Above: Hopkinton Farmers Market manager volunteers look forward to opening in their new location. Back Row: Laura Davis, Natasha Linton, Julie Greiner-Ferris, Maddy Boyce; Front Row: Sara Hunter, Angela Bartlett
This is a good week for anyone who loves fresh local produce. Three farmers markets open for the season in towns directly neighboring Southborough. Westborough, Ashland and Hopkinton all announce improvements when they open this week. Each market also boasts local artisans and crafts/activities for children and families.
Of all the below venues, the only one I’ve had a chance to visit is Westborough. I’m looking forward to trying the others. But I’d love to hear your recommendations.
Where is your favorite local place to buy fresh or organic foods?
Here are the highlights for four nearby choices (Check out their websites for more details.)
Westborough Farmers Market – Opens Today, Thursday, June 13 through end of September
Thursdays, 12pm – 6pm, at the Congregational Church in downtown Westborough
The Westborough Farmers’ Market celebrates its third season!
New this year is LUNCH! We are pleased to welcome Isador’s Organics, who will be providing a delicious array of wraps, sandwiches, soups, and sides made from locally-sourced and organic products from chef and locavore, Justin Szostakowski. We are excited this year to welcome an incredible and diverse group of twenty-five vendors, including treasured favorites and some new faces.
Ashland Farmers Market – Opens Saturday, June 15 through October 19th
Saturdays, 9am – 1pm, at 125 Front St, Ashland
Last season, you asked for more lunch options so we’re bringing you Food on Four Wheels. Check out Yummies, a retro-themed gourmet food wagon, famous for their fresh sandwiches, including their 100% Lobster Mega Roll. We’ve also added some super star vendors to our lineup. There’ll be pickles, cookies, wine, blueberries, Indian food, nut butters, Root Beer, Ice Cream and more!
Hopkinton Farmers Market – Opens Sunday, June 16 through October 20th
Sundays, 1pm – 5pm, at it’s new location in Hopkinton Town Common
The market will move from its previous location at Weston Nurseries to the Common this year, giving the residents of Hopkinton and surrounding towns a welcome green space to gather and buy their locally grown food for the week.
The Hopkinton Farmers Market will feature locally grown and locally produced crops and products as well as animal products that are sustainably raised or harvested and humanely handled and processed.
Another option, if these days don’t work for you, is shopping directly at a farm. A friend recently told me that she loves Natick Community Organic Farm.
Founded in 1975, The Natick Community Organic Farm is a nonprofit, certified-organic farm providing productive open space, farm products, and hands-on education for all ages, year-round.
Come explore! The farm is open all daylight hours for your visits and purchases.
WHAT’S PICKING/SELLING: seedlings, asparagus, mesclun, braising greens, maple syrup, eggs, beef, chicken, pork, woolen yarn, woolen roving.
Once again, I’d love to hear your favorite picks. Let us know in the comments below.
Where is the best place to get farm-fresh eggs?
189 Cordaville Road has a sign out that advertises organic free range eggs at $5.00 per dozen
Often they have fresh eggs at the Hopkinton farmer’s market, but you have to get there early in order to get them – they sell out fast! At least, that’s been my (limited) experience in the past.
Just bought eggs at WESTBOROUGH farmers market, emery farm, $7.50 for a dozen
First, thanks for posting this, Beth!! Each of these markets are terrific and I so appreciate your helping to spread the good word for all of them! Readers, pick the one that’s easiest or that has something that specifically matters to you, put a reminder on your calendar, and just make it a part of your week! Thanks!
Now, specifically regarding fresh eggs, I believe each of these markets has it’s own vendor that sells them. At our market (links below) we are fortunate to have Shady Pine Farms’ (http://shadypinefarm.com) fresh, grass fed meat and poultry, including super fresh eggs. And they do go quickly pretty much regardless of which market you hit. (they’re so good when they’re fresh, just like the rest of the produce, meat, fish, fruit, flowers, herbs, baked goods …).
Happy “Market”ing!
We have a great source for fresh eggs right here in Southborough! [The resident] at 189 CORDAVILLE road shares his fresh eggs for $5 a dozen when the sign is out at the entry to his driveway. They are wonderful!
I like the Westborough Farmers market. It is connected with Dismas House and the Worcester Homeless Coalition. Each year they add more and more items, like live music and a few unusual animals. . It is right off Westborough Center at the Methodist Church.