A repost of my latest article in the Springville Times – Summer Bucket List: Springville Area Farm Stands

Buy local. Eat fresh! No problem. One of the many perks of living in the Springville area is the endless supply of fresh produce available. And while the very tastiest ear of corn, crispiest, crunchy cucumber or juice dripping down your face tomato is the one grown in your very own garden; that little farm stand up the road on the corner is really just as good. (And a lot less frustrating when you realize the bunnies ate all your beans again, or maybe that’s just me.)

While many areas in WNY boast of large farmer’s markets filled with local farmers and vendors, we are lucky to have the old standby, Gentner’s Commission Market (located at 341 West Main Street, Springville) right in our backyard every Wednesday. Everyone knows you can find a bit of magic hidden at the flea market portion of the auction and if you are in the market for farm animals and fresh eggs, look no further. One of the other bonuses of this one stop shopping experience is the multitude of fresh produce offered from farms located all over WNY. Oh and let’s be real, where else can you purchase a bag of peaches and a real live peacock?

If you’re looking to pick up a little extra something special for dinner along with fresh grown veggies, you must check out Rumfola Market/Flower Stand located at 13200 Vaughn Street, Springville. Not only does this homegrown roadside farm stand have a little bit of all kinds of produce grown with love, but there’s also a pick your own Flower Farm to decorate the dinner table.  Of course if you’re just stopping by to pick up a quick dozen ears of corn there are also gorgeous pre-picked flower bouquets to choose from.

Farm in Peace located at 3380 Route 39, Collins is a unique business model in the world of farming and homesteading The farm offers a weekly CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program and then offers the community the leftover produce from their weekly harvests on their roadside stand at a free will donation, a pay-what-you-can model.

A little drive into Chaffee, NY leads you right to Hen Hawk Acres, located at 13439 Genesee Road. This farm stand  and country store has so much more than locally grown produce; farm-grown meats and eggs, jams & jellies, spices and homemade baked goods, plants and so many other delightful gifts to be found. There’s something for every season and trust me, the modest roadside stand appearance is deceptive once you get inside.

You might have to put in a little work after visiting this farm stand, but it is worth every, sweet, delicious bite. Visit Burdick’s Blueberries located at 8267 Thompson Road, East Otto for an incredible deal on pick-your-own blueberries. Ok, ok, you can get pre-picked berries from the stand as well, but what fun is that? In addition to blueberries you will find seasonal flowers, tomatoes, beans, honey and well blueberry pies of course!

And because you can never have too many delicious homegrown berries this time of year, one more must visit farm stand on our list is Awald Farms located at 10692 Walnut Avenue, North Collins.  Not only do they offer all the blueberries and raspberries (and strawberries earlier in the season) you can ever want for picking, but you can purchase the plants for sale for your own garden as well! If you don’t have the time to pick your own, you can always find berries available fresh from the stand or even frozen bags of berries to bring home.

What’s your favorite farm stand in the area to get in that daily recommended 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies?