Pumpkins and cornstalks and chrysanthemums are part of fall décor in the doorways and front yards of Fairfield County. The harvest is in, and local farms have plenty to offer at area markets, most going strong through at least the end of October.
Maggie Trujillo, market master for Rowayton, which is open until October 26, and later if weather permits (see below), had this to say:
“From the farm all the fall produce is so abundant – apples of every variety, pears, squash, lettuce and beans are back with the cooler weather, and the pumpkins, mums, and gourds are here. Also from the farm we have duck, quail, bantam, pheasant and guinea hen eggs from Walkingwood Farm and we have the freshest farmed oysters from Ned’s Island Oysters to round out the fall farm offerings. Our producers are all making wonderful small batch delicacies using fall ingredients and fall themes – think soups and chilies. And of course lunch is served fresh and hot at the LobsterCraft Lobster Roll Truck and Du Soleil’s tent which offers pulled pork sandwiches and hot empanadas and quesadillas. It’s also not too early to think about holiday gifts offered by our local artisans.”
Expect many similar offerings at the still-open markets around the county. Here’s a roundup of dates, times, and places, with a few notes from market spokespeople who weighed in on their fall offerings:
Darien Farmers’ Market
Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Through Christmas
Municipal Parking Lot off of Mechanic Street Behind the firehouse on Boston Post Road, Across from Goodwives Shopping Center
Fairfield- Greenfield Hills Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Through October 27
1950 Bronson Road
The Greenfield Hills market is probably the longest-running market in the eastern part of the county. Catch them before they close for the season!
Greenwich Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Through November 17
Commuter parking lot, Arch St. & Horseneck La., Exit 3 off I-95
New Canaan Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Through November 17
Old Center School Parking Lot, South Avenue & Maple Street
Rowayton Farmer’s Market
Fridays, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Through October 26
Pinkney Park, 1 Rowayton Avenue
Stamford – French Market Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Through November 3
Bedford & Forest Street intersection
Stamford – High Ridge Farmers’ Market
Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Through October
Parking lot, High Ridge Center
Stamford Museum & Nature Center Farmers’ Market
Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Through October 26
(New location near pond, enter at main gate)
39 Scofieldtown Road
A big draw of this market is the cage-free farm fresh eggs from the Center’s own Heckscher Farm; your children can see the chickens that make their eggs!
Westport Farmers’ Market (Note: Winter Market dates and address)
Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Through November 15 at
Imperial Avenue Commuter Lot
Winter Market: December 8 through March 16
7 Sylvan Lane (Gilbertie's Herb Garden), Westport
Lori, the market director, has this comment regarding the Westport market, another long-running favorite. We’ll let her have the last word:
“Community, sustainability, and health: these are the ideas–the seeds–from which the Westport Farmers' Market has grown. Our mission is to create and maintain a regional hub where real farmers connect with real consumers over real food. In facilitating these interactions, the Westport Farmers' Market strives to help food producers and food consumers forge lasting relationships that celebrate education, sustainability, healthy living, and just plain delicious food!’