The mercury in the thermometer lately indicates that, like it or not, summer is back in full force. There’s hardly a better way to experience the sweetness of summer in New England than heading to your local farmers’ market on a warm afternoon to pick up groceries (and maybe a craft or a treat).
So we’ve rounded up some of the places where you can pick up all your fresh produce, baked goods, meats, and even some new home décor.
Beverly Farmers’ Market
Located at Veterans Memorial Park, the Beverly Farmers’ Market has an extensive list of vendors selling everything from traditional farmers’ market goods like flowers, meats, and eggs, to purveyors of prepared foods, local artists, and community organizations. The complete vendor list is available online. Live music from 4 to 6 p.m. creates an energetic vibe.
When: Mondays, 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Rantoul St., Beverly
Backyard Growcery, Gloucester
Making its debut this year, the Backyard Growcery is a food-focused market set-up between two community gardens in Gloucester’s Burnham Field. A playground and basketball court can keep the kids entertained while you shop.
When: Wednesdays, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Burnham’s Field, Gloucester
backyardgrowers.org/the-backyard-growcery
Groundwork Lawrence Farmers Market/ Mercado de Agricultores, Lawrence
In pursuit of its mission to empower and improve its community, Groundwork Lawrence runs three weekly markets, each with lengthy hours, to maximize community access to fresh food. A wide variety of produce from local growers is always available at each market.
When: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Wednesdays – Campagnone North Common, 155 Haverhill St., Lawrence; Fridays – Nevins Memorial Library, 305 Broadway, Lawrence; Saturdays – O’Connell South Common, 65 S. Union St., Lawrence
groundworklawrence.org/farmersmarket
Ipswich Homegrown Market
The Ipswich Homegrown Market is a celebration of local makers and growers, so, in one visit, you can pick up all your fresh veggies as well as baked goods, charcuterie, apparel and accessories by local designers, hand-poured candles, sea glass art, and plenty more.
When: Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: 36 South Main St., Ipswich
Hamilton-Wenham Farmers’ Market
The Hamilton-Wenham market is serious about the power of buying local, requiring that all the food and flowers sold at the event by grown, raised, or produced within 100 miles of the town. Vendors also include artisans and bakers, and there’s live entertainment every week.
When: Fridays, 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: The Community House, 284 Bay Rd., Hamilton
communityhouse.org/farmersmarket
Salem Farmers’ Market
The Salem Farmers’ Market returns this summer, every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Vendors sell local produce, prepared foods, seafood, meat, baked goods, and even some pet products. Find the full list of vendors on the Salem Farmers’ Market website.
When: Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: 32 Derby Square, Salem
Andover Farmers Market
Alongside the traditional assortment of produce, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, flowers, meats, and artisan items, the Andover Farmers Market also offers customers the chance to reduce their use of packaging by refilling your household cleaning products at Unpacked Living.
When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: South Church, 41 Central St., Andover
Haverhill Farmers Market
Established more than 40 years ago, the Haverhill Farmers Market offers a bounty of products from organic vegetables and locally grown fruit, to baked goods, prepared foods, used books, hot sauces, artisan chocolates, and even handcrafted mead – 52 vendors are signed up this year. Live music and kids’ activities make it a destination for the whole family.
When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Bradford Common, 10 Church St., Bradford
teamhaverhill.org/projects/community/haverhill-farmers-market
Marblehead Farmers’ Market
Rain or shine, the Marblehead Farmers’ Market is located at the Marblehead Veterans Middle School every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Customers can expect to see a healthy mixture of fresh farm produce, homemade prepared foods such as muffins and pickles, homemade crafts and non-food items, and a few specialty farm vendors selling items like meats and cheeses.
When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 217 Pleasant Street, Marblehead
Rockport Farmers Market
Situated in a charming, tree-shaded park, this market has a heavy focus on foods, with plenty of veggies, baked goods, prepared options, and more on offer. Don’t miss the meat and eggs from Seaview Farm just up the street from the market. Enroll your kids in the POP (Power of Produce) Club, and they’ll get $3 to spend on any fruit or veggie they want each visit.
When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Harvey Park, corner of Broadway and Pleasant St., Rockport
rockportexchange.org/farmers-market
Wakefield Farmers’ Market
This year, the Wakefield Farmers’ Market, located on the shore of Lake Quannapowitt, expects more than 40 vendors a week, selling local produce, sweets, coffee, and non-food goods like local history books, artisan soaps, and handmade ceramics.
When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 468 North Avenue, Wakefield
Newburyport Farmers’ Market
Live music accompanies the local vendors in Tannery Square every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Newburyport Farmers’ Market. With everything from local produce to meat, to coffees and teas, the market will cover your shopping needs for the week. Check out their website to see the full list of local farms and fine food purveyors present at the market.
When: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 50 Water Street, Newburyport
thenewburyportfarmersmarket.org
North Andover Farmers Market
The North Andover market boasts more than 30 vendors each week, including a balanced selection of growers, food makers, and craftspeople. Local food trucks also make regular appearances for added culinary joy.
When: Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Intersection of First St. and Main St., North Andover