jeaninep Fresh + Fancy Farms, located at 575 New River Road in New Milford, New Jersey, has a little bit of something for everyone. It’s part farmer’s market, part cafe, and all charm. Read on for more about what to expect at Fresh + Fancy Farms in New Milford, New Jersey.
The Backstory
Fresh + Fancy is at the same location as the former Klinger’s Farms, which was in operation for 97 years in Bergen County. The Low family, from Oradell, bought the business in 2011 and since then have kept the community farming tradition alive while adding their own touches to the business.
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The Low family describes the business as committed to educating the community about local growing, planting and maintaining a beautiful property while providing a convenient and fun on-farm experience. The business has a cafe, a farm store, a greenhouse, and space for private events. The greenhouse has seasonal plants, flowers, seeds, planting supplies, and more. The farm store is more like a gift shop, with homegoods, gift baskets, hanging plants, and seasonal sweet treats. BG pro-tip: don’t miss the apple cider doughnuts in the fall.
The Secret Garden Café
Now onto the Secret Garden Café, named specifically for its location on the property. Meg Nobile, part of the owner’s family and in charge of the café, explained its background. Meg said, “the magic is real,” it is authentic, and to enter the property you pass through the secret passage, a vintage trellis located over a tiny stream to arrive at the Secret Garden Café. The public brunch times began approximately a year ago as patrons who had attended Family First dinners on Sundays requested other times to dine. It is currently open Thursdays & Fridays from 10am-2pm and from approximately February through November. Always check social media first to confirm and make a reservation.
The café is primarily indoors in a charming barn, and in good weather, you also have the option to dine al fresco on the porch. Family-run and operated, it offers a feeling of ultimate comfort and serenity.
Meg had her own creative florist business prior to running the café, and she has over five hundred vintage pieces including plates, tableware, chandeliers, and fabrics that she uses in weddings and upcycled for the café. String lights and chandeliers offer the perfect ambiance to dine, and it is sustainable in a farm environment, again aligning with tradition.
The food is real, and from scratch. The view into the kitchen includes a Big Chill Retro Refrigerator in turquoise with silver accents, reminiscent of the classic Tiffany Blue color. From sweet to savory, a meal here is a sensory delight, and don’t forget the curated beverages. Meg said “the experience, plus the food and drinks simply come alive and that they feed people like they feed their own families.”
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Seasonal menus include items such as Vanilla Rose French Toast with Honey Butter & Cream and Avocado toast with Cilantro, Lime, Charred Tomatoes, Feta & Farm Fresh Egg. Amongst Sweet Desserts are their Seasonal Cobbler topped with Vanilla Gelato, Cream, & Agave and Farmhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies. For heartwarming beverages try the Earl Grey Vanilla Latte or Farmhouse Hot Chocolate, and on the chilled side Pear & Chrysanthemum Kombucha and Blackberry Basil Lemonade.
Farm Sessions and Private Events
Fresh & Fancy Farms offers “Farm Sessions” teaching cooking classes and hosting private events, including showers, birthdays, anniversaries, and holiday gatherings. We joked about it being a “hidden gem,” and Meg replied, “gem is Meg spelled backwards.”
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