New England Farms and Farmers Markets

Does anything taste better than a crisp, snappy apple when you've been out hiking in the cool autumn air? Here's your guide to pick-your-own apple orchards in the New England states plus neighboring New York.

CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, allows home consumers to enjoy the bounty of a local farm. In 2010, my family joined a Community Supported Agriculture program in New England for the first time, Dineberg's Farm CSA, and in this online diary, you'll find creative cooking ideas inspired by our weekly CSA deliveries of fresh New England vegetables.

Connecticut's agricultural past is alive and well at West Simsbury's Tulmeadow Farm, where you can shop for fresh produce and savor ice cream made right at the farm. The next time you're craving a sweet treat or a quick country escape, head for Tulmeadow Farm, where family farming has been a tradition since 1768.

If it's good enough for Martha Stewart, the Pickin' Patch in Avon, Connecticut, is the perfect place for you to pick your own fruits and vegetables.

Bison is lower in fat and cholesterol and higher in protein than beef, pork or chicken. And, at Alta Vista Farm in Rutland, Massachusetts, you can not only shop for buffalo roasts, ribs, steaks, burgers and, believe it or not, hotdogs, you can view these once nearly extinct beasts up close.

Located in Reading, Vermont, Jenne Farm is reputed to be New England's and perhaps even North America's most photographed farm.

Whether your aim is to pick pumpkins for carving or cooking, you're sure to find the golden gourds you're looking for in New England's pumpkin patches starting in mid-September.

Simsbury Farmer's Market in Simsbury, Connecticut, is a place to shop for farm fresh vegetables and gourmet food products made in Connecticut. Meet Connecticut artists and shop for jewelry, pottery and other gifts, too. You can also picnic and enjoy live music.

June is strawberry season in New England. Here's your guide to pick-your-own farms and strawberry recipes from New England, too!

Westmoor Park in West Hartford, Connecticut, is a fun, free place to take the kids year-round. The 162-acre park is home to a demonstration farm, where kids can see barnyard animals including ducks, chickens, horses, llamas, cows, bunnies and more.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture provides this list of farmers markets in Connecticut where you'll find fresh produce and locally made products.

The Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets provides this directory of farm markets in Maine that have Web sites.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources provides this interactive map showing farmers markets locations in Massachusetts.

The Farmers' Market Federation of New York provides this guide to farmers markets in New York State where you'll find fresh produce and locally made products.

The New Hampshire Farmers' Market Association provides a printable list in .pdf format of farmers markets in New Hampshire with addresses, hours and contact information.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management provides this list of farmers markets in Rhode Island with addresses and contact information.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets provides this list of farmers markets in Vermont where you'll find fresh produce and locally made products.

About's Busy Cooks Guide, Linda Larsen, shares her tips for making the most of your shopping trip to a farmer's market.