It is late summer and peak time for farmers markets in New England. If you’ve been at any farmers market in the last decade, you know it is not only a place of raw carrots and turnips. There is plenty of fresh, locally grown produce – of course – and also lots of food you can turn into a meal right on the spot: breads and baked goods; cheeses and honey for instance. Also, shop for delicacies like skin care and health products, fresh flowers, artisan-quality jewelry and pottery. Many markets have local acoustic musicians performing and activities for kids. A shopping trip to a farmers market is like a day trip for food and fun. Here are some of New England’s best farmers markets:
Aquidneck Year-Round Growers Markets at Middletown and Newport, RI — This community gem holds two markets at two locations in Middletown and Newport during the summer and at the Middletown location, only, during the winter. Some special New England foods featured at these events include locally produced honey, beef, and produce; fresh-baked goods, berries, lobster, and coffee. Pay with cash or credit card. Middletown location map. Newport location map.
Dates and Hours: Newport Vineyards in Middletown, year-round, on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. In summer only: Memorial Blvd. in Newport at Chapel, mid-May through October, Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m. [photo: Kelsey Fitzgibbons]
Boston Public Market at Dewey Square Plaza on the Greenway (across from South Station). Boston, MA –Products include farm fresh produce; meat, poultry, and eggs; cheese and dairy; fish; bread and baked goods; plants and flowers; and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods, including several grab-and-go lunch options. Take advantage of the location to walk the Greenway, with its unique carousel and seven water features or fountains. Map.
Dates and Hours: May-November on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Champlain Islands Farmers Markets at two locations (see below) — Grand Isle and South Hero, VT — Find locally grown foods, prepared foods, and baked goods and unique artisan crafts. Vendors sell vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, eggs, grass fed beef and chicken, breads, jams, pickles, yarns, wooden bowls, jewelry and metalwork, soaps and more. 3 SquaresVT and SNAP accepted. Double your money with Crop Cash Coupons. Debit Cards accepted. Farm to Family Coupons accepted. Grand Isle location map. South Hero location map.
Dates and Hours:
St. Joseph Church, 185 US Route 2, Grand Isle; mid-May to late September; Saturdays; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
St. Rose of Lima Church, 501 US Route 2, South Hero; late May to mid-September; Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.
Stonington Year Round Farmers Market at the Town Docks; Stonington Borough, CT – Just on the edge of this delightful village on a tiny peninsula is a market of two dozen vendors selling vegetables and fruits, jams, breads, pies and baked goods, meats, fish, cheeses, lemonade, maple syrup, honey, flowers, plants and more. Craft vendors sell jewelry, wooden bowls, soaps, fabrics and scarves. Playground for kids. Dogs are welcome to come and socialize. Map.
Dates and Hours: Town Dock, late May through mid- October, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon
Portsmouth Farmers Market at 1 Junkins Avenue, City Hall Parking Lot, Portsmouth, NH — This market is as eclectic and charming as Portsmouth itself; certified organic produce, vegetables, fruits, cut flowers, meat, baked goods, prepared foods, plants, crafts, wine, cheese, teas, maple syrup, honey, soap and personal care products will all be available. Children’s Day and Senior Day will happen throughout the summer, and live music can be heard weekly. Map.
Dates and Hours: May-November on Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
York (Gateway) Farmers Market at 1 Stonewall Lane (exit 7 off I-95) in York, Maine — Local farmers, specialty food producers and crafters sell their fresh vegetables, fruits, baked goods, fish, meats, cheese, eggs, breads and handmade crafts. Please be sure to bring your own reusable bags! Email: carol@yorkme.org. Map.
Dates and Hours: late May to early October; Saturdays; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
