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Farmer's Markets

Aquidneck Growers’ Market
Newport Vineyards, 909 East Main Rd., Middletown (Also open on Memorial Boulevard in Newport on Wednesdays from 2–6 p.m.)
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
June 7–Oct. 25,  Nov. 17

Major purveyors: Bally Machree, Cory’s Kitchen, Farmstead Cheese, Fatulli’s Gourmet Bakery and Deli, Maplewood Farm, Provencal Bakery, Olga’s Cup and Saucer and Sweet Berry Farm.

Why we love it: This upscale market—expect to pay top price for the uber fresh produce—is large enough to have a few selections of almost every type of locally grown produce, plus meat, fresh herbs and baked goods, without the long lines of big city markets. Ample parking is available in the vineyard lot. Farmers are more than happy to tell you about the new varieties of leafy greens or tomatoes available
this season.

Don’t be surprised if you see: Gridlock at Sweet Berry Farm, which sells exotic flower bouquets, honey and prepared jams and jellies from Cory’s Kitchen, in addition to their crowd-drawing berries.

Do pick up: The oft-requested garlic from farmer William O’Reilly at Bally Machree. Also, ask farmers about special bulk orders for seasonal produce: Sweet Berry Farm sells flats of berries in spring; Simmons Farm offers discounts on bulk quantities of corn and tomatoes in summer; and Maplewood Farm sells bushels of squash and fifty-pound bags of potatoes in fall.

Beyond produce: Don’t miss Susanna’s Ice Cream; many of her flavors, such as strawberry and peach, are made from fresh fruit grown at Sweet Berry Farm. Get goat cheese and pasture-raised beef and pork at Simmons Farm, and unique baked goods such as cherry claflouti, and multi-grain bread laden with flax and sesame and sunflower seeds at Olga’s Cup and Saucer. You can even support the local Boy Scout troop, which sells Custom House Coffee that’s hand-roasted in Middletown.

Coastal Growers’ Market
Casey Farm, 2325 Boston Neck Rd.,
Saunderstown
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–noon
May 17–Nov. 8,  Nov. 23

Major purveyors: Barden Family Orchard, Casey Farm, Ledge Ends Produce, Matunuck Oyster Farm, Seven Stars
Bakery and Watson Farm

Why we love it: Coastal Growers’ Market is a class-A market, which means that every item a vendor sells is produced by that vendor. Want shellfish? Get to the market early for the best selection of oysters from Matunuck Oyster Farm. Also, Casey Farm sells its certified organic produce from a double-wide stall, but sweep through to get more than a glimpse of all they offer.

Don’t be surprised if you see: Folks reclining in beach chairs and on blankets, relaxing while listening to the folk and blue grass music of University of Rhode Island professor Steve Wood, and Jon Dember, as they strum their banjos and heave accordions. Also, look for cooking demonstrations by the chefs of La Laiterie and a mid-summer tomato tasting event (August 23) featuring more than fifty unique varieties. A complete list of events is available on their website, coastalmarket.org.

Do pick up: Organic staples such as salad greens, green beans and broccoli, Besto Pesto—made from fresh basil and garlic grown by Barbara Simon-Olsen and Michele Kozloski at Zephyr Farm in Cranston—and a bunch of fresh flowers from Robin Hollow Farm, a nearby cut-flower farm that produces ecologically friendly blooms. Keep an eye out for unique platters and bowls by Spring Pottery (at the market about once a month).

Beyond produce: On site are Conanicut Island grass-fed beef and lamb sold in individually sealed serving-sized packages at Watson Farm. Local artisans alternate weekly and vary greatly in their offerings. Lily’s Garden Herbals sells essential oil-based, nontoxic household products and aromatherapy oils, and nontoxic first-aid remedies. Celia Gelfman makes Gelfware, a line of functional stoneware and porcelain pottery. At Peafunk, you’ll find jewelry made from glass beads, natural shells and stones from Rhode Island.

Colt State Park Farmers’ Market
Hope St., Bristol
Fridays, 2–6 p.m.
May 2–Oct. 31

Major purveyors: Lydon Family Tomatoes, Maplewood Farm and Mello Family Farm

Why we love it: One of seven farmers’ markets administered on state park lands by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, this market, filled with deeply rooted purveyors and locals who all seem to know each other, will make you feel like an instant East Bayer. Family farms with a long history in the area are the main vendors, including Portsmouth-based Mello Farm and Maplewood Farm, which was founded in 1950 and is run by Judy Carvalho, who inherited the farm from her father in 1988. 

