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Market Day: A Visit to 6 Local Farm Stands

Aug 23, 2012 02:30PM ● By Erin Frisch

A Market a Day: A visit to 6 Local Farm Stands

As summer draws to a close, the harvest is just beginning. Brussels sprouts, cantaloupes, sweet corn, berries of every color, and new apples are now starting to pile up at local farm stands and markets. And if one basketful a week is not enough fresh produce for you, don’t fret! You can get your farmers’ market fix every day of the week without venturing too far from home. Enjoy your week of farm-fresh local bounty!

Sunday: Canaan, NH, 10am–1pm, May 27–October 7. Spread along the common in downtown Canaan, this market is particularly good for its wide selection of local meats, including venison, chicken, sausage, bacon, and ham. And don’t miss the livestock stand, featuring young chicks and ducklings (for a different type of instant gratification, one not involving bacon).

Monday: Ok, so nearly one per day. After searching long and hard for a Monday farmers’ market in the Upper Valley (including a trip to Etna, only to discover that the Etna market ended last year), we’ve come up empty-handed. But we figure that you need at least one day of rest from eating your fill of free heirloom tomato samples. So take this day to evaluate your week’s purchases and maybe even attempt the daring task of cooking your family a meal made with foods that are entirely locally sourced. If you know of a Monday farmers’ market, please tell us about it in the comment box below.

Tuesday: Keene, NH, 9am–2pm, May 3–October 29. Held on Gilbo Avenue in downtown Keene, this market is also open on Saturdays, same time, same place (so you actually can visit seven markets a week). Be sure to get your fresh eggs and milk from the Keene market, as many other markets don’t offer these luxuries. Keene even runs an indoor winter market for die-hard supporters of local farmers.

Wednesday: Hanover, NH, 3pm–6pm, June 6–October 10. On the Green, the Hanover market could be considered one of the highest-end markets; it is well organized and laid out (produce on one side, crafts and other items on the other), and several stands even offer free reusable shopping totes. Don’t pass up a smoothie and a tamale or crêpe for dinner (favorites of many Dartmouth College students).

Thursday: Lebanon, NH, 4pm–7pm, May 31–September 27. Held in Colburn Park, the Lebanon farmers’ market is particularly family friendly and bustling on Thursday evenings. There is always live entertainment—enjoyed most by the dancing kids picnicking in the grass. In addition, AVA art gallery offers a stand with free art projects for kids to test out while they munch on their kettle corn.

Friday: Newport, NH, 3pm–6pm, June 1–October 5. The Newport market fills up the town common in historic downtown Newport every Friday afternoon, rain or shine. This market’s claim to fame is its size. With more than 60 registered vendors for the season, Newport’s market is one of the biggest in the state. This large number of vendors means a large variety of produce, crafts, and other items. You can get the basic fruits, vegetables, and honey, but you can also find such treats as handmade knitwear, paintings of local scenery, goat’s milk soap, and even doggie treats!

Saturday: Norwich, VT, 9am–1pm, May 5–October 27. On Route 5 south in Norwich, this market is also open come fair or foul weather. The home-baked goodies are particularly outstanding here. They include everything from seasonal fruit pies to hot sausage rolls, shepherd’s pie, and wood-fired pizza—made on location. It doesn’t get much fresher than that.

Is your favorite market listed above? If not, please share the details of the event below!

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