Killingworth Business Spotlight: Down The Lane Farm

KILLINGWORTH, CT - Down the Lane Farm is our latest new business spotlight in Killingworth. Owner Maureen Alfiero explains what makes her business special below. Do you want your local business to be spotlighted? Just email Patch writer Chris Rhatigan at chris.rhatigan@gmail.com.

Business: Down the Lane Farm
Owners: Greg and Maureen Alfiero
Website: www.downthelanefarm.com
Address: 18 Reservoir Road, Killingworth

1. When did your business open?

Though we have been keeping honey bees here on the farm for more than 20 years, we opened our shop in the spring of 2015 in the grassy area in front of our old barn. We had such a successful start that we knew we needed a more permanent space. The following year, after much scraping, scrubbing, and painting, we moved into the old horse barn. We were careful to retain a lot of the old charm and made sure we kept the antique hardware that was mounted on the walls. Our “new” space suits us perfectly and our customers enjoy the history of it.

2. How did you come up with the name?

We actually have a lane that runs down the center of the farm between two hay fields. We love heading down the lane for walks and adventures.

3. Why start a business in this town?

Greg has deep roots here in Killingworth. His family has been farming here since 1890 and we took over the farm in 1990 carrying on the family tradition.

4. What business are you in?

We are beekeepers. We not only sell honey, but we make our soaps and candles from the wax and honey harvested from the hives.

5. What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced starting a new business?

The most difficult challenge for me is “wearing all the hats”. While I love making products and greeting our customers, there is always other important tasks to tackle. There never seems to be enough time to get it all done.

6. What’s one highlight you've had since opening

We have been having so much fun sharing our knowledge of honey bees with our customers. Everyone, from our youngest visitor to our oldest, learns a little something during a visit to our shop.

7. How does your business give back to the community?

New to our shop this year is an observation hive. Everyone loves seeing what goes in inside a hive. It’s the perfect opportunity to teach folks about the daily life of a honey bee as well as what simple steps we can take to help protect them. We love having conversations about the honey bees as well as learning from and sharing ideas with other beekeepers.

Image via Down the Lane Farm