Don’t be surprised if you see: Folks who live near the East Bay Bike Path pedaling to the market, which is located near the trail. Also, early in the season, bedding plants, including petunias and geraniums, and multiple varieties of veggie plants, including grape tomatoes and summer squash, are available so you can do some growing at home. You can even place orders for firewood with Moosup River Farm.

Do pick up: Plants for your garden and something pickled or canned from Oakdale Farms, which also grows produce for Whole Foods. Jams, jellies, honey, dilly beans and pickled beets are a few items Oakdale Farms grows and produces at their 150-acre spread in Rehoboth, Massachusetts.

Beyond produce: Check out Earth Essence natural skin and beauty products made from herbs like lavender, rosemary grown in Carolina, and flower extracts, such as rose geranium essential oil and rose flower essence, and Cory’s Kitchen jams and jellies.

Downtown Providence
Farmers’ Market
Kennedy Plaza, beside the skating center
Fridays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
June 13–Oct. 31

Major purveyors: Barden Family Orchard, Buntz Garlic Farm, New Harvest Coffee Roasters and Simmons Farm

Why we love it: You get the rich diversity of our fair state right in the heart of the capital city. Plus, the hours make it perfect for urban workers wanting to beat the Saturday market crowds and stock up on fresh produce during lunch instead. Here, volume and variety abound, especially when fruits like apples, peaches and nectarines ripen at Barden Family Orchard and Hill Orchards. Also, if you don’t know what to do with that rutabaga or are perplexed at the sight of broccoli rabe, don’t fret: Sometimes chefs are on hand to offer tips. 

Don’t be surprised if you see: Nutritious meals prepared by the University of Rhode Island’s Family Nutrition Program and served up for sampling, and chefs from Providence restaurants including 3 Steeple Street and Waterman Grille doing demonstrations and passing out samples of dishes they’ve cooked from simple ingredients found at the market.

Do pick up: Fresh organic German Red Buntz Garlic, grown by surfer-dude-turned-farmer John Sousa and his wife, Susie Buntz, and an armful of artisanal bread made at Providence’s Seven Star Bakery, both necessary accompaniments to any farm-fresh meal.

Beyond produce: Perk up with a cup of fair-trade organic coffee at New Harvest Coffee Roasters, and take home a pound of beans while you’re at it.

Hope High School Farmers’ Market
324 Hope Street, Providence
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
June 7–Nov. 29

Major purveyors: Bomster Scallops, City Farm, Hill Orchards, Farmstead Cheese, New Harvest Coffee Roasters, Pat’s Pastured Poultry, Seven Stars
Bakery and Wishing Stone Farm

Why we love it: Being big has its advantages. Farm fresh food is plentiful, and with an average of twenty vendors a week, chances are good you’ll find more than everything you need. (Just get there early to beat the more than 3,000 weekly shoppers who are all vying for the best of the bunch.) Plus, this market will expand your horizons. Just ask City Farm grower Richard Pederson to show you some of his latest crops. The (usually) straw hat-clad farmer will let you nibble some of his seasonal greens, such as fresh-snipped pea tendrils, which are grown on a one-acre plot in the heart of Providence’s
South Side.

Don’t be surprised if you see: A long line of customers at Wishing Stone Farm, although it seems to move along quickly. Wishing Stone’s customers are a loyal lot, and many have become friends of farmers Liz Peckham and Skip Paul. (See Skip Paul’s tips for navigating the stalls, page 73.)

Do pick up: A pack or two of sea scallops from Bomster Scallops, which have cultivated a following for their taste and size. Harvested in Atlantic waters between Newfoundland and North Carolina, Bomster Scallops are then flash frozen within three hours after they are hauled aboard the Bomster family’s ninety-foot trawler.

Beyond produce: At the Farm Fresh Rhode Island stand, you’ll find other items produced in the state, including fresh corn flour tortillas and locally made pasta. Or, pick up an exotic bunch of blooms at the Robin Hollow stall.

Pawtuxet Village Farmers’ Market
Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet parking lot
60 Rhodes Place, Cranston
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–noon
May 10–Nov. 22

Major purveyors: Baby Greens Farm, Blue Sky’s Flower Farm, Hill Orchards, Long Entry Farm, Moosup River Farm, Pak Express Farm

Why we love it: Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet has a long history of hosting events, and so it is no surprise that the ambience of this market harkens to days gone by. Its cozy atmosphere and foodie ingredients with an Asian bent make this market a Rhode Island staple.

