There is something special about spotting a farmstand on a summer drive.
Maybe you’re heading to Sylvan Beach for the day. Maybe you’re taking the back roads through Westmoreland, Clark Mills, or Deerfield. Maybe you’re simply running errands and notice a small stand tucked beside a country road. Fresh flowers spill from buckets. A basket of farm-fresh eggs sits beside a handwritten sign. Homemade cookies, herbs, vegetables, honey, and handcrafted goods fill the shelves.
You pull over. You browse. You leave with something you didn’t know you needed. That’s the magic of a farmstand.
In a world where almost everything can be ordered online and delivered to our doorstep, farmstands offer something refreshingly simple. They invite us to slow down, take the scenic route, and connect with the people who grow, bake, create, and produce the things we bring home to our families.
For generations, roadside stands have been part of the landscape across Central New York. Today, they are experiencing a resurgence as more people seek locally grown food, homemade goods, and opportunities to support small businesses close to home.
What makes farmstands so appealing is that no two are alike. One may specialize in flowers and hanging baskets. Another may offer fresh eggs, herbs, baked goods, or handcrafted items. Some are housed in charming sheds, while others operate from repurposed cabinets, greenhouses, or small roadside structures. Each reflects the personality, creativity, and hard work of the family behind it.
There is also a sense of nostalgia that comes with visiting a farmstand. They remind us of a simpler way of life. They remind us that some of the best things in our communities are often found just off the beaten path.
That spirit of community recently inspired the creation of CNY Farmstands, a Facebook group dedicated to helping residents discover roadside farmstands throughout the region. The growing directory connects visitors with stand owners while shining a spotlight on the many small businesses and family operations that make Central New York unique.
From Clark Mills and Whitesboro to Rome, Deerfield, Ilion, and Westmoreland, local farmstands are creating a network of fresh food, handmade goods, and hometown entrepreneurship that continues to grow across Central New York.
This summer, consider taking the scenic route. Stop at a farmstand you’ve never visited before. Pick up a bouquet of flowers, a dozen eggs, a loaf of homemade bread, or a sweet treat for the ride home. You might discover a new favorite stop. More importantly, you’ll be supporting the local families who help make our communities such a special place to call home.
Farmstands to Visit This Summer
Clark Mills Farm Stand
7825 Clark Mills Rd, Clark Mills, NY
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Products: Fresh Eggs, Seasonal Crafts, Locally Produced Goods, Flower & Vegetable Seedlings, Houseplants, Baked Goods (Coming Soon)
Benson Farms & Greenhouses
8400 Clark Mills Rd, Whitesboro, NY 13492
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Products: Annuals, Perennials, Hanging Baskets, Herbs, Flowers, Greenhouse Plants
Kalamity Homestead
Butts Rd, Rome NY (A dead end street right off of 233)
Hours: Always open, with restocks on Friday mornings
Products: Eggs, Crafts, Skin Care, Key Chains, Baked Goods, a pre-order menu
Kuhl Family Farm
175 Stroupe Road, Ilion, NY
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Products: Baked Goods, Herbs, and Plants
Hope Hollow Bakery Stand
Corner of 6057 Sleepy Hollow Rd & Holmes Rd, Rome, NY
Hours: Fridays 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Saturday mornings coming soon)
Products: Jumbo Cookies, Scones, Biscotti, Jumbo Muffins, Granola, Baked Goods
When You Know, You Know, LLC
13 Thomas Drive, Rome, NY 13440
Products: Fresh-Cut Flowers, Herbs, Market Finds, Handcrafted Bags
Rooted & Raised Farm Stand
11370 Bell Hill Road, Deerfield, NY
Products: Flowers, Hanging Baskets, Fresh Vegetables, Vegetable Plants, Herbs
Sarah’s Bagel Bakery
Off Route 233 & Seymour Lane, Westmoreland, NY
Offering online orders and porch pickup in Westmoreland, or at the Chestnut Street Farmers Market in Rome (Wednesday Only)
Products: 10 flavors of bagels (sweet to savory)
Sweets by Sahl
Westmoreland Rd, Whitesboro, NY
Products: Custom Sugar Cookies and Baked Goods (Farmstand Opening Soon)
Learn More: Visit CNY Farmstands on Facebook to discover additional farmstands, seasonal offerings, and new locations throughout Central New York.
