“Throughout the season they provide the most amazing fresh fruits, like blueberries, cherries, apricots and of course apples!” Wilklow’s also provides homemade jams, seasonal vegetables, apple cider, fresh-cut flowers and more.
Another popular vendor at Highland is Luigi’s Infused Oils, which he provides a variety of flavored olive oils for those olive-oil-loving chefs and consumers. “We also have Bella’s Biscotti and Glory Farms, and a number of local vendors that provide fresh cheeses, goat cheese and other dairy products, honey farmers, organic beef, prepared foods…everything.”
There will also be special events at the Farmers’ Market in Highland, including a children’s day, visiting chefs and demonstrations. “Just check our website to keep up-to-date with all of the events as we schedule them,” Jonietz said, referring to the Town website, www.townoflloyd.com.
Asked why she’s such a supporter of the Farmers’ Market in Lloyd, Jonietz said, “because it’s a great way to bring people into the hamlet, and it’s a great way to meet new people and catch up with friends and neighbors. But it’s also a very convenient way to stop by the market after work — either here or in all of our neighboring towns — and pick up local fresh produce and cheeses and meats, and know that what you’re eating is fresh and healthy and is supporting our local growers!”
New Paltz
The New Paltz Farmers’ Market, located in the Rock & Snow parking lot on Main Street in downtown New Paltz, also started last week and will run every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Like its fellow farm markets, New Paltz’s runs through mid-October to ensure that patrons get all of the local bounty from late spring to mid-autumn. There are dozens of local vendors at this farm market, including Acorn Hill Farms, Four Winds Farm, Bread Alone Bakery, Lazy Crazy Acres Creamery, Libertyville Farm and Whitecliff Vineyard, just to give a sampling.
“Come to the market, and be amazed by all the delicious and diverse products available from our local growers and producers. There are always activities for the kids, so bring the whole family. Meet old friends, make new ones and return home with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh baked goods, top-quality meats and cheeses and so much more,” say the organizers of the Farm Market, who give a special thanks to their sponsor, Rich Gottlieb of Rock & Snow.
Because it’s so centrally located, the New Paltz Farmers’ Market is easy to walk, bike or run to, and can also catch tourists and locals on their way to and from the Shawangunk Ridge. Patrons can buy a bundle of fresh produce, a cup of homemade ice cream, mozzarella, tea leaves and spices, and then head to the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, Water Street Market, kayak the Wallkill River or saunter up and down Main Street to shop or window-shop.
For more information on the New Paltz Farm Market, go to the website at www.newpaltzfarmersmarket.org.
What do all these farmers’ markets have in common? Great local produce and products; a desire to bring their respective communities together; a goal of supporting local agriculture; providing people with affordable, healthy food choices; reducing the global footprint; and bringing a little bit of green joy to the centers of their towns, where people can gather, sample, taste, purchase and go home knowing that they’re that much healthier, well-fed and have supported the “Think Globally, Act Locally” ideal. ++
