CSA = Community Supported Awesomeness

Community Supported Awesomeness is what we like to call Golden Earthworm Farm's Community Supported Agriculture Program (CSA). With twelve years of farming and seven seasons of CSA, this certified organic Long Island farm is expanding to get as many fresh produce to the locals as possible, and we couldn't be happier about that! Through Golden Earthworm's CSA program, we receive a box of luscious vegetables every week for 26 weeks and, with every batch, it just gets better and better! 

Protected by a North Fork land preservation program, Golden Earthworm Farm rests on two pieces of beautiful land in Jamesport that you can feel good about. The eighty acres currently in production are farmed organically so the goodness spreads from the farm, to the food and through the community.

To say we've been satisfied with the program (which is now in it's third week of the summer share season) is an understatement. So far from Earthworm we've tasted delicious Red Radishes, Baby and Bunched Arugula, Boston Lettuce, Spinach, Rhubarb, Swiss Chard, Toscano Kale, Romaine Lettuce, Green Crisp Lettuce, Cilantro, Broccoli, Kohlrabi, Sugar Snap Peas, Garlic Scapes and Strawberries. If vegetables could talk, the ones from Golden Earthworm would jump out of the box telling tales of the good life on Long Island's North Fork - they have that spa glow that can only come from spending the perfect amount of time soaking up the sun and getting pampered and hydrated! Of course they taste as good as they look - Mmmmmm!

While the 2008 CSA program is full for this season (sorry folks), you should prepare to partake next year by tasting Golden Earthworm's grand greens from their farmstand in Jamesport or at the Saturday farmer's market in Huntington, Islip or Port Washington. 

For those of you coming out to the East End for the summer, the ride home from Jamesport provides the perfect opportunity to grab some vegetables to bring back with you to the city.  

For others who live in Queens, learn more about the farmer's markets and CSA programs in your area.

Golden Earthworm, thanks for making every week, well, golden! Now if we can only get Briermere Farms to throw a pie into every share, life would almost be perfect.

FARM LOCATION:

652 Peconic Bay Boulevard

Jamesport, NY 11947

631-722-3302

goldenearthworm.com

Farm Fresh

Next time you're headed home from wine country, take a break to stop at Garden of Eve Organic Farm to grab some farm fresh veggies and delicious eggs from free range chickens. With over seventy varieties of vegetables, twenty varieties of herbs and thirty varieties of flowers, you'll find something to take home with you from this certified organic farm. 

Oh, and don't worry if the kids are acting up because you're making another stop. Once they see the chickens, turkeys and goats at Garden of Eve they'll be just fine!

FARM LOCATION:

4558 Soundview Avenue

Riverhead, NY

gardenofevefarm.com

   

Jedediah Hawkins Inn

Located in Jamesport, Long Island, the Jedediah Hawkins Inn is not to be missed. Built in 1863, the house was originally done in the Italinate style and was likely one of the most elaborate homes on the East End. It became vacant in the later part of the twentieth-century and remained empty until the 1980's. Set to be demolished in 2004, the house survived because of a partnership that developed to preserve and restore it. As a result, the structure was transformed into the wonderful Victorian inn it is today.

The Inn is grand, yet extremely inviting. Visitors are immediately transformed by the peace and serenity of the grounds, the lovely staff and the welcoming, cozy interior. After seeing the inside, it's easy to understand why this was the 2005 North Fork Designer Showhouse.

Upon entering the front door, guests are tempted to sit in the comfortable and bright entry room, where they might order a cup of tea or coffee and relax or read. For more than a snack, the Inn serves meals in a larger dining area. 

As Jamesport also happens to be home to many wonderful wineries, the Inn has a 2500-bottle wine cellar, which contains a sample from every wine producer on Long Island, including Jedediah's own label. Also known as "The Captain's Cellar," we think this room is one of the best in the house. If the hearth-like fireplace, soft, comfortable sofas, stone walls and rustic decor aren't enough to make you stay here all day, we're sure a few glasses of nice wine will.

If you enjoy wine as much as we do, you also might want to participate in the Inn's series of Thursday Night Casual Wine Dinners, which began on May 8, 2008. 

If you will be in Jamesport for a few days, also plan to stay in one of Jedediah's luxurious, designer-decorated rooms. Each room is unique and practically perfect, with a view of the lawn, garden, farm or pond. The Belvedere Suite is our favorite, and a great choice if you're looking for a wedding suite or a room for any special occasion. Be sure to plan ahead though - there are only six rooms! There is a two-night minimum stay on weekends and a three-night minimum stay on holidays. This is a great place to be no matter what the season, and rates change depending on the time of year. From May through December of 2008, lodging can run anywhere between $400-$695 per night depending on the time of week and the type of room. For those of you who can't live without Internet access, the rooms also have wireless connections, but we hope you'll take some time off and enjoy being pampered!

INN LOCATION:

400 South Jamesport Avenue

Jamesport, NY 11947

631-722-2900

jedediahhawkinsinn.com