I’m tempted to start this post with a Strawberry Fields Forever reference, but I won’t. (Or did I?)

Instead, I’ll start by simply saying I love Filasky’s Produce! Located in Middletown on Bunker Hill Road, Filasky’s  is more than just a place to buy fresh, local produce, it’s an experience! While driving down the long, gravel road with a strawberry field to the right, you can see the red, red berries peaking out from under their plentiful leaves.  The fields went on, well, forever. The end of the driveway leads to a bright and cheery red barn, which houses the produce for sale. The magnitude of artfully displayed flowers on the property is breathtaking–hanging baskets, potted plants and flowers of all kinds, including huge dahlias. I swear those dahlias were talking and laughing together as they swayed in the wind.

Dinner plate dahlia

Gorgeous entrance to the produce stand

Flower wagon

Once inside the barn, Cindi Filasky greeted me and my husband with a smile. “Are you here to pick strawberries?” she asked. “Not today,” I said. “But we will definitely be back. Your strawberries look gorgeous!” Cindi was pleased with this praise and assured me picking is the best right now. “You have to come back. The weather is perfect.”

We chatted for a bit about the farm and Cindi’s family. John and Cindi have been farming in New Castle County since 1981. One of their sons, John Jr,. is actively involved in the day-to-day operation of the farm. Filasky’s is a family affair!

Cindi Filasky

Taking a quick look around the barn I found locally grown asparagus, radishes and mushrooms. Not to mention other goodies like baby red potatoes, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and all sorts of jams and butters. In season, the Filaskys grow strawberries, corn, green beans, cantaloupes, watermelons, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, pumpkins and more. They also provide local options not grown on the property like that beautiful asparagus, peaches, lima beans, potatoes, blueberries, apples, and greens. It’s like local heaven!

Strawberries!

Pear butter from Maryland

I gathered up an assortment of veggies, plus some shortcake and strawberry jam. Since this is Filasky’s, you must purchase strawberries as well. I grabbed a whole bucket full. I even purchased the bucket for a dollar and promised Cindi I would be back to fill it with her beautiful strawberries.

The husband and I left Filasky’s overflowing with local products, including Woodside Farm Creamery Ice Cream. Cindi keeps spoons at the register, so we dug in before we even made it back down the long, gravel road.

I helped preserve their farm. Yay me! (And yay Filasky’s for providing so many local and fresh options.)