Don’t be surprised if you see: Yourself signing up for a subscription of greenhouse grown Baby Greens once the farmers’ market season ends. Owner Jeffery Kamminga will deliver a half-pound bag of gourmet mixed salad greens to your house once a week. A ten-week subscription costs $75. The produce subscription, also available in a quarter-pound portion, is available year round to those living in the East Side and Edgewood neighborhoods.

Do pick up: Nime Chow made by Pak Express. The savory Asian specialty usually sells out halfway through the morning. And, while you’re at it, broaden your veggie horizons with other Asian produce like bok choi and Chinese broccoli from Pak Express. Owner Chang Xiong is a Hmong farmer, originally from Laos, who grows her food in Cranston and at the South Side Community Land Trust.

Beyond produce: Micki Whelan of Baby Green Farms makes specialty soaps from fresh herbs; Surf Side Soap Bar sells a range of all-natural, kitchen-made body products, including mosquito repellent; and Bernie Bieder of Warwick sells local honey.

Shopping Around

Whether it’s for the welcoming atmosphere or the mouthwateringly fresh produce, here are eighteen other markets around the state that are worth a visit. 

Blackstone Valley

Blackstone River State Park
Farmers’ Market
295 North in Lincoln
Tues. 2–6 p.m., July 15–Oct. 28
Located right near the Blackstone River Visitor Center, visitors to this market can take advantage of all the state park has to offer while shopping for fresh fruits and veggies. One of the newest markets in the state, the 2008 season will be its third year in operation.

Burrillville Farmers’ Market
Austin T. Levy School
135 Harrisville Main St., Harrisville
Sat. 9 a.m.–noon, May 17–Oct. 11
Regulars here will notice that much has changed since last year, the market's inaugural season. Twice the original size, there are several new vendors scheduled to set up shop, as well as storytellers and musical acts, composting demonstrations by URI Master Gardeners and cooking demonstrations and informational booths from local wellness organizations that will appear throughout the season.

Pawtucket Farmers’ Market
Broadway and Exchange Streets, Pawtucket
South of I-95, exit 29
Sun. noon–3:00 p.m., July 13–Oct. 26
A group of locals started this post-church market—which features goods and produce from Absalona, Barden Family Orchards, Hill Orchards, Ledge Ends Produce, Moos-up River Farm and Seven Stars Bakery—and the community quickly embraced it, making it a popular Sunday meeting spot.

Block Island

Block Island Farmers’ Market
Negus Park, 100 Ocean Ave., Block Island
Sat. 9–11 a.m., June 14–Oct. 11
Manisses Corner, Old Harbor, Block Island
Wed. 9–11 a.m., June 15–Oct. 15

There’s one rule if you want to sell your products or produce at one of these markets: They must be grown or produced on-island. Here you’ll find jewelry, fine art and crafts, locally harvested honey and herbal body products, along with shoppers lining up for the freshly baked scones from Pat and Thom Doyle Baking.

East Bay

Haines Memorial Park Farmers’ Market
Metropolitan Park Dr. and Park Ave.,
Barrington
Wed. 2–6 p.m., May 7–Oct. 29
In its early weeks, this farmers’ market sells hanging plants as well as produce, jams, jellies, maple syrup and crafts. Located right near a boat ramp, locals stop by to grab some grub and then set sail into the bay.

Striper Moon Farmers’ Market
47 Bradford St., Bristol
Sat. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., May 17–Oct. 11
Started last season by the owners of the adjacent Striper Moon store, this gathering spot, which sells fresh fish, bread and produce, attracts locals who sip coffee and catch up on community news while listening to the live steel drum music.

Newport County

Sakonnet Growers’ Market
Pardon Gray Reserve, Rte. 77 and Lafayette Rd., Tiverton
Sat. 9 a.m.–1 p.m., July 5–Sept. 27
The newest addition to the ever-growing list of Rhode Island farmers’ markets, this location will celebrate its inaugural season starting in July. Look for hydrangeas and evergreens, and local apples come fall, and other fresh produce from area farmers.

Providence

Broad Street Farmers’ Market
807 Broad Street, Providence
Sat. 9 a.m.–1 p.m., July 5–Oct. 25
Organized by the Southside Community Land Trust, this farmers’ market features produce grown by three immigrant farmers, two of whom are from Laos and the other from Portugal. Low-income members of this neighborhood, who would not otherwise have access to fresh produce, and discerning chefs alike head here to stock up on the basics as well as ethnic specialty crops including cilantro, bok choy, long beans and squash blossoms.

