Good cooking starts with good ingredients. Fresh ingredients. And I’m not just talking about organic labels or fancy packaging – I’m talking about tomatoes that still smell like sunshine, cucumbers with the morning dew still clinging to them, and sweet corn so fresh it barely needs butter (but we’ll still add it, of course).
Connecticut has a fantastic network of outdoor farmers’ markets, and this time of year? August? Oh, it’s showtime. I literally have reminders set in my calendar for the opening days of my favorite ones. It’s like a mini holiday. Grab your market tote and your iced coffee – we’re going shopping!
Why Farmers’ Markets Matter
Local markets are more than just pretty produce and baked goods (though yes, the pies alone are worth showing up for). They’re about supporting local farmers, bakers, florists, and small business owners. Every dollar you spend goes back into your community – and you walk away with food that actually tastes like food.
And the difference? Oh, you’ll taste it. Bite into a still-warm tomato, or snap a green bean in half right there in the parking lot (no judgment – I’ve done it). That’s not just dinner. That’s an experience.
A Little Nostalgia in Every Bite
When my kids were little, they used to pluck cucumbers straight from the garden and chomp on them like apples. Back when I was a kid, my Dad couldn’t even get the baskets of fresh-picked string beans and radishes through the back door before I was snacking away.
And that’s what makes all this so special. These aren’t just ingredients—they’re memories.
No Fancy Cooking Required
Even if you’re not much of a cook (yet!), don’t worry. You don’t need a five-page recipe to make something delicious. Pick up a few juicy tomatoes, a cuke, some fresh basil, and a good balsamic glaze – boom. You’ve got a summer salad that’ll knock your flip flops off.
Connecticut is packed with local farms and markets, but a few favorites have become part of our rhythm over the years. They’re not just places to shop – they’re places to wander, snack, breathe in the season, and maybe pick up a pie or three:
March Farm – Bethlehem, CT
March Farm is the spot for vibrant produce, gorgeous views, and baked goods that seriously test your willpower. Their oatmeal cookies? Let’s just say I’ve never made it out of the parking lot without opening the bag. In the summer, they’ve got pick-your-own blueberries (a sweet little date or family outing), and in the fall, we always grab one of their homemade pies for the holidays.
They’ve also got one of those laid-back, peaceful atmospheres that makes you want to stay a little longer. The rolling hills on the farm are breathtaking.
And it is the season of the PEACH. Go get some. Make some peach cobbler!
Rosedale Farm & Vineyards – Simsbury, CT
Come fall, Rosedale has my whole heart. Butternut squash, acorn squash, and corn so sweet it barely needs butter? YES. We’ve loaded up our backseat with more squash than two people could possibly eat in a week – no regrets. Their farmstand is full of fruits and veggies that taste like they were just pulled from the earth (because they were), and I love that I can build whole meals from whatever I find there. And don’t forget their baked goods!
Logue Farms – Woodbury, CT
Let’s talk corn. The kind that’s so tender and sweet, you barely need to cook it. That’s what Logue Farms in Woodbury is known for. We usually grab a dozen ears, eat half of them the day we get home, and then immediately regret not buying more. Pro tip: get there early before they sell out—it goes fast.
DeSantis Farm – Watertown, CT
DeSantis Farm is one of those hidden gems that feels like a summer postcard come to life. They’ve got incredible local fruits and vegetables, and the pick-your-own flower section? Absolutely dreamy. You’ll leave with a bucket full of color and maybe a few zucchinis you didn’t plan to buy but couldn’t resist.
It’s the perfect spot for a casual stroll, a bouquet of sunshine, and a dinner menu that writes itself.
It’s More Than Shopping—It’s a Seasonal Ritual
Every visit to these farms feels like a little celebration of the season. Whether it’s summer blueberries or fall squash, there’s something about connecting with local growers and walking through rows of produce that makes me want to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and cook something simple but good.
And when I come home with arms full of tomatoes, cucumbers, or fresh herbs, I feel inspired. Like, “I’m going to make something beautiful with this” inspired. (Even if that “something” is just sliced tomatoes with sea salt and olive oil. Still counts.)
Simple Ideas from the Farmstand:
- Sliced peaches over vanilla ice cream
- Grilled corn with lime and sea salt
- Roasted butternut squash with maple syrup and a little thyme
- Tomato sandwiches on thick sourdough with mayo and black pepper
Nothing fancy. Just fresh food, done right.
So Here’s Your Weekend Plan:
- ☕ Grab a cup of coffee
- 🚗 Take a ride to a local farm or market
- 🥧 Buy the pie
- 🌽 Pick up something fresh and colorful
- 💐 Treat yourself to a bunch of sunflowers or pick-your-own blooms
- 🍪 And don’t forget the oatmeal cookie. Never forget the cookie.
This is what I love. This is the good stuff.
