Outdoor Farmers & Specialty Food Markets Grow in Litchfield
Where once there were none, and then one, now there are three – seasonal outdoor farmers markets/special food markets, that is.
The Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market, held indoors at Litchfield Community Center in the off season and outdoors at the Center School parking lot through late October, launched in 2007 and brought a European market town vibe to Saturday mornings.
On June 2, the Bantam Community Farmers Market made its debut at the Alain White Field on Route 209 (the lake road) and continues every Friday through October from 4-7 p.m.
Also on Fridays, Chabad Litchfield holds a Shabbat Market from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 69 West St. in Litchfield center.
The growth in access and emphasis on fresh and local foods creates an opportunity to stock the pantry each week with everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, poultry, and meats, maple syrup, honey, locally-roasted specialty coffee, granola, artisan cheeses, handcrafted soaps, breads and baked goods, local beer – and so much more.
Several vendors participate in both the Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market and Bantam Community Farmers Market, creating two opportunities to stock the pantry with all things fresh, local, and delicious – Friday afternoon/evening or Saturday morning/early afternoon.
Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market
Launched in 2007 with 15 local vendors, the Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market is a program of Sustainable Healthy Communities, which promotes healthy eating and active lifestyles in Northwest Connecticut.
The market takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday in a Center School parking lot on Woodruff Lane, just below Litchfield center and the Green, from mid-June through late October. After that, it moves to its off-season indoor location at Litchfield Community Center, also on Saturday from 10-1. Summer vendors are shown in the graphic here.
Bantam Community Farmers Market
Vendors at the new farmers market in Bantam include An Average Jill granola, Why Not Farm, Krafted Brew Lab, Fork You Farms, Vibrant Farm CT, Norbrook Farm Brewery, Hathor Hill Farm, Farm Faraway Homestead, Botanical Bros., Lakeside Farm, Chanticleer Acres, The Healing Herb Garden, and Deerdana Provisions – as well as artisans and a weekly musical performance. “Excited to have Hungry Reaper Farm with us this week,” the Market posted on Facebook Wednesday (7/19).
Shabbat Market
On Fridays from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Chabad Litchfield holds a Shabbat Market outside its location at 69 West St., just below the Green, offering Fresh Brooklyn Challah, Bubbe’s Matzah Ball Soup, and Hemish Potato Kugel.
“There nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked challah,” Chabad says. “Our Brooklyn Fresh Challah is made with the finest ingredients and baked to perfection. With its soft, fluffy texture and deliciously sweet taste, it’s the perfect addition to any meal.”
Chabad is also participating in the Bantam Community Farmers Market.
Litchfield Farms
To connect with Litchfield’s farms, many of which have farm stands, see the Visit Litchfield CT farms page, where, in addition to listings and links, you’ll find a link to an interactive map.