STERLING — The opening of Rota Spring Farm for the season can only mean one thing: Spring is just around the corner.
Crowds of people braved the drizzly weather to get their ice cream fix March 2, a milestone that is essentially a holiday in the region. People of all ages waited patiently in line with smiles on their faces, anticipating a taste of their favorite flavors that are homemade and boast “a herd of flavor in every bite.”
March flavors of the month are Lemon Dream and Black Raspberry Oreo, and there are dozens of other flavors to choose from, including dairy-free sorbets and vegan ice cream made with almond milk. In addition, customers can enjoy food such as meatball subs, various sandwiches, and hot dogs.
Visitors to the farm on Sunday were treated to much more favorable weather, with temps reaching almost into the mid-60s. Dozens of cows roam the fields on any given day, an idyllic rural country sight, and when the weather gets warmer, the goats arrive and eagerly welcome being fed broken ice cream cones that you can request when placing your order.
Town resident Phoenix Hernandez was one of the many workers who kept busy scooping ice cream and providing service with a smile on opening day. This is the second year the young woman has worked at the scenic spot at 117 Chace Hill Road. The third-generation dairy farm was founded in 1911 by owner Dave Rota’s grandparents, Giovanni and Marcella Rota.
According to the “About” information on the Rota Spring Farm website, rotaspringfarm.com, the couple immigrated from Italy “looking for the land of opportunity.” They settled in Sterling with their son Henry, Dave’s father, who worked at the family farm his entire life and took over in 1948.
Dave inherited the business in 1987, and 11 years later, he decided to share his “family’s rich heritage” and open an ice cream stand and farm store. Today, Rota Spring Farm raises grass-fed beef and grows a variety of produce, including fruits and vegetables that are sold in the farm store. The store also offers homemade pastries, ice cream cakes and other goodies, take-home prepared meals and soups, and more, such as cheeses made locally.
For more information, follow Rota Spring Farm Ice Cream on Facebook (facebook.com/Rotaspringfarmicecream) and Instagram (instagram.com/rota_spring_farm).
