Darling's Farm Stand Opens On Route 7

By Susan Bush
12:00AM / Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Becky Darling stands among some of the rosebushes being sold at the new Darling's Farm Stand on Route 7 in Pownal, Vt..

Pownal, Vt. - Fresh eggs, in-season berries and vegetables, Avonlea Farm Bakery made-from-scratch pies, muffins, and shortcakes, flowering plants including rosebushes and lilacs and much more are being offered at a new farm stand operated by Mike and Becky Darling.

Darling's Farm Stand opened across from the Route 7 Stewart's Shop earlier this month at a leased site. Customer response to the new mini-market has been very positive, said Becky Darling during a June 27 interview.

"People are coming in and they really seem to enjoy it," she said. "I had a little girl in here yesterday and she said 'this is the best supermarket I was ever in.' We'll probably be open through Christmas and I'm excited about it."

The baked goods are displayed on wooden shelves. June 27 offerings included a strawberry streusel pie, peach and strawberry muffins, shortcake biscuits, cookies, and more. Tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, peaches, and onions filled farmer's baskets that were lined up in an enclosed, air-conditioned produce venue.

Items made by Avonlea Farm Bakery baker Kathy Spoto are accompanied by a complete ingredients list, which can be important to those with food allergies or other food or health issues.

Vermont maple syrup and soft-serve ice cream is also available at the farmstand.

The greenery selection includes azaleas, rhododendrons, and dwarf spruce trees.

The family plans to continue operation of a Route 346 farmstand at the property they currently farm. The Route 7 site was established as a way to introduce new customers to Darling-grown produce and also as a convenience to exiting customers who may drive along Route 7 on a regular basis, Darling said.

As the season progresses, Darling sweet corn will be available at both locations.

"And the nice fresh raspberries will be coming soon; I can't wait for the corn and the raspberries to be ready," Becky Darling said.

As the season shifts to fall, pumpkins and other seasonal items will be offered for sale. Soups are expected to part of the fall offerings, she said.

Christmas trees and Christmas wreaths will be sold at the site as winter approaches, she said.

Parking is available at the site. The hours of operation for Darling's Farm Stand are Monday-Saturday noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m..

Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or at 802-823-9367. On June 27, 28, 29 and 30, Susan Bush is on vacation.