From Apple to Oven: The tastes that make the season
From Penny Carlton, KeukaRoots.com
There’s just something about autumn at The Windmill Farm & Craft Market that wraps around you like your favorite cozy sweater. Before you even step inside, the air is alive with the scent of apples, cinnamon, and wood smoke—mixed with laughter, music, and the friendly buzz of local vendors getting ready for the day. Once you wander through the gates, you can’t help but follow your nose (and your appetite!) from one delicious stop to the next. From fresh pies and hot cider to homemade fudge and hearty comfort food, every corner tempts you to slow down, taste something wonderful, and soak up the season’s best flavors. It’s fall in the Finger Lakes—warm, welcoming, and irresistibly delicious.
The sweet scent of fresh-baked goodies drifts through the air, and before you know it, you’re following your nose straight to Country Maid Bakery. It’s the kind of place that just feels like home—the sight of pies cooling on the counter, the warmth from the ovens, the friendly smiles behind the counter. Their Fresh Finger Lakes Grape Pie is a local legend, made with grapes grown just down the road, and every bite tastes like autumn in the Finger Lakes.
You can’t help but linger over the cookie case—especially when you spot their Daily Baker’s Dozen Cookie Special (mix and match if you dare, but fair warning: they’re impossible to resist). And the breads—Whole Wheat, Seven Grain, Garlic, and more—smell so heavenly you’ll be lucky if they make it home in one piece.
After more than 15 years at The Windmill, Country Maid Bakery isn’t just a stop along the way—it’s a tradition, baking up comfort, community, and memories one loaf at a time.
And while you’re in a baking kind of mood, stop by Stoltzfus Pastries—where the air itself seems dusted in cinnamon sugar. Their melt-in-your-mouth donuts and sticky buns taste like they came straight from Grandma’s kitchen… because they did. There’s always a friendly smile behind the counter and a steady line of folks who know there’s no better way to start a Windmill morning.
Once you step into Building 3A, make sure to stop by one of my personal favorites—The Scottish Shortbread Company. From the misty Highlands of Scotland to the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes, they’ve brought a true taste of tradition with them. Every buttery bite is made by hand, in small batches, using the cherished Macdonald family recipe passed down through generations.
Their treats are simply irresistible—from classic, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread to indulgent Millionaire’s shortbread, whisky pecans, and Hob Nobs that taste like a sweet whisper from Scotland itself. And while you’re there, don’t miss their original artwork and imported gifts—each one adding a little Scottish charm to your day. It’s a cozy corner of the market where heritage, heart, and sweetness meet.
There are so many tempting spots at The Windmill to grab a bite, but this week we couldn’t resist stopping at Shorty’s Pizza and More—and trust me, they’ve got you covered. No trip to The Windmill feels complete without a visit here for lunch.
Whether you’re craving a hot slice of pepperoni, garlic, breakfast, or three-meat pizza, or in the mood for one of their hearty chicken spiedie or meatball subs, everything hits that perfect comfort-food note. Their homemade mac and cheese is the stuff of legend—especially when you pile on bacon, pulled pork, or Buffalo chicken wing dip (yes, it’s as good as it sounds). And if you really want to treat yourself, add a side of cheesy bacon tots—because why not?
Pair it all with an ice-cold soda, and you’ll be happily fueled for another round of exploring. It’s that kind of lunch that makes a day at The Windmill feel just right.
Before your feet grow weary, make sure to grab a few edible memories to take home and savor. Kass’s Kettle Corn is hard to resist—Kassie’s there, scooping up warm, golden popcorn that smells like pure happiness: sweet sugar, buttery caramel, and just a hint of salt. Kids clutch their bags like treasure—and truth be told, so do most grown-ups.
And really, would a trip to The Windmill be complete without a soft pretzel from Auntie Anne’s? Now celebrating their twenty-second season, they’ve truly perfected the art of hand-rolled, fresh-baked bliss. Dip it, twist it, love it—every bite is warm, buttery perfection.
Before you head home, wander over to Oh Fudge!, a true Windmill original. They’ve been delighting visitors since the market first opened more than thirty years ago, and their fudge is still made the old-fashioned way—creamy, rich, and downright irresistible. With over 20 flavors, plus Buckeyes, Pumpkin Balls, and sugar-free options, there’s something sweet for everyone to tuck into a bag for the car ride home.
Because at The Windmill, the best souvenirs are the ones you can eat.
But what truly makes The Windmill shine this time of year isn’t just the flavors and treats—it’s the people. The friendly bakers, crafters, and creators who greet you by name, share a story, and pour their hearts into everything they make. Each one adds a little piece of themselves to the market’s magic, turning every visit into something more than a shopping trip—it’s a homecoming, wrapped in warmth, smiles, and the spirit of the season.
And while you’re here, don’t forget to snap some memories and enter The Windmill’s Fall Photo Contest! Capture the colors, the smiles, and the moments that make your day special—you might just take home more than kettle corn and fudge..
