Milford. Village Market at Apple Valley to open Memorial Day weekend

It takes a village - and entrepreneur Bill Rosado and his Milford Hospitality Group (MHG) are creating one.

The Village Market at Apple Valley will open on Memorial Day weekend and run Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Labor Day, also opening for special occasions during the year such as hosting an October Fest and a Christmas market. It will be similar to Peddler’s Village, but with a special Milford touch.

“The Village Market at Apple Valley is intended to drive business to the non-Broad Street side of Milford,” Rosado said. There will be a trolley to take visitors from Catherine and Broad Streets to Apple Valley.

It should significantly change the visitor and traffic patterns in Milford, but it will also open opportunities for other business and give visitors something more to do during a weekend trip. In addition, the market will provide more jobs for local people, as currently, in high season, MHG employs about 170 people.

There will be a variety of vendors in addition to the brick-and-mortar stores that are already part of Apple Valley. They will be selling things like wellness products, essential oils, cutting boards, wood art, jewelry, knit wear, candles, home décor and pet treats. In addition, there will be an ice-cream shop, an alote cart from La Posada, and other food trucks.

“There will also be two free spaces for non-profits, among the vendors,” said Steven Rosado, Director of Business Development for MHG. “We want to provide outdoor, nature activities for kids and for their families. There will be music and we hope to create a fun-filled, relaxed atmosphere for people.”

With nearby Grey Towers open for tours/just walking through the woods, and Apple Valley restaurant welcoming guests, MHG is showing visitors a broader, more comprehensive view of Milford as well as creating more opportunities for people to stay in town.