Best Year-Round Farmers’ Market in Every New England State
Stock up on fresh, local groceries, purchase handmade items, and spend a relaxing few hours socializing or listening to music at these year-round farmers markets in New England.
Best Year-Round Farmers Market | Westport, Connecticut
Photo Credit : Courtesy of Westport Farmers Market
Farmers’ markets are not only the best places to find the freshest local food and ingredients around, but also community events that often feature live music, cooking demonstrations, farm animals, and knowledgeable folks eager to chat about the area food scene. Plus, shopping at a farmers’ market is a great way to support the agricultural community and its sustainability initiatives. From the biggest city squares to the most rural farm settings, the New England region is dotted with fantastic farmers’ markets; here are some can’t-miss options that are open year-round.
Favorite Year-Round Farmers’ Market | Middletown, Rhode Island Photo Credit : Tara Gragg
Best Year-Round Farmers’ Market in Every New England State
As a favorite foodie destination, Portland is bound to have one of the best Maine farmers markets — and in fact, this bustling city on the coast has three. Shopping doesn’t get more convenient than at the weekly Monument Square market, which runs Wednesdays from April to December between the public library and One City Center. The Deering Oaks Park market, held on Saturdays from April to November, is the weekend spot for cooks, foodies, and gardeners. And farmers-market lovers aren’t left out in the cold in winter: Portland has a market on Saturdays from December to April at the Maine Girls’ Academy, where shoppers can continue to purchase seasonal foods and goods, including meats, herbs, and breads.
What makes it unique? First established in 1768, the Portland, Maine, Farmers’ Market is one of the longest-running public markets in the country. Plus, with three markets to choose from, the small city is spoiled with options.
See More: Portland, Maine | Restaurants & Eateries GuideFavorite Year-Round Farmers’ Market | Westport, Connecticut Photo Credit : Courtesy of Westport Farmers Market
With more than 45 vendors — plus yoga, food trucks, and chef demos — the Westport Farmers’ Market is the place to go for local food and fun. From handmade frozen desserts to champagne tea, the food and products sold at this market come from handpicked vendors who meet set standards. Pick up produce, eggs, meat, flour, berries, coffee, pet food, seafood, and much more (including a good selection of allergen-free, gluten-free, and vegan food).
What makes it unique? You can feel good knowing that all purchases made at the Westport Farmers’ Market helps support programs like Farmer-In-Need, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Get Growing, and Farmer to School to Community.
See More: Best Connecticut Coastal TownsFavorite Year-Round Farmers’ Market | Burlington, Vermont Photo Credit : Cathryn McCann
Its central location makes the Burlington Farmers’ Market a top contender for the best Vermont farmers market. The summertime market is held every Saturday in City Hall Park, off Church Street Marketplace, where more than 90 vendors set up stands with seasonal produce, flowers, crafts, and prepared foods. The wintertime market has been running since 2008 in the University of Vermont Dudley H. Davis Center, offering a warm environment in which to stock up on locally grown food or have some lunch. Face painting and live music are often on tap year-round.
What makes it unique? The summertime market has been a staple of the Burlington community for almost 40 years now. Be on the lookout for quirky offerings, too, such as artisan kimchi and butter coffee.
See More: Spending a Fall Weekend in Burlington, VermontFavorite Year-Round Farmers’ Market | Salem, New Hampshire Photo Credit : Courtesy of Salem NH Farmers Market
The Salem, New Hampshire, farmers market is a place not only to shop but also to learn about nutrition, the environment, eating local, and participating farms and vendors. The year-round market is held every Sunday and features local bands, children’s entertainment, and events like cooking demonstrations and competitions. Classic market offerings here include local produce, honey, cheeses, soaps, candy, milks, and meats.
What makes it unique? Catch special events like guest speakers and Valentine’s Day cookie decorating at this market. Grab a hand-pressed juice, real-fruit lemonade, and grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, and sandwiches in the summer.
SEE MORE: Guide to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire
If you’ve never been to Plimoth Plantation, the Plymouth Farmers’ Market — plus all the history to discover and the quaint downtown to explore — is a terrific excuse. Head there on Wednesdays throughout the year (the outdoor summer season goes from late May through early November) to purchase food items like tomatoes, seafood, fresh pies, and granola. Local musicians often elevate the market with lively music, to boot.
What makes it unique? After shopping the market, take some time to explore Plymouth’s bustling downtown and harbor.
See More: Plimoth Plantation | New England Living History MuseumFavorite Year-Round Farmers’ Market | Newport, Rhode Island Photo Credit : Bevan Linsley
At this market in Middletown (Saturdays year-round) and Newport (Wednesdays from May to October), everything for sale comes from within a 50-mile radius. As a bonus, both market locations are lovely: You can wander tree-lined Memorial Boulevard for the summertime Newport farmers market (we suggest bringing a blanket and enjoying the vendor food in the shade), and enjoy coffee or a glass of wine with your food at the wintertime Middleton farmers market, held at Newport Vineyards & Winery.
What makes it unique? The variety of local food for sale (including lunch items such as tacos, burritos, and pizza), rotating selection of local artisans, and top-notch locations set this farmers market apart.
SEE MORE: Things to Do in Newport, Rhode Island | Coastal Weekend Getaways
As Digital Assistant Editor, Cathryn writes, manages, and promotes content for NewEngland.com and its social media channels. Prior to this role, she lived and worked on Martha’s Vineyard as a newspaper reporter, covering everything from environmental issues and education to crime and politics. Originally from New Hampshire, Cathryn spends most of her time out of the office on the trails, slopes, or by the water.
