Come explore the delicious, locally produced food options available throughout Connecticut! Presenting the CT Grown Trail, uniting farm fresh food options, dining venues with locally sourced menu items, farmers’ markets, curated farm wine offerings, and more!
The CT Grown Trail provides suggestions for day trip itineraries allowing you to discover the diverse experiences available for finding locally sourced food. We invite you to review the itinerary for your region, and to continue exploring the fantastic opportunities for finding locally grown food in our state. Don’t forget to leave extra time for farm stands, locally produced ice cream, and other CT Grown attractions you may discover along the way!
Visit the CT Grown Trail to find more wonderful options and create your own journey. This blog offers suggestions for exploring the central region of Connecticut.
Morning
Breakfast
- Visit the Cafe at Clark Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard in Granby to enjoy breakfast favorites, such as their Apple Cinnamon Waffle made with their own apple cider, maple whipped cream, and fruit.
- Enjoy eggs, sausage, potatoes, and other goods sourced from Connecticut farms at BLDG in New Haven.
- Stop by Perk on Main in Middletown, which is committed to using local farms for its menu of crepes, breakfast sandwiches, and more.
Pick Your Own
- Visit Belltown Hill Orchards in South Glastonbury to make a selection of seasonal fruits including plums, peaches, blueberries, apples, and more. Make a stop at their market for other local farm fresh products and freshly baked apple cider donuts.
Afternoon
Lunch
- Enjoy a meal at The Beamhouse in Glastonbury, which has a strong commitment to local ingredients. Find offerings from local farms, breweries, wineries, coffee roasters, and other producers.
- Get a table at Zinc in New Haven, which takes a “seed to plate” approach emphasizing the use of locally sourced ingredients for globally inspired meals.
- Visit Cafe Routier in Westbrook, whose menu items are inspired by the seasonal offerings of local farms and producers.
Farm Visit
- Explore a selection of fresh corn, eggplant, peppers, and other seasonal produce at Treat Farm in Orange.
- Stop by Clover Nook Farm in Bethany for meat products, as well as fresh seasonal vegetables, maple syrup, and honey.
- Head over to Deerfield Farm in Durham to find milk, yogurt, cheeses, and other dairy products.
Greenhouse
- Swing by Geremia Greenhouse in Wallingford and find some amazing plants and cut flowers at their retail stand. Their specialties include orchids, flowering annuals, and vegetable and herb varieties.
Winery Tour
- Visit Rosedale Farms & Vineyards in Simsbury to try out handcrafted wines. As a farm winery, you can also discover fresh fruits and vegetables as well as special chef-to-farm dinners.
- Make a stop at Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford. It’s a dog-friendly venue, which makes it the perfect location to sit and stay for awhile. Pack your own picnic or purchase a charcuterie board in the tasting room to enjoy with your wine.
- Head to Chamard Vineyards, a French-inspired winery and bistro in Clinton, for local wines and lunch fare featuring ingredients from local farms.
Farmers’ Market
- Pay a visit to the West End Farmers Market (open Tuesdays from June through September from 4-7 pm) in Hartford and meet with vendors selling fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, prepared foods, and more.
- Check out one of three farmers’ markets managed by CitySeed, an organization promoting a local food ecosystem and sustainable agriculture in the New Haven area. Each one is a producer-only market, meaning all the items for sale were grown on the vendor’s farm.
- Visit the Middletown Farmers Market to find fresh produce, flowers, and more from local farmers.
Evening
Dinner
- Grab dinner at Millwright’s Restaurant in Simsbury, which sources ingredients from several farms and producers around Connecticut. Guests can enjoy a local beer at the tavern or a view of the beautiful natural surroundings from the dining room.
- End your day with a meal at Arturo’s Restaurant in Branford, featuring Mexican fusion dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Dine at River Tavern in Chester and find an ever-changing seasonal selection based on the latest items available from farmers and producers.