As a relatively new resident of this remarkable place, I have been curious about the role tourism plays in the local economy, especially for those who make their living off the bounty of this land. Cornwall has two farmers’ markets, frequented every Saturday by Cornwallians seeking locally produced items.
In rural communities across the country, agritourism has diversified farmers’ revenue streams. One entrepreneur noted that to stay in business, one must constantly evolve. Cornwall’s farmers have gotten creative.
The Weigold family of Cornwall opened Northern Farm & Flowers, which features some traditional favorites such as farm animal visits, pick-your-own flowers, and a store stocked with their eggs, meat, and pot pies. But it’s the innovative pre-hours “Sunrise Sip & Snips,” with coffee and the after-hours “Sunset Sip & Snips” with wine, that provide a more personal experience with nature’s beauty. Cara Weigold’s social media expertise tells the story of the family’s big farm adventure.
The Country Quilt Llama Farm offers experiences of walking with llamas in the beautiful countryside around Cornwall. Owner Debbie Labbe found that there was a surge in interest during the pandemic when other travel options were unavailable. Since the pandemic, Labbe has had a steady stream of visitors, but she is always looking for new ways to draw people in for the experience.
Sarah and Jeff Casel purchased Calf & Clover Creamery a year before COVID, and they also found that their business volume increased during the pandemic. In their store, they offer raw milk, dairy products and cheese that they produce as well as products from other local producers. Their business has gradually increased over the years since the pandemic, but given the razor-thin margins, they have drawn on their fine arts skills, offering beautiful far photographs to augment sales. They have also opened Airbnb lodging, capitalizing on tourists visiting the area. One day, they hope to offer “farm experiences” to those same tourists. Jeff notes that the barn is always open and he welcomes visitors. Calf & Clover had one wedding hosted in their beautiful meadow and they are considering offering their farm for future weddings.
Siblings Angus Gracey, Jed Gracey, and Madden Maury are running Coltsfoot Cottage Farm, which has been in their family for over 150 years. They primarily sell produce and flowers through the farmers’ markets and the local shops. They are considering additional revenue streams, perhaps working with florists for weddings.
Tommy Eucalitto’s Coltsfoot Valley Farm offers various dairy and cheese products for sale through the farmers’ markets and a CSA. Tommy also offers cheesemaking courses. Recently a cheesemaker from Uruguay taught a two-day natural cheesemaking class, which drew locals and visitors from Hudson Valley and Fairfield County.
Bill and Becky Hurlburt sell their range of meat products almost entirely in local establishments, including The Farmer’s Market, The Local, The Falls Village Inn, and Blue Gate Bakery. In fact, their delicious burgers are a staple of the Falls Village Inn’s $20 Monday Burger Night.
Ridgway Farm has been operating for over 40 years, growing organic produce and flowers, as well as maple syrup, eggs, and meat. The Ridgways sell their products at the farmers’ market as well as in local stores. Growing with the times, Ridgway Farm will open a cider distillery and a country store later this year.
Besides the aforementioned farmers’ markets and establishments that offer local products, Cornwall also has its own collective market – The Local. Libby Mitchell at The Local reported that sales in May were up more than 50% compared to May 2024. She noted further that residents tend to come in on Friday to scoop up the gourmet delights prepared by fellow villagers. Tourists, primarily from other parts of Connecticut, tend to pass through on weekend day trips while enjoying the countryside. They may eat at one of the local establishments, but when shopping, food products are usually not a priority.
In addition, on August 9, Cornwall Parks and Recreation will host the fourth annual Taste of Cornwall on the Village Green, offering a farm-to-table buffet with the majority of ingredients sourced from local farms.
Cornwall has seen some remarkable changes in the last two years. The opening of Blue Gate Bakery and the Cornwall Market added a new dimension to the Cornwall Bridge area. The Coltsfoot Cottage Farm and Coltsfoot Valley Farm have brought new energy to the Cornwall Village. And the new Pink House is near the covered bridge. A positive review of the Pink House in the June 2025 issue of the Connecticut Magazine noted, “The Pink House is a wonderful new addition to the local scene. If it’s an area you haven’t explored, it’s worth a day trip.”
Cornwallians and residents of nearby communities are strong consumers of the local production. However, tourists also enjoy the bounty of our local farmers. All of the contributors above noted that social media has played an important role in spreading awareness of their offerings, particularly to would-be tourists. Whether driven by residents or tourists, it is clear that agricultural ventures in Cornwall are thriving, and those of us lucky enough to live here will continue to benefit from the bountiful products that these local farmers produce.
—Robin Gray
📷: Pick your own flowers at Northern Farm & Flowers in Goshen; Llama visits with Country Quilt Llama Farm of West Cornwall; Early morning at Calf and Clover Creamery in Cornwall Bridge
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