When I think of summer, I think of ladies nights and charcuterie boards!! Charcuterie boards are…read moreone of my favorite things (to make too). When I heard Char-cu-te-rie opened up at blue rock square in West Hartford I knew I had to check it out. There was nobody there when I walked in and it took a minute for someone to come out from the back. They gave me a quick rundown. The space is beautiful with lots of room to hang out. You can gather friends or family and hang out in the lounge. They have different option boards you can choose from and you can either have it there or take it to go. I loved their cute little meat and cheese in cups that were in the coolers. There is parking close by with other shops around. I did not see seating outside.

"Oh you know I like to do just like the rest you know I…read morelike my sugar sweet But jumping fumes and making haste you know it ain't my cup of meat" (Bob Dylan) Yes, you really can get a cup of meat here, but in the spirit of transparency your single-serve cup will also include two curated cheeses, crackers, and a mix of fresh fruits and roasted nuts. Char-cu-te-rie sells a variety of beautiful hand-made charcuterie boards. Their product line ranges from a $12 Kid-friendly snackable with mild cheese cubes, turkey or ham roll-ups, apple slices, berries, and crackers all the way up to a 10-20 person monster sized $275 feast with 6-8 artisan meats and 5-6 curated cheeses, plus all the trimmings. We stopped in today and picked up an Amuse Board ($20 base) to bring home for lunch. The base price included "two artisan meats and 3 curated cheeses, paired with bread or crackers. Choose one or two from: seasonal fruits, nuts, or dried fruits, plus a dip or jam, and either olives or pickles". We added on a few things with $3 upcharges -prosciutto, pate, Manchego and blue cheeses, so that brought our total to $32. When we got home and opened up the box of goodies we were struck at what a beautiful job they did in packaging and presentation. The board was gorgeous and everything on it was as delicious as they were gorgeous. Since the boards are assembled by hand, it does take a while to put together all of the ingredients. Ours took around 20 minutes to build, but we were more than satisfied with the result. There is a counter where you can sit and enjoy your food there. They also have a lounge you can reserve for date night or a group. We were very impressed with our first visit to Char-cu-te-rie.

This 75-acre farm opened as a U-Pick farm to the public since the 1980s. There are about 15,000…read moreapple trees which are no more than 6 feet tall due to the way it was planted. They planted it this way so people can reach it when the fruits are ready to be picked, genius idea. They also grow peaches, plums, nectarines, blueberries, various vegetables, and Asian pears. We went in September for apple picking. The parking lot was spacious, a nice farm stand, a patio area, and a picnic area. This year, apple picking started on 8/31/2024 and ends in late October. You have to check in at the window to purchase a ticket; they give you a bag and ticket for a tractor ride to the apple orchard. The farm stand has donuts, ice cream, cider, slushie, and a cafe. The tractor ride was fun; you can buy a ticket just for the tractor ride alone for $5 or $18 for a bag and tractor ride. We waited about 30 minutes for the tractor; it was the last tractor ride of the day and it was a busy Saturday. We went late in the season so most of the apples were picked over. We were able to get a bag full though. The property was amazing and the view of the hills from the orchard was lovely. After, we sat at the picnic table area and which had fire pits too. They had toys for the kids and there was live music. We tried out their hard cider (4-pack $24) and it was good. Overall, it's a fun place to do a fall festivitiy.

Great place for fall festivities- they have expanded the farm a lot with various activities for…read morekids. Enjoyed apple picking ( less apples then usual this year sadly) and gone up in price but overall great experience. Large farm and hay rides. Also was able to sit and enjoy cider and donuts. There was a line during peak season but goes pretty quick if towards the afternoon. Overall very nice

With so many distilleries popping up all over the state, it's safe to say we're in the middle of a…read morespiritual renaissance. We first ran into Hickory Ledge's Moonshine line of products at the Berlin Fairgrounds Wine and Beer Festival, and after we both sipped their Apple Pie Moonshine, we kind of stared at each other in amazement. Man oh man was it great! We dropped in today to pick up some of that Apple Pie Moonshine as Christmas gifts. A 750 ml (25.4 ounce) jar cost $18. We chatted with Lynne, one of the owners, and she was a real delight. Hickory also produces Cranberry, Maple, and plain moonshines. Lynne asked us if we wanted a sample, and she happily poured us a nip of the Cranberry Moonshine. Our jars were packed into a nifty Hickory Ledge tote bag that included a recipe card with 14 Moonshine based cocktails. Hickory Ledge also has salsas and cider, so if you need to pick up some last minute Holiday gifts, go check them out.

