by Christina Cioci
Christina is our newest summer intern. She comes to us with prior writing experience working at Kate Harrison's Green Bride Guide. Incidentally, Harrison has been a contributor to this site in the past. Christina also has her own blog, Green Gal. We warmly welcome her to the CT Green Scene team.
This year marks the 102nd Anniversary of Ashlawn Farm in Lyme, Connecticut. A rather idyllic place to visit, with open fields and friendly owners it is a perfect place for a bountiful farmer’s market. Chip and Carol Dahlke own and live on the farm that has been in Chip’s family since 1909. Each spring at the beginning of June the excitement grows in the surrounding towns for the Lyme Farmer’s Market. It is a place you can come for great food and company.
When the Lyme farmer’s market first began, it was unlike anything in the area. The combination of fresh, local products and the growing amount of people in southeastern Connecticut eager to buy was a perfect match. Cattle, horses and goats grazing are accompanied by the beautiful backdrop of luscious green grass, big red barns and stonewalls appropriate for sitting on.
“People really wanted a place to go to find local produce,” a faithful Ashlawn regular commented, “and also enjoy the summer day outside rather than inside at the busy supermarket”. She told me how much she appreciated the change in the way she shopped for fresh fruits and vegetables. Lyme farmer’s market seems to be filling a niche for many locals in Southern Connecticut.
Now, vendors from all over Connecticut travel to set up their stands on the farm. Local vendors offer fresh seafood, fruit, veggies, cheese, bread, textiles, eggs and even fresh cut flowers. When I spoke with Carol Dahlke about the market this year, the excitement of the opening day market was contagious. I asked her what new things customers could expect.
“Tons of new guest vendors and the return of Sankow's Beaver Brook Farm with lamb, sheep and cow cheese! Right from our own town of Lyme!” Now, in addition to those favorite vendors, customers can come each week to discover the guest venders of that day. Bring the entire family for some fun or just come to browse and have a leisurely afternoon. Any given weekend customers can enjoy local musicians playing at the market which gives a truly country feel to the atmosphere. Being at the farm it is easy to see that there is a real community feel. People of all ages enjoy each other’s company and all that Ashlawn farm has to offer.
Come for the markets, but stay for the coffee. With over 27 coffee blends from all over the world you are sure to find a favorite at the coffee shop only steps away from the market. The deck on the side of the coffee shop overlooks the entire market and all the animals at the farm. Not a big coffee drinker? Try one of their amazing homemade smoothies, Italian sodas or cool off with classic lemonade made fresh to order.
Carol and Chip Dahlke along with the staff at Ashlawn coffee are friendly and fun. They are dedicated to serving fresh coffee and creating a place where people can come to get delicious products. If you visit one place this summer, make it Ashlawn Farm. I can guarantee you will thoroughly enjoy yourself and probably come home with a few goodies too.
Markets begin June 3rd and run every Friday and Saturday until mid-fall. Fridays, they are open from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Great story! Thanks for the info
Posted by: Adi Adams | June 06, 2011 at 08:53 PM
Sure, Lyme Farmer's Market is a place to buy fresh food. Breads, vegetables, meat and cheese are displayed every week, along with a variety of unique items brought along by local artisans.
Posted by: plumbing | June 03, 2011 at 10:49 AM
We have a new shop close to us wich sells similar products. He is call the naked grocer. The main problem is that his organic veg is a bit expensive and price seems to be a winner these days wich is a shame. Good luch with your markets.
Posted by: Building Materials | June 03, 2011 at 04:21 AM