Bishop’s Orchards Gets Its Own Highway Sign

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

GUILFORD, CT – Branford may have a highway sign promoting the hottest craft beer place around but Guilford has a sign of its own a few exits away promoting one of the most popular orchards on the shoreline.

Bishop’s Orchards now has a sign near Exit 57 off Interstate 95, on both sides of the highway, telling passing motorists to stop by and visit the family farm, which has been operating since 1871.

The 313-acre farm is still managed by the Bishop family and is known for its retail market and seasonal apple – and pumpkin – picking programs.

And while it may not have beer, like Stony Creek Brewery a few mile down the highway off Exit 54 (as the sign on the highway points out) in Branford does, it does run a winery out of its Boston Post Road location.

Both the Bishop’s Orchards and the Stony Creek signs are what are termed “attraction signs,” according to Kevin Nursick, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.

Those who want such signs steering people to their place of business need to apply, and be approved by the DOT, which has a set of specific guidelines that must be met, Nursick said.

Photo credit: Jack Kramer