Every Tuesday, Kevin and Jenna talk about all things food in Connecticut with Alex from CT Food Girly. It’s about that time of year when all the Farmer’s Markets will be starting up. This week Alex takes us up and down 95 finding the best ones to hit up this spring.

Branford:

• Branford Green the Branford Garden Club: Saturday May 18th from 9:30-1:30 the Branford garden Club is doing a Spring Sale. Veggies, herbs, produce, flower bouquets, a children;s table, bee boxes, summer bulbs and fall flowers. What I really like about this event is that their Master Gardener will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.
• Stony Creek Farmers Market: Every Sunday, June to October, from 10am – 2pm with up to 15 vendors. Around this area there are local restaurants, there will be live music, it’s right near the public beach, they have monthly craft making/community building offerings, right in Bay View Park. They really want to support local, especially the farmers, and have foods and goods that are grown and created here in CT.
  
  

East Haven:

I’ve been to this next farmers market a lot, it’s in East Haven on the town green, every Sunday from 8-12. This year it starts back up on June 19th and goes until October 8th. I feel like I’ve purchased Halloween pumpkins from here in the past. It is always packed with a ton of fresh produce, fruits, veggies, berries. It’s perfect if you want to wake up, get some fresh fruit and use that in your Sunday breakfast. They also have many events planned for market days, such as

free yoga, gardening activities, entertainment and activities for the kids and much more.

New Haven:

In New Haven, every Saturday from 10-1 they have a Wooster Square Farmers Market that has been a staple in the community for over 15 years. It’s being held at Conte West/Hills Middle School and their opening day was just April 6th, it will run until December 16th. This year, the market is the biggest it’s ever been and offers an incredible variety of products. You can find fresh local produce, dairy, eggs, meat, honey, baked goods, beverages, and more. I feel if you’re trying to support local and eat cleaner foods, the farmers markets are the place to be. I’m sure it’s all worth the possible price increase at the end of the day.

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Milford:

In Milford, they have the Downtown Milford Farmers Market, every Saturday from 8:30-12:30 that runs from June 8th to October 12th. They have representatives from local farms, a bunch of restaurants with prepared foods, home goods and gifts, jewelry vendors, beauty, healthy and wellness as well. I wish they were open before Mother’s Day because a farmer’s market could be a great place to make a gift basket for all the amazing women in your life, but definitely keep that idea in mind to shop local for your next holiday gift, birthday, or celebration.

Orange:  

In Orange, they have the Orange Community Farmers Market, the 2024 season begins June 27th and ends Sept 26th. They are held every Thursday from 3:30 – 7:00 under the pavilion at High Plains Community Center. Products are only the best certified and Connecticut grown; ranging from bakery products, eggs, flowers, milk, meats, soaps, plants, in-season vegetables, as well as crafts and services. Each week there will be vendors showcasing the freshest products. I love how this farmers market is later in the day and also takes place on a weekday because it could be a fun way to incorporate a new meal into the regular shuffle and use the products from the market into your recipes. It can even be an easy grab and go if you don’t want to run into Stop and Shop or Big Y.

West Haven:

Lastly, in West Haven, they have their Farmers Market running every Thursday and Saturday from July 6th to October 25, from 10am to 2pm held at the Oak St Beach Parking Lot. It’s called the Tony Inzero Farmers Market and it is sponsored by the city and has been operating since 2000. It was dedicated back in 2010 in memory of Tony, a leader in the downtown business community. The market includes state farmers selling homegrown fruits and veggies, crafters and 20 different vendors and organizations, including food trucks, which I think is a nice addition to any farmers market.

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