As you drive around Suffield, not only will you see the trees budding and flowers blooming but you will see many local farm stands opening their “doors” or setting up their stands at the end of their driveways to sell their local treasures. Suffield’s agricultural roots run deep, and these charming farm stands do not disappoint. Coming home with local treasures ranging from fresh flowers, local honey, native fruit and vegetables, annual and perennial plants, delicious jams, spicy pickles, homemade treats, baked goods, fresh eggs, farm fresh meat to so much more is fulfilling and joyous.
There is an excitement as you drive up to a local stand in anticipation of what will be available that day, like unboxing a surprise gift. All items are homemade or grown with love, unique and fresh, and all items will spark inspiration. There is joy in finding inspiration for your evening meal, daring you to try a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients. You can boldly try a new flavor of jam or pickles or find a special gift for a loved one or purchase that fresh flower arrangement for yourself because you just love it!
These local farmers and business owners are your neighbors, and each visit is a wonderful opportunity to get to know them and support them. We are lucky to live in a town where some of these local farm stands operate on an honesty system, but don’t fret if you’re low on cash; many of these stands are also technologically savvy and offer Venmo or credit card options too.
The following is a list of local farm stands that you will absolutely want to visit:
1. Bielonko Farms, 1045 East St. – vegetables, corn, fruit and fall seasonal décor
2. Collins Farm – 1037 Mountain Rd – vegetables, corn, vegetable plants
3. Halladay Farm – 8 Halladay Ave. East – vegetables, annuals flowers, mums and pumpkins
4. Kuras Farms – 1901 Mountain Rd – pick your own berries, vegetables
5. Oxen Hill – 1434 Hill St –vegetable and pick your own flower farm shares
6. Vincent Farms – 1576 N. Stone St. – vegetables, corn
7. Goodyear Farm – 676 Mountain Rd. – annual flowers and perennial plants
8. The Potting Shed – 274 Remington – seasonal garden shop, plants, topsoil/mulch, gifts, honey
9. Remington Greenhouses – 999 River Blvd – annual flowers and perennials
10. Bryll’s Brookside Farm – 537 Boston Neck Rd. – fresh flowers
11. Julie the Garden Fairy – 1321 Sheldon St. – floral arrangements, pick your own flowers
12. Pleasant Valley Glads & Dahlias – 405 N. Grand St. – fresh cut flowers
13. D’Agata’s Fine Family Farm – 1448 N. Grand St. -eggs, beef, pork chicken, custom butchering
14. Hastings Farm – 472 Hill St. – beef, milk, yogurt, cheese
15. Maiolo Farm – 1381 North ST – pork, turkey, hay
16. Simpaug Farm – 1393 Sheldon St – pork, vegetable plants
17. Willow View Farm – 1321 Sheldon St. – beef
18. Cupola Hollow Farm, 1510 N. Stone St. – jams, jellies, pickles, fudge, bakery items
19. Mac Farm – 681 North St. – fall seasonal décor
20. Made By LLC – 50 Cross St. –jellies, jams, peanut butter plus other homemade goods
21. Roaring Acres Alpacas – 685 Hale St. – gift boutique with alpaca inspired products, petting farm
22. Skorski Farm – 779 Thrall Ave. – seasonal hay / straw
23. Suffield Beeworks – 31 Wendover Rd., joyce@suffield beeworks.com – honey
24. Valley Firewood – 254 East St. South – firewood
25. Carbs A La Cass –www.carbsalacass.com– Baked goods that are low carb, low sugar
26. Tending Home Bakery – 967 Hill St., tendinghome@gmail.com – monthly baked goods
While this author tried to capture all local stands, it is possible there is a gem out there that was missed; if you have one to share please send an email to inbox@thesuffieldobserver.com and fill us in so that it can be shared in a future edition.
In addition, don’t forget to visit the Farmers Market, Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the town south green beginning on June 19.
Take the “Farm Stand Challenge” this month and source your next meal entirely with local ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is do and how yummy and appealing it will be.
Send us your dinner plate and table décor photos and we will feature them in a future Observer edition.