNDHAM COUNTY
Putnam Farmers Market – The Putnam Farmers Market is the perfect example of a traditional farmers market: local farms and food vendors provide the market with fantastic produce and goods, while local artisans supply the market with handmade works of art. Additionally, one can find unique products at the Putnam market, such as exotic spices, butters and applesauce. The Putnam Farmers Market is partnered with SNAP, and is open every Saturday from 10am-1pm, from June 4th-October 29th, located at the Riverview Marketplace at 18 Kennedy Drive in Putnam, CT.
Visit these websites for more information on featured farmer’s markets:
http://blackrockfarmersmarket.com/
http://www.collinsvillefarmersmarket.org/
http://goshenfarmersmarket.com/gfm-miranda-vineyard/
http://cityseed.org/
https://www.facebook.com/NianticFarmersMarket/
http://www.ivorytonfarmersmarket.com/
http://coventryfarmersmarket.com/summer-market/
http://www.nectfarmersmarket.org/ (Putnam)
Submitted by Olivia Piper, Natural Nutmeg Writing Intern