Fresh eats abound at the area’s top farmers’ markets.
Local art, fresh produce, sweet honey, and goat’s milk are just a few of the amazing finds waiting for you at the local farmers’ market. All over the region, farmers, businesses, and artists showcase their very best products at great prices. Many of the farmers use organic and sustainable growing methods, making your food not only healthy, but also better for the environment. These outdoor markets offer live music for the kids, meat for dad’s cookout, and native strawberries for mom’s shortcake.
Cape Ann
Check out activities like fingerpainting for the kids and cooking demonstrations for “Top Chef” wannabes, along with plenty of fresh seafood and melt-in-your-mouth local gelato. Located in Gloucester’s Harbor Loop, it is open every Thursday from 3:30pm to 6:30pm starting in July. capeannfarmersmarket.org.
Haverhill
It’s not hard to find all the fixings for a summer feast at this market, found at 80 Main Street starting July 17. From 9am to 1pm every Saturday, the finest fruits and vegetables, along with handcrafted soaps, oils, and pottery, are on display from local artists and farmers. haverhillfarmersmarket.com.
Newburyport
Free-range meat, hand-cut flowers, organic whoopee pies, and recycled art bring local color and flavor to the Newburyport Farmers’ Market, located in the parking lot of the Tannery Marketplace. Here you’ll find tasty baked goods and fair trade tea for sale, as well as activities offered by Historic New England every Sunday from 10am to 2pm, rain or shine, but we recommend you get there early. thenewburyportfarmersmarket.org.
Salem
Juicy strawberries, ripe tomatoes, and sugar-enhanced sweet corn are just a few of the delicious finds at the Salem Farmers’ Market, located in Derby Square. Fresh produce, bread, dairy products, and local art are all available Thursdays from 3pm to 7 pm starting June 17. salemfarmersmarket.org.
West Newbury
Looking for a classic farm stand? Head out to Long Hill Farm, where the owners sell everything that is grown on site. Scoop up farm-fresh eggs and sticks of butter, as well as baked goods, ice cream, honey, maple syrup, and handmade crafts. No matter what you buy, you can be sure it’s local and its fresh. longhillorchard.com. -Ronni Porter