Above: Chestnut Hill Farm has fresh produce and local prepared foods for sale – though this year online pre-ordering is required. And most area Farmers Markets are still offering a slew of local produce and vendors. (Photos from Facebook L-R of Chestnut Hill Farm and Ashland Farmer’s Market)
One of the great things about summer is all the fresh produce. If you’ve only been getting your food at the supermarket, you may be missing out.
There are quiet a few options worth checking out – including two over the weekend.
In town Farm stand
Chestnut Hill Farm’s Farm stand is conveniently located on Chestnut Hill Road. In addition to the fresh, organic produce grown right there, the farm sells prepared foods from local vendors, and sometimes even farm raised meat. But you can’t just pop in these days. (Pre-ordering is required, and at this point will have to wait until next week):
For the time being, the only way you can buy from the farm stand is through our online store. The ordering window is Mondays at 6PM through Thursdays at noon, for pick up on Saturdays between 10AM – 12Noon. We have fresh, organic CHF and Trustees produce grown in our greenhouses all year long as well as other local goods!
While you’re picking up your goods, you can also take a walk on the trails to enjoy their Storywalk:
Laminated pages from a children’s book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along one of our farm’s trails. As you stroll down the trail, you’re directed to the next page in the story.
Farmer’s Markets
There aren’t currently and farmer’s markets in Southborough. But you don’t have to drive far to find one. There’s a farmers market open nearby five days per week in a neighboring town. (It appears only a couple of neighbors cancelled the season.)*
Saturday:
Ashland Farmers Market – Open Saturdays from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm through October 10, on 125 Front Street.
Featuring: close to 20 vendors (including produce, meat, eggs, prepared foods, and artisan goods). You can find their Covid guidelines for the season here. Pre-ordering is encouraged but not required (or even available) for all vendors. This weekend, they’re promoting Peach Day. (Some pre-ordering deadlines have passed for this weekend, but some are still available.)
Sunday:
Hopkinton Farmers Market – Open Sundays from 1:00 – 5:00 pm through October 11, on the Hopkinton Common (corner of Marathon Way and Ash St).
Featuring: produce, meat, breads, prepared foods and artisans. You can find their Covid guidelines here. To submit pre-orders, click here.
Tuesday:
Hudson Farmers’ Market – Open Tuesdays from 2:30- 6:30 pm through September 29 at Town Hall (78 Main Street).
Featuring: fresh fruits, vegetables, wine, meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, prepared foods and more, plus occasional live music. Masks are required and there are some pre-ordering options.
Wednesday:
Shrewsbury Farmers Market – Open Wednesdays from 2:30 – 6:30 pm through September 30 at Shrewsbury Senior Center Parking Lot, 100 Maple Ave.
Featuring: Seasonal market hosting fruits, veggies, bread, meats, honey, jams, fudge, soap, skincare & more! Sorry No Dogs Allowed. Masks must be worn.
Thursday:
Framingham Farmers’ Market – Open Thursdays from noon – 5:30 through October 11, on the Village Green/Center Common (60 Edgell Road).
Featuring: local corn, peaches, tomatoes, eggs, bread, honey, flowers, and more.
Did I miss something? If you’d like to share your favorite local places to get fresh food, comment below.
*Westborough Farmer’s Market isn’t being held this summer and the most recent info I can find on Marlborough’s Market is from 2019.
Davidians and Berberians, both in Northborough, have fresh grown produce in their farm stores. Davidians is open Sun-Sat (7 days a week) and you can walk in. They also have a CSA which you can join.
It’s worth noting that Berberian’s accepts SNAP cards.