Great, cozy place with friendly authentic people. Lynn the owner is great to have a chat with. She…read moreintroduced us to four different--delicious--flavors of moonshine whiskey. All are 40-80 proof, my favorite is the "Apple Pie" flavor. Excellent New England rustic atmosphere. Wood furnace to keep you warm in the winter and carvings and art by locals. They also sell excellent hard and sweet cider, apples and produce.

Brown's Harvest is a farm located in Windsor and was established in 1978. They're known for their…read moreproduce and pick you own fruits. There is a farm stand with some goodies in there. We bought some honey sticks and popcorn seasoning. On this visit in late June, we wanted to do pick your own blueberries. We were early in the season but there were a few ready to pick. They also have strawberries, sunflowers, and more, throughout the season. They also host a ton events. We enjoyed walking around. There was a playground, maze, and garden. My kids definitely enjoyed the activities. I definitely recommend blueberry picking and can't wait to visit in the fall.

Have been here a couple time for both strawberry fest and fall time. Both times great experience-…read morecute little farm. Delicious little snacks and donuts as well as cider. Everything is delicious and recommend

Consistently a great stop! RGS has evolved into a hybrid restaurant/ general store. The center is…read morenow a row of tables, and outside seating remains. The ice cream list, baked goods, and lunch offerings have all grown, and cold drinks and beer still lines the wall. You can find RGS and FALPS souvenirs, but the bathroom remains elusive as ever. Kind staff and welcoming coffee smell as always. Frozen shepherds pie, lasagna and pies are in the freezer case.

Second time here at this quaint, charming place in just over a month. This time for lunch. Place…read morewas absolutely bustling, but the three young girls behind the counter had a regular production line going. They were like a well-oiled machine and from ordering to payment didn't take long. I had a Mardi Gras sandwich, one of the daily specials. Peppered turkey, pepperjack cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and banana peppers on a hard roll. I opted for horseradish mayo instead of regular mayo for the added kick. A well-made concoction. For $9 (plus CT meal tax), a very good value. Add a Foxon diet birch beer for $3, and this was one happy camper. Outdoor and (limited) indoor seating.

Casual farm stand/store plus cafe that offers baked goods, sandwiches, small selection of novelty…read moreitems, farm fresh produce, and ice cream from Tulmeadow Farms. They offer indoor seating. Staff is friendly and courteous. Ice cream selections include about a dozen flavors with options for cup, cone or waffle cone along with an array of toppings. Options to get soda floats and milkshakes too. Great option to get Tulmeadow ice cream year round.

We stopped in for breakfast one morning and it's a very cute shop. They sell products from local…read morevendors as well as their own. There were fresh veggies and fruit. They make their own salsa, ham, sauces, etc.; will purchase that to try out next time! This was before Christmas and they had a small Christmas tree up decorated with handmade ornaments from local artists; zip codes with bells and signs with the town names on it. I thought that was cute! I ordered a breakfast sandwich, coffee, and apple cider donuts. Those were delicious! They also have soup, pies, handmade soaps, honey, etc. If you can't make it inside, they do have a drive thru. There were a couple of small tables inside and outside. I am all for supportting local small businesses! Can't wait to go back.

Came here for the dirty soda and got the pink lemonade with vanilla syrup and sprite…read more Was definitely a weird concoction, but it didn't taste that bad They have a different varieties of soda to choose from with various candies to pair with your drinks

Came by for the event last night and was so impressed with the dragon's blood flavor!! I asked what…read morewas in it and they explained that it was watermelon, pina colada, and cherry (I believe) ... I was so impressed with the service (very much with a smile) and I enjoyed the flavor!! I think I'd try something else next because I'm not a HUGE coconut fan but I am always up for a new flavor and this delivered! Thank you!

What a great way to start a Saturday at 6am wirh walking among the 100s of blooming creatures of…read morebotanical origin! Not the price they were a year ago, they offer freshness, decent prices and tax free, However no credit cards accepted. One can haggle if it is close to 9:30 AM closing and if you plan to buy in quantity. No one is unkind and these are the original growers that all hail from Connecticut farms. I is great to support our own and what beats the fragrance of the flowers that fill the car as you head home to create a beautul something? Bring a wagon or good walking shoes as you will make a lot of "to the car" walks as you gather the variety of offered items. Most things are cheaper than found at Lowes or Home Depot and it is fun to listen to folks talk/brag about their purchases. ...and easy to each off I-91 !!!

Another Great Fall Day meeting and supporting Connecticut Farming at its Best. Remember the Hours…read morewe missed the Organic Garlic. But Came home with Eggplants, Double Yoked Eggs, Candy-cane Peppers, and Onions. Social Distancing and Open Market.