Destination: Red Barn Market Experience

Celebrating their third birthday this spring, Red Barn Market has become a destination.  Located on Alden Nash across from Murray Lake Elementary, fresh produce, ice cream, numerous food options, flowers, weekly outdoor concerts, and now BarnYard animals draw people of all ages.  Then they come back for more.

From Apples to Market
Members of the Kropf family own an apple orchard.  The fourth generation of Kropf family members currently work the farm which was established 120 years ago.  Roger Kropf and his daughter Barb opened Red Barn Market in 2014. 

Summer is a down time in the apple industry so the family decided to open a market.  “We thought it would complement our farm to have a retail market and the ice cream was a great add for the Murray Lake area.” says owner Barb Kropf-Roth.  Over the years it has grown both in what is offered and popularity.  

Local produce, some of which is grown on their own farm, is fresh and affordable.  Additional consumables from the area can be found in the market area as well.  An extensive selection of salad dressing, salsa, and jams and sauces made for Red Barn Market line wooden shelves.  Customers will also find honey, maple syrup, cheese, milk, eggs, and more.  And if you’re looking to take something home Red Barn Market t-shirts and plush animals can be purchased as a souvenir.  

Tuesday nights visitors are invited to take in a concert from 7:30pm – 9:00pm, weather permitting.  Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy some outdoor entertainment.  The week of July 4th and during the Kent County Youth Fair there is not a concert but otherwise throughout the summer plan an evening at the market on a Tuesday.  Upcoming concerts are listed below.

  • July 11 – The Larsen Brothers (Classic Country)
  • July 18 – Tenderfoot (Classic Rock/Country
  • July 25 – Upstate Crew (Blues)
  • Aug. 1 – Terry Lee & The Cat Skinners (Traditional Country/Bluegrass)
  • Aug. 15 The Preservers (Rock Cover Band)

Red Barn Market employes about 20 people.  Five dedicate time in the BarnYard, a couple take care of the produce section, and the rest work in the market.  While visiting plan on a bite to eat in addition to a sweet treat.  Offering snacks, sandwiches, and even muffins and a breakfast sandwich there’s no excuse to leave hungry.  Customers can’t pick just one favorite item at the market.  Kropf-Roth says, “Each area has its own favorite or most popular product!  Cherry Salsa, Olive Burgers, Chili/Cheese Dogs, Cappuccino Crunch Ice Cream and Reese’s PBC Flurries are probably our most popular!”  


A New Addition to the Farm Family
New this year to the market is an expanded group of farm animals.  Since opening in 2014 customers have been asking when the farm would have more animals.  Last year some goats were added to the chickens and horses who already called the property home.  This year lambs, calves, donkeys, chicks, and more goats were added.  It’s free to look around the BarnYard but there is a donation box in the event anyone would like to contribute to feed and care for the animals.  The ability to sponsor the BarnYard will be available in the future.  

Frances, one of the donkeys, has become a star of the farm in recent months with the anticipated birth of her baby.  Donkeys have a gestation period of 11-14 months.  Lowell’s First Look was fortunate enough to be visiting when Francis was in labor and gave birth to a baby girl.  With a group of about 20 people watching, mom calmly did her thing welcoming a baby quickly after her water broke.  

The newborn looked like the iconic Bambi as she attempted to stand for the first time.  Mom was nearby to continue giving her a first bath and make sure she was okay.  In short order baby was up walking around next to mom finally getting a chance to explore.  Red Barn Market is currently looking for name suggestions on their Facebook page for the new addition.  The names will be narrowed down and the final name will be voted upon.  

For more photos of the birth and newborn visit our Flickr album.

Visit Year Round
Red Barn Market is open year round.  In the fall u-pick pumpkins and apples from the Red Barn Garden and the family orchards.  During the month of October the Spooky Barn Maze will be open.  Additionally, a Halloween Carnival will take place for kids.  

The market is host to more than 15 vendors during Christmas Through Lowell.  Also in November families will have one day where photos can be taken with Santa’s Reindeer.  Come back in December for a photo opportunity with Santa himself and tour his workshop.  And each spring there’s an Easter Extravaganza and the market’s birthday party events.  If all of this wasn’t enough there are already thoughts in motion for future offerings.  “Well, we are dreamers!  We will be adding to our tractor tire play area and of course hope to add our own donut fryer in the next year or so.” says Kropf-Roth when asked about future plans.   Additionally, Red Barn Market offers birthday parties and field trips.  

Stop by and take in the Red Barn Market experience for yourself.  Summer hours for the market are Monday – Friday 6:00am – 10:00pm, Saturday 9:00am – 10:00pm, and Sunday 12pm – 10pm.  

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