Arethusa: A Dairy Haven in Bantam, Connecticut
George Malkemus and Anthony Yurgaitis, both former fashion industry executives, created Arethusa Farm in 1999. Seeking a fresh enterprise, they bought a run-down dairy farm in Litchfield County and set out to restore it. Their ambition was to establish a farm that would produce high-quality milk, butter, ice cream, and cheese using time-honored methods.
A hidden gem for dairy fans and cuisine connoisseurs alike may be found in the charming town of Bantam, Connecticut. Arethusa Farm, named after the Greek legendary nymph, is a well-known dairy farm and creamery with national acclaim for its superior dairy products. Arethusa has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors due to its dedication to quality, sustainable agricultural practices, and a desire to preserve traditional dairy skills.
The farm encompasses over 350 acres of gorgeous Connecticut countryside and is home to 400 Holstein and Jersey cows. These cows are raised with great care and attention, eating fresh, locally grown forage and living in a pleasant setting where they can walk freely and graze on nutrient-rich meadows.
Arethusa is distinguished by its continuous devotion to excellence. The farm’s herd is painstakingly bred and managed to ensure the greatest quality milk is provided. Arethusa milk is well-known for its rich, creamy flavor and freshness. It has been minimally processed, pasteurized at low temperatures to maintain its natural goodness, and is free of artificial additives and hormones.
Products:
Arethusa Farm, in addition to quality milk, operates a state-of-the-art creamery where experienced artisans transform the farm’s milk into a variety of delightful dairy products. Arethusa’s butter is famous for its velvety texture and enticing flavor, while their artisanal cheeses, like the award-winning Arethusa Blue, enchant cheese enthusiasts with their complexity and depth of flavor.
Arethusa’s dedication to environmentally friendly farming practices should not be disregarded. They promote responsible land management, employ eco-friendly waste reduction and energy conservation measures, and work tirelessly to protect the health of their cows. Their commitment to environmental stewardship has resulted in numerous awards and recognition as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
Ice Cream Flavours:
Arethusa’s ice cream, on the other hand, steals the show. Their ice cream is a labor of love, made from the farm’s own milk and cream. Each scoop is a creamy, decadent delight, with flavors ranging from conventional vanilla and chocolate to more experimental combinations like salted caramel, pistachio, and black raspberry. The farm’s ice cream shop in Bantam has become a popular destination for locals and tourists looking for a refreshing treat on a hot summer day.
Arethusa’s presence in the community has grown beyond the farm and creamery. They run a number of retail locations where visitors can buy their dairy products as well as other locally sourced gourmet delicacies.
Arethusa Farm has unquestionably left an imprint on the Connecticut culinary scene and beyond. It has reinvented what it means to produce excellent dairy products by committing to quality, sustainable farming, and the preservation of traditional dairy skills. Arethusa’s offerings, whether you’re relishing a scoop of their ice cream or spreading their creamy butter on a freshly baked slice of bread, are a monument to the founders’ passion and dedication, as well as the beauty of farm-to-table perfection.
The location of this ice cream shop in CT is 822 Bantam Rd, Bantam, CT, United States, Connecticut.
Rating – 4.3 out of 5 on Facebook
Hours –
Sunday – Thursday: 10:30am – 8:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 10:30am – 10:00pm
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