Farmers Markets are welcoming more shoppers, vendors, and entertainment, bolstering a growing national locavore movement.

"The term "locavore" sounds a bit ominous, suggesting a small winged dinosaur or some such, but is actually quite beneficent. It means someone who eats locally grown food. 

It's good to know the term because Connecticut has more locavores every summer. In just the last three years, the number of farmers' markets in the state had increased by 50 percent, to 109. Groups such as the dynamic CitySeed in New Haven have pushed to get local food into schools, hospitals and restaurants as well as to low-income residents and senior citizens. A consortium of local dairies called The Farmer's Cow is selling Connecticut milk in many supermarkets." 

Click here to see the original Hartford Courant article on Locavores

"In their purest form, farmers' markets are a farm-to-table outlet for fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. We've all heard the reasons for shopping at these markets: The food is fresher; less energy is required to bring it to market; buying from the farmers supports local business — and farming is a business. 

There's another reason to consider these alfresco shopping experiences: They're fun. 

Recognizing the entertainment value, market masters are turning some into destinations and adding nontraditional vendors, demonstrations and children's activities. The markets are moving beyond the image of a "glorified farm stand," says Hannah Gant, market master of the Farmers' Market at Billings Forge in Hartford. Connecticut-grown fruits and vegetables remain the cornerstone of the approximately 110 farmers markets in the state, but if shoppers can find more — meat, dairy products, ice cream, coffee, artisan breads, plants and handmade jewelry — all the better."

Click here to see the original Hartford Courant article on Farmers' Markets

Click here for a list of CT farmers markets

And be sure to check out www.BuyCTGrown.com for whatever you're looking for.