The Sweetest Local Gems

If you want two of the sweetest gems in the Middletown, CT area, look no further. Hop in your car and put on some Lana or Stevie and be ready to twist down some roads.

First Stop: Flowers & Co., Middlefield CT

Flowers & Co. is a darling blush-pink flower stand nestled in Middlefield, CT—and yes, it’s just as dreamy as it sounds. Owned by the sweetest mother-daughter duo, Becky and Sarah, this stand is a little burst of beauty and joy on any drive. Buckets of seasonal blooms spill out in soft pastels and vibrant brights, all arranged with so much care and heart.

This isn’t just a flower stand—it’s a shining star of the roadside. The ladies even put together a special request for my mom, and it was so thoughtful and gorgeous.

I’m a huge fan of supporting local, supporting small, and especially supporting women in business. In a landscape where the Amazons of the world are taking over, I want to see them succeed—and I want to be part of that success.

Whether you’re grabbing a bouquet on a whim or putting in a custom order, you’ll leave with your hands full and your heart feeling a little lighter.

Next Stop: Genuine Bakes, Middletown CT

If Flowers & Co. is softness, then Genuine Bakes is warmth. You pull over to a little stand on 100 Old Mill Road, and suddenly, the air smells like vanilla, sugar, and homemade joy. Emily, the mastermind behind it all, bakes up a storm every day—cookies, cupcakes, breads, and the kind of goodies that make you forget the world outside exists.

Love her 7-layer magic bars—if anyone knows me, that is my favorite sweet treat. The cookies are thick, gooey, and unapologetically indulgent. She even takes custom orders for parties, gifts, or whatever sweet treat you’re craving.

The stand is open 8am to 8pm every day, and whether you pay with Venmo, CashApp, or cash tucked into a jar, you’ll leave with a sweet bag of joy. And Emily? She’s always up for new ideas, so if you’ve got a craving, she’s probably got a batch ready for you.