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Health & Fitness

Sunflowers and Wishes

A road trip to Buttonwood Farm proves to be a magical and delicious journey for Michelle and the girls.

On Tuesday my girlfriend, and I and our girls took a road trip to Buttonwood Farm in Griswold, Connecticut.  It was a little overcast when we started our journey down 395, but as we got on to Route 138 the sun sparkled through the clouds.   It felt like we were in a completely different state as we drove through farmland in Connecticut’s northeast corner.  When we turned on to Route 165 the glorious sunflowers greeted us with their golden faces.

Since 2004 Buttonwood Farm has had their annual sunflower fundraiser to raise money for the “Make a Wish” foundation so that Connecticut children with life-threatening medical conditions can have their wishes come true.  Money from generous donations, sunflower bouquets, and wagon rides throughout the farm help aid this great cause.

We took a quick stroll through the edge of the sunflower field to take a few photos next to the giant sunny blooms.  Our stomachs got the best of us, and we took a lunch break under a shady tree for some lunch.  When our bellies were full, a farm wagon rolled next to us, and we bought our tickets for our wagon adventure.  The trek started with a shady ride through the farm pastures until we meet up with some very friendly and hungry cows.   The girls were able to feed the cows with fresh green hay from the bottom of the wagon and fed their furry friends for about fifteen minutes.  We snapped some cute shots of the hay exchange and made our way to the field of sunflowers.

The wagon stopped within the acres of sunflowers and cameras clicked away to capture the yellow landscape.  It was magical being present in this ocean of sunflowers knowing that this farm makes wishes comes true.

We ended our visit with a serving of farm fresh homemade ice cream.  I had to try the seasonal sunflower flavor which was spectacular.  Light creamy caramel ice cream, with honey, almond and sunflower seed clusters.  It had to be the best ice cream I had ever tasted. 

If you miss the week of sunflowers, Buttonwood Farm is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday September through October to celebrate Fall in Connecticut.  Family and friends can enjoy the cow train, duck races, the corn and straw bale mazes.  To learn more about the farm please visit their web site at:  buttonwoodfarmicecream.com

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