Hebron Farm Market: Bounty & The ‘Barn’

Hebron Farmers Market is in its first year and has a gem of a setting for market vendors flanked by a big red New England barn full of treasures and the classic white beauty of the First Congregational Church. (By the way, the market’s location is thanks to Pastor Kevin Zufall and the church; they offer free coffee and bottled water during the market, too.)

Vistors drift back and forth between the barn to peruse the flea market atmosphere of the big barn or the clothing-side shed annex (what treats and finds are inside!)

Okay, just try to walk by Great Harvest Bread Company of Manchester without your mouth watering - tempting huge muffins studded with fruits or chocolate - artisan breads, cookies, scones and more.

There’s fresh granola, trail mix and even healthy dog treats. (Or grab a cup of hot coffee, wander back to browse the barn goods and people watch, then enjoy the weather and come back for another round.)

The market sets up Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon until Oct. 31. Location is 1 Main Street (Junction of Routes 85 & 66). Plentiful parking is available. The grounds are flat and open, easy to walk or to manage with a stroller.

Olivia’s Garden is the Puckett family farm that fronts Route 66 in Columbia, and they come to the market to offer up no-spray, hand weeded seasonal produce such as berries, tomatoes, squash, garlic, herbs, beans, pumpkins. Two Brothers (that’s Tom and Robert; sister Olivia is the farm’s namesake) maple syrup is produced by the farm and is available in limited quantities. (In the spring, the sugar shack is open by appointment.) Their farm fresh eggs are excellent.

Looking for quality skin care products that are scented deliciously? Visit Susan Berry of Country Family Soaps of Hebron.

“No artificial chemicals, preservatives, colorants, or fragrances are ever used,” she said. All soaps feature natural ingredients (and are scented with blended plant extracts and herbs.)

She pointed out a pebbly soap infused with apricot kernels with organic honey (yummy). It exfoliates and pampers as it gently cleans. The pumpkinseed oil soap is “really good for your skin, with natural-occuring antioxidents.” Berry began the venture as a hobby, while working to develop high-quality products for her own use. She also offers gift baskets tailored to requests.

The Tara Farm of Coventry stand offers vegetables, fresh greens, colorful gourds, pumpkins and plant, such as echinacea, a perennial also known as purple coneflower (bees just love this plant). “We’re all organic, and use no sprays,” said Rick Gorden, the artist behind the classic auto and art prints. The farm is home to Tara Farm Rescue, which is his sister Bonnie Jeanne Gorden began in 1982 to help unwanted horses originally. She has dedicated her life to healing and helping all sorts of animals, large and small, and the animal rescue has grown.

Each farm market in the state varies - and some vendors participate in several events in their community region.

For more details and a listing of all vendors, visit www.hebronfarmersmarket.com - each vendor’s Web site is listed to gather information about what is available at the market.

Here’s a sample of just some of the fresh bounty offered up to take home:

The Ladies of Levita Road of Lebanon offers samples of their fresh cheeses and yogurt. Pick up milk (bring a cooler to take some home) right from the source.

Botticello Farms of Manchester “grow their own” - tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers (including fryers, bells, Italian sweet, various hot types) and have fresh herbs, plus!

Candles by Laura of Bolton offer fragrant candles made with extracts and real essential oils

Killam & Bassette Farmstead of South Glastonbury, quality fruits and seasonal vegetables (low spray or no spray at all), free range eggs, fresh cut flowers, and jams.

Honey and beeswax candles by Swift Farm of Mansfield Center.