Farm markets at their season peak

Summer vegetables are hitting their peak right now, especially with the arrival of corn and tomatoes at farmstands and markets. 

Two towns that continue to have thriving markets, where local growers come together weekly, are Kent and Cornwall. 

The Original Cornwall Farm Market in West Cornwall village on the lawn of The Wish House operates Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1-ish p.m., until mid-October, according to organizer Bianca Griggs.

Summer crops are coming in now, with vegetables and baked goods from J. A. Church Farm in nearby Sharon; Carol Bonci’s artisan breads and pizza squares; and occasional appearances by Nick the Knife and his sharpening services.

Also look for Teresa Pattison and her poison ivy remedies and teas, Amy’s cheesecake, and an array of everything a well-stocked kitchen needs, from potholders to preserves at the Chapel of All Saints tent.

The first Saturday of each month brings the sounds of jazz provided by Carol Leven and Nick Moran.

Cornwall Co-Op Farm Market on the Village Green on Pine Street, a few miles from West Cornwall, is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., through October or until the snow flies.

Offered are veggies, meats, baked goods, maple syrup, herbs and flowers, and whatever else may be ready and delicious.

Appearing on a Saturday could be Birdseye and Tanner Brooks Farm meats and woven goods, Buck Mountain Herbs, Calf and Clover Farm, Hurlburt Farm, James Fox Soups, Maple Hill Farm, Mohawk Mushrooms, Ridgway Farm, Suzie’s Sweets and Steven’s Corn and others.

The Local in West Cornwall also offers artisanal products, fresh meats and vegetables, baked goods, prepared foods, flowers and more, on Fridays and Saturdays (www.thecornwalllocalct.com).

The place to go for homegrown and handmade items in Kent is the farmers market at 9 South Main, just past the traffic light and opposite the NAPA store. 

Open Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m., there are 17 vendors this year including the Village Farm in Gaylordsville, with fresh and delicious vegetables thanks to Brian O’Leary and Lise Goedewaagen. 

Ridgway Farm brings abundant produce and flowers from Cornwall. 

There are embroidered goods from Cozy Cabin Creations, lavender-themed goods from Vine Gate Lavender Floral Farm, wildflower and knotweed honey from Falconwood Farms, humanely raised and produced grass-fed, black Angus beef from De Hoek Farm in New Milford. 

Chef Rody Manousakis has tempting baked goods at My Chef To Go table. Originally from Montreal, and with a Greek background, her spanakopita is worth a trip to Kent. 

Another new vendor has to be mentioned: DoggyLicious: Pet treats and jerky, with all-natural ingredients, no salt, sugar or preservatives.

The Community Farmers Market is new, in Kent Barns, and sells produce from Rock Cobble Farm in South Kent. Order online (www.rockcobblefarm.com/home) and pick up on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.