Gozzi’s Turkey Farm in Guilford, Connecticut offers a unique experience for visitors looking to connect with a piece of New England farming tradition. This family-owned business has been operating since 1940, selling both live and freshly killed turkeys to the local community and visitors alike. What makes Gozzi’s truly special is their colorful turkeys that delight children and adults, creating a memorable attraction that sets them apart from ordinary farms.
When you visit Gozzi’s, you’ll step into a world where farming heritage meets family fun. The farm typically opens for the holiday season from November through December 24th, with daily hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. As a fixture in the Guilford community for over 80 years, Gozzi’s represents the kind of authentic local experience that makes Connecticut a wonderful place to explore beyond its coastal attractions.
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Gozzi’s Turkey Farms
Gozzi’s Turkey Farms is a cherished agricultural landmark located in Guilford, Connecticut. You’ll find this family-owned farm along Boston Post Road, where it has been a community staple for generations.
The farm is best known for its high-quality turkeys, especially popular during Thanksgiving and other holidays. You can purchase fresh, locally raised turkeys that many Connecticut residents swear taste better than store-bought alternatives.
What makes Gozzi’s particularly special is their unique holiday tradition. During certain seasons, you might spot colorfully dyed turkeys on display—a quirky attraction that has delighted visitors for years and made the farm a local curiosity worth visiting.
The farm operates with traditional methods that prioritize quality over mass production. You’ll appreciate the attention to detail and care that goes into raising their birds, reflecting Connecticut’s rich agricultural heritage.
Rating: 4.2 (106 reviews)
Location: 2443 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT 06437
Contact: (203) 453-2771
History of Gozzi Farm
Gozzi’s Turkey Farm has deep roots in Guilford, Connecticut. It all began when William Gozzi, the grandfather of the current owner Bill Gozzi, started the family business about 70 years ago.
William and his brother Bruno founded the farm together. They initially raised only about 50 turkeys, selling them to friends and neighbors in their community.
The farm is located on Route 1 in Guilford and has been operated by the Gozzi family for three generations now. What started as a small operation has grown into a beloved local institution over the decades.
One unique tradition at the farm was started by Bill’s grandmother. She began coloring some of the turkeys in bright colors, which became a special attraction for visitors, especially children. This colorful tradition has continued and helps make the farm stand out.
For about 50 years, the Gozzis have been selling turkeys from their Guilford location. Today, you can purchase live turkeys or freshly prepared ones depending on your preference.
When you visit, you’ll experience a family business that has stayed true to its roots while becoming a cherished part of Connecticut’s agricultural heritage.
Sustainable Farming Practices
Gozzi Farm embraces eco-friendly methods that benefit both the land and their animals. Their commitment to sustainability shows in how they raise their special breed of turkeys and manage their farmland.
Organic Produce
Gozzi Farm grows vegetables using natural farming methods. They avoid harsh chemicals and pesticides that harm the soil and water. Instead, they use compost and natural fertilizers to keep their land healthy.
The farm follows seasonal growing patterns. This means you’ll find fresh, local produce that changes with the seasons. When you buy vegetables from Gozzi’s, you’re getting food that hasn’t traveled thousands of miles to reach your table.
They also practice crop rotation to maintain soil health. This old-fashioned but effective technique helps prevent plant diseases and keeps the soil rich in nutrients without artificial additives.
Animal Welfare
The Gozzi family has raised turkeys for over 70 years with special attention to their birds’ wellbeing. Their turkeys have more space than those on factory farms. This reduces stress and allows the birds to behave naturally.
The farm raises a special breed of white turkeys. These birds grow at a natural pace rather than being rushed to market size. You can see the difference in meat quality when turkeys are raised with care.
While some have questioned their practice of coloring some turkeys to attract visitors, the farm maintains this is done safely. The colored turkeys serve as a unique attraction that brings families to learn about farming and where their food comes from.
Community Engagement and Events
Gozzi’s Turkey Farm connects with visitors through hands-on activities and local partnerships. The farm welcomes the community to learn about turkey farming while creating meaningful experiences for all ages.
Workshops and Tours
Gozzi’s offers guided tours where you can see their turkey farming operations up close. These tours typically run on weekends during spring and fall, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at sustainable farming practices.
The farm hosts seasonal workshops teaching various skills. Popular options include turkey cooking classes before Thanksgiving, where you’ll learn preparation techniques from the experts. Children particularly enjoy the spring workshops focusing on poultry care and farming basics.
Special holiday events draw families each year. The most famous is their colorful turkey display, where brightly dyed turkeys (safely colored with food dye) delight children. This tradition has become a local must-see attraction.
Local Partnerships
Gozzi’s collaborates with Connecticut schools to provide educational field trips about sustainable farming. These programs help children understand where their food comes from and the importance of local agriculture.
The farm supplies turkeys to many Connecticut restaurants committed to farm-to-table dining. Some notable partnerships include upscale eateries along the shoreline that feature Gozzi turkeys on their seasonal menus.
During fall festivals, you’ll find Gozzi’s participating in regional agricultural fairs. They often join forces with other local farms for community events that celebrate Connecticut’s farming heritage.
Their partnership with food banks helps provide protein to families in need, especially during the holiday season. You can support these efforts through their “donate a turkey” program that runs each November.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Connecticut! Look for deals here:
Connecticut Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs