Hartford Downtown Farmers' Market

The Farmers' Market at Billings Forge, or the Hartford Downtown Farmers' Market, is one of the few year-round farmers' markets in the country. The market moves indoors during the harsh winter months, so farmers' and handi-crafts people can continue to show their wares. The market is seasonally held at the Billings and Spencer building in Hartford, which was originally a tool forge for drop iron wrenches. The building was converted to apartments and the Billings Forget Community Works formed to bring innovative programming to the Frog Hollow neighborhood. The farmers' market started in 2007 and at the time, was only offered seasonally. The goal was to provide fresh, local food and serve as a meeting space for the community. The market is held outdoors on Broad Street between Russ and Capital in the green space by the Firebox Restaurant. In the second and third years of the market, it doubled its sales, making it the largest farmers' market in Hartford. The vendors come from all over the state to sell directly to consumers. Products offered at the market include flowers, fruits, produce, dairy, breads, Italian ice, pickles, jams, eggs, soaps and locally roasted coffees. Newly added is an onsite garden, providing fresh vegetables just steps from where they are grown and harvested.