Hidden Gems of Hartford and Tolland Counties

SIMSBURY, CT — In the rural countryside of the south end of Simsbury lies a fifth-generation family farm celebrating 100 years in business, which offers so much more than what meets the eye from the roadway.

Rosedale Farms & Vineyards has been providing fresh, high-quality produce since 1920. Sweet corn, lettuce, potatoes, broccoli, grapes, peaches, raspberries and squash are just some of the more than two dozen fruits and vegetables grown on the farm.

Did I say grapes? Delights produced out of the Rosedale vineyards include a variety of white, red and boutique wines, and wine tastings are regularly offered throughout the season.

Over an acre and a half of the property is devoted to Lynn's Flowers, which are planted from seed in early May and produce fresh, colorful beauties suitable for bouquets, or to brighten up any dinner table.

In autumn, a 6-acre corn maze provides family fun. Other special events throughout the year include chef-to-farm dinners, hayrides and farm fests. The grounds may also be rented for weddings and private events.

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, Rosedale is open Wednesdays and Saturdays in May from noon to 3 p.m. Online orders are being taken at the moment, and curbside pickup is provided.

More information may be found at www.rosedale1920.com.

This YouTube video provides a bird's eye view of the property.

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The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path, all located within Hartford and Tolland counties. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to tim.jensen@patch.com.

Other columns in this series:

• Nathan Hale Homestead
• Burke Ridge Farms
• Necker's Toyland
• Civil War Monument at Mt. Hope Cemetery
• Gene Pitney Memorial Benches
• Joe McCluskey/Manchester Road Race Statue
• Samuel Field Knight Historic Marker
• Carol's Lunchbox
• Country Casuals
• Dakota Restaurant
• Country Cobbler
• Beau's Burger Shack
• Daniel Glazier Tavern
• Mount Southington Ski School
• Awards & More
• Marquis de Lafayette Monument
• The Little Red Store
• River Bend Bookshop
• Gerry's Donuts
• Traveler Restaurant
• First Decorated Christmas Tree
• The Stanley-Whitman House
• Vernon's Santa House
• Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut
• Old Country Banquet Hall
• Brazilian Gula Grill
• Thomas' Smokey Pit Stop
• Congregational Church of Burlington labyrinth
• Noah Webster House
• The Bushnell's Green Room Wall
• Belding Wildlife Management Area
• The Aborn Castle
• Heublein Tower
• Birthplace of Jonathan Edwards
• Grave of Revolutionary War Soldier Heman Baker
• Jessica's Garden, Lobster and Ice Cream Shack
• Shade Swamp Sanctuary
• Ken's Corner Breakfast & Lunch
• Tolland Red and White
• The Packing House
• Cold Harbor Seafood
• Nye Holman State Forest/Heron Cove Park
• Hosmer Mountain Soda Shack
• Connecticut Trolley Museum
• Matterhorn Mini Golf
• Wood Memorial Library & Museum
• Hastings Farm
• Liquid Nirvana
• Iwo Jima Survivors Memorial Park
• Academy Hall
• Southington Drive-In
• Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall
• Somersvillage Gifts & Gourmet Baskets
• New England Civil War Museum
• The Pinchot Sycamore
• Stafford Palace Theater
• Mansfield Hollow State Park
• Old Tolland County Jail and Museum
• Hill-Stead Museum
• Mark's Restaurant

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