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Tantillo’s Farm Market, the family-run Ulster County gem located on Route 208 in Gardiner, has officially announced it will not reopen for future seasons, ending an era that began in the 1930s with a modest fruit and vegetable stand and blossomed into a local summertime institution.
In a heartfelt message shared to Facebook on Sunday, April 13, the Tantillo/Ridgeway family cited rising costs, endless hours, and “the ever-changing times” as factors for the closure. Oh, and they also have three grandchildren, with a fourth on the way this summer.
“We want to spend time with them and our children doing summer and fall activities we have longed to do but couldn’t,” the family wrote.
Since its start, Tantillo’s grew with each generation, eventually adding a bakery featuring time-honored family recipes and an ice cream stand in 1989, converted from the founder’s old workshop. Over the years, the family added a playground, chairs for sunset-watching, and plenty of homemade treats.
While the shop may be closing, fans still have one last chance to grab a donut (or twelve) and say their goodbyes. The market will reopen one final time on Saturday, April 26, serving up its signature cider donuts and a selection of pies.
Customers are encouraged to stop by to share stories, snag a final sweet, or reminisce about their favorite memories on a community Kudoboard the family plans to print as a keepsake.
Tributes have already been pouring in: “The best first job a girl could ever ask for!” wrote Mady Allard. “Anytime I’m asked about a dream job, I will always say I want to be an ice cream girl again.”
Kat Majestic remembered being hired at age 14 simply because she was tall enough to reach the top shelf. “Bev ran a tight ship,” she recalled. “There was always something to do or clean! The perfect first job!”
While it’s the end of full-time operations, the Ridgeway family hinted that we haven’t seen the last of them — cider donut pop-ups at community events may still be in the cards.
As their farewell note put it: “We will truly miss you as much as you will miss us.”
Tantillo’s Farm Market is located at 730 State Route 208 in Gardiner. Find out more on its website.
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