Photography: Garvin Bure; pumpkins by yellowj – stock.adobe.com
5 Farmers Markets and Farm Stands
1 // Fairgate Farm
129 Stillwater Avenue
Thursdays from 11am to 2pm; Saturdays from 9 am to 1pm through October.
This one-acre urban farm on the West Side grows more than 150 varieties of organic fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, sharing its abundant crops with food pantries and soup kitchens. The nonprofit organization also runs The Farmstand, which sells just-picked produce on a pay-what-you-can model that helps people in need. The annual Fall Harvest Festival will be held in October. Check fairgatefarm.com for updates.
Fairgate Farm is also an “outdoor classroom,” hosting groups and running events and educational programs on organic gardening, nutrition, health and wellness, including hands-on gardening classes, cooking demonstrations and weekly yoga. In 2011, the nonprofit harvested its first crops. Today, it offers many volunteer opportunities, from getting hands in the dirt to teaching nutrition classes. The farm also operates a community composting center and accepts old pumpkins!
2 // Stamford Downtown Farmers Market
Veterans Memorial Park (130 Atlantic Street)
Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
The market ends October 25.
New to the market is local Fairgate Farms, selling organic fruits and vegetables grown on its nonprofit urban farm. Returning is popular Amelia’s Florist and Farm Market of East Haven, offering flowers, produce and cheeses. Saint X Foods sells Wave Hill breads, fresh mozzarella, and classic and vegan pesto and chimichurri to drizzle on grilled vegetables. Elizabeth’s Vegan Bakery, based in Stamford, bakes oatmeal raisin, sugar and chocolate chip cookies, as well as banana-zucchini bread pudding, cakes and cupcakes. She also offers spice blends. Pickles Olives Etc. sells barrel-cured pickles—half or full sour, kosher dill, bread and butter, and much more—as well as gourmet olives. Also available re real virgin olive oils, small-batch jams and sun-dried tomatoes. Penny Cha, the Bubble Tea shop on Atlantic Street, is a favorite stand there. The refreshing drinks are crafted from homemade tapioca pearls, house-brewed teas and fresh fruit.
3 // Stamford Museum & Nature Center
151 Scofieldtown Road (Knobloch Family Farmhouse Parking Lot)
Sundays from 10am to 2pm through November 2.
A lot of thought goes into running this boutique farmers market. It is small by design, yet customers can find all the locally grown ingredients they need—produce, dairy, baked goods and prepared food. The two main farmers are Smith Acres of Niantic and Muddy Roots of Wilton. Smith Acres offers cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, squashes, apples and local grapes. Muddy Roots features heirloom tomatoes, squashes, salad greens and micro greens. The market is held in the northern lot. There is no admission fee, and entry to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is not required.
The nature center operates the 10-acre Heckscher Farm and sells some of its maple syrup, eggs and yarn produced from the sheep and alpaca. Market vendors also offer eggs, meat, pestos, coffee and kosher honey. Special events this season include the tastings, animal visits and more. Check stamfordmuseum.org/sunday-farm-market for details.
4 // Stamford Baptist Church Farmers Market
602 High Ridge Road
Wednesdays from 9am to 3pm;
Saturdays from 9am to 2pm.
Making up for size with frequency, Farmer Lisa sets up her tent at the Stamford Baptist Church Farmers Market twice a week, so you can get your fix on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
5 // Harbor Point Farmers Market
Harbor Point Square
Sundays from 9am to 2pm through September 7.
With the shortest season, you’ll need to catch the Harbor Point Farmers Market soon! It closes the Sunday after Labor Day.