Brown University Farmers’ Market
Wriston Quad, Providence
Wed. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Sept. 5–Nov. 14
One of the liveliest farmers’ markets around, this weekly event hosted by Brown Dining Services attracts tons of RISD and Brown students and faculty members on break between classes. Here, you’ll find less typical offerings including hot Indian food to go and brownies from Seven Stars alongside the standards like peppers and apples.

Capital Hill Farmers’ Market
Front lawn of Rhode Island Department of Administration at Smith Street, Providence
Thurs. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., July 26–Oct. 25
Come noontime, many government workers downtown head out of the office to stretch their legs and grab lunch at this market, whose purveyors carry maple syrup, apple cider, breads and baked goods, and an array of fresh produce.

Cranston St. Armory Farmers’ Market
At Parade St. and Hudson St., Providence
Thurs. 4–7 p.m., June 12–Oct. 30
Located in the park abutting the Cranston Armory, many West Siders walk to this market (often with babies and dogs in tow) every Thursday after work. This year, organizers are adding a much buzzed about new component, a Community Supported Agriculture share pick-up.

Providence Wintertime Farmers’ Market
AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence
Sat. noon–3 p.m., through May 31
Vendors at this new weekly event inside AS220—which is the first winter farmers’ market in the state—carry fresh produce, including spinach, bok choy and potatoes, plus eggs, cheese and free-range meat. After a walk through, regulars delay heading back out into the cold by lingering over a late brunch of huevos rancheros and coffee at Taqueria Pacifica next door.

University Heights Whole Foods Farmers’ Market
601 North Main St., Providence
Mon. 3 p.m.–sundown, June 2–Oct. 27

Waterman St. Whole Foods Farmers’ Market
261 Waterman St., Providence
Wed. 3 p.m.–sundown, June 4–Oct. 29
These festive markets on the sidewalks in front of the natural food superstores mainly attract Whole Foods regulars who add a pit stop to their weekly grocery shopping routine in order to take advantage of complimentary cooking demonstrations, food samples and the opportunity to buy directly from local growers. This year, shoppers are urged to bring their own totes as vendors will be discouraged from giving out plastic bags due to the company’s ban on them.

Wickenden Street Farmers’ Market
21 Travis St. (parking lot of Holy Rosary Church), Providence
Tues. 2–6 p.m., June 17–Oct. 28
Wishing Stone Farm owners Skip Paul and Liz Peckham pick their Little Compton farm’s produce in the morning and by the afternoon it’s already in the hands of shoppers at their East Side farmers’ market. Their farm is this market’s sole purveyor, but you’d never know it from its wide selection, which, in addition to almost every in-season vegetable, includes their own pickles, breads and honey.
 

South County

South Kingstown Farmers’ Market
University of Rhode Island, Route 138
Sat. 9 a.m.–noon, May 3–Oct. 25
There is so much fresh produce to go around that the South Kingstown Farmers’ Market Association holds two markets. There’s this one in the Keaney Gym parking lot, and another at Marina Park in Wakefield, open Tuesdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. from May 6 through Oct. 28.

West Bay

Goddard State Park Farmers’ Market
345 Ives Rd., Warwick
Fri. 9 a.m.–1 p.m., May 2–Oct. 31
This market is one of the oldest the state runs and is notably established. Expect to find thirty or more vendors on any given week (compared to the eight to ten found in most places) selling anything from produce to crafts to lobsters and shellfish. Pony rides are available for the kids, too.

Pastore Complex Farmers’ Market
Rhode Island Department of Labor
and Training, 1511 Pontiac Ave., Cranston
Fri. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., July 25–Sept. 26
Originally created as part of a wellness plan to help state employees get fresh fruit and vegetables, this market is now open to the public and thriving, selling produce and crafts made by community members with disabilities.

Scituate Farmers’ Market
Rte. 116, North Scituate Village (behind town gazebo, across from the library)
Sat. 9 a.m.–noon, May 3–Oct. 25
This market started six years ago with only one farmer. Now the market has grown and features crafts, as well as honey, goat cheese, pasta and chai mixes from a variety of vendors. Farmers pay a weekly rather than seasonal fee, so you’ll find a different look and vibe each week.
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- May, 2008

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