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The Best 5 Farmers' Markets

by Christine Chitnis

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Credit: Christine Chitnis

_{Photo Credit: Christine Chitnis}

Christine Chitnis traveled to more than 50 venues while writing Markets of New England (The Little Bookroom, 2011), and she knows a good one when she sees it. Chitnis writes for local and national publications, often on farming and sustainability, and blogs at christinechitnis.com. See her five "honorable mentions."

MAINE
Portland Farmers' Market
Portland's first farmers' market dates back to 1768. Nowadays, its vendors line city walkways, all offering Maine-grown produce and products. Foodies will appreciate delicacies such as homemade tempeh, red-cabbage sauerkraut, kimchi, black radishes, raw honey, kefir, and of course, freshly picked Maine blueberries. Deering Oaks Park, Portland. Saturdays 7am-noon, April-November. Monument Square, Portland. Wednesdays 7am-2pm, April-November. portlandmainefarmersmarket.org

VERMONT
Waitsfield Farmers' Market
It seems that the entire population of the Mad River Valley turns out to partake in a boisterous round of festivities: face painting, arts and crafts, live music, picnicking, and more. More than 60 vendors; space is equally shared among agricultural, craft, and prepared-food booths. Mad River Green, off Main St. (Route 100), Waitsfield. Saturdays 9am-1pm, May-October. waitsfieldfarmersmarket.com

CONNECTICUT
Coventry Regional Farmers' Market Equal parts country fair and farmers' market, it feels like a momentous celebration, with cooking demonstrations, sustainable-living programs, kids' activities, musical guests, and local artisans. You'll find organic and heirloom fruits and vegetables, grass-fed beef, smoked bacon, homemade pesto, spices and salsas, freshly baked breads and sweets, artisanal cheeses, and cut and potted flowers. Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South St., Coventry. Sundays 11am-2pm, June-October. coventryfarmersmarket.com. See photos from Coventry's "Market Roots" project.

RHODE ISLAND
Coastal Growers' Market
Casey Farm (below), a Historic New England-owned organic CSA operation, boasts sweeping views of Narragansett Bay, giving its free-range cows and pigs some of the best real estate in the Ocean State. The staff tends the fields and sells the bounty at the market, along with dozens of other vendors. Plus farmyard tours, music, yoga sessions, and kids' games. Casey Farm, 2325 Boston Neck Road (Route 1A), Saunderstown. Saturdays 9am-noon, May-October. coastalmarket.org

MASSACHUSETTS
Copley Square Farmers' Market
A bustling site in the heart of downtown Boston, it's a tempting lunchtime destination. With park benches galore, ample lawn space, and shady trees, Copley Square is an ideal picnic spot, and the market offers a diverse selection of ready-to-eat treats. St. James Ave., Dartmouth St., Boylston St., Boston. Tuesdays & Fridays 11am-6pm, May-November. massfarmersmarkets.org