Watch CBS News

Best Farmers' Markets Near Boston

Open air local farmer's markets are stocked and ready this season to ensure you bring home the very best perishables the area has to offer. Enjoy the day supporting your area's community; stop in and be welcomed like family. Every single item you'll find has been treated with extra special care and expertise. Those who work the land and the troupe of volunteers who offer their time have an appreciation for homegrown handmade delicacies that surpass any a major grocery will offer.

Arlington Farmers' Market
(Photo Credit: Arlington Farmers' Market)

Arlington Farmers Market
Rte 60 Russell Common
Arlington,MA
(781) 858-8629
www.farmersmarketarlington.org

Vendors come to the Arlington Farmer's Market bringing their specialty crops that flourish with each season, such as corn, greens, fresh fruits and maple syrups. Add smoked products like fish and pork, throw in some fresh fish chowdah and polish the package off with your choice of fine wines. A wonderful variety of breads, handmade pies, ciders and garden tools? Yes, Arlington Farmers Market has an array of unexpected specialties including Asian products specific to Flats Mentor Farm of Lancaster. The market begins to accommodate customers the first week of June each Wednesday afternoon.

SoWa Open Market
(Photo Credit: New England Open Markets Facebook)

SoWa Open Market
500 Harrison Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
(857) 362-7692
www.sowaboston.com

Sample the region's award-winning collections of local artisans, farmers and specialty vendors each Saturday and Sunday. Open mid-morning til late afternoon, and most likely a bit later depending on how lively the conversation. SoWa's full-service produce market keeps the variety fresh, adding open-air craft and art vendors every Sunday to the mix. The favorite site for our local farmer's kiosks is surrounded by a host of shops and galleries. Featured baked goods, jams and syrups, combine with handcrafted jewelry, professional artwork and, if it's all too overwhelming, canteen trucks full of snacks and handheld goodies that can satisfy that craving before getting back to shopping.

Braintree Farmers' Market
(Photo Credit: Braintree Farmers' Market)

Braintree Farmers Market
Braintree Town Hall Mall
1 JFK Memorial Dr.
Braintree, MA 02184
(781) 794-8000
braintreefarmersmarket.org

Beginning in mid-May, rain or shine each and every Saturday morning 'til shortly after noon, local farmers and volunteers pull out all the stops. It's one giant festival or feast after another to celebrate the season's fresh produce, lobsters and clams. Bake-offs and the occasional pie eating contest could await you any given Saturday as well. The Braintree Farmer's Market has made a reputation for themselves with holiday markets outside of the norm, making the trip to the Town Hall Mall more than just an errand to fill the cupboards.

Related: Navigating Boston's Best Farmers Markets

Harvard University Farmers Market
1 Oxford St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 495-8052
www.dining.harvard.edu

The Food Literacy Project hosted by Harvard University's campus dining services makes use of the college's fellowship program. Enhancing the city of Cambridge by educating the public, its volunteers and students learn just how buying local empowers the entire community. Where to buy fresh baked goods, produce and farm fed dairy products? During the summer season, the answer is certainly One Oxford Street. Many of the items offered come straight from the campus community garden along with a host of vendors from all over the state. Take the trip to Cambridge any Tuesday afternoon until early evening; H.U.F.M accepts all vouchers including senior discounts.

Quincy Farmers' Market
(Photo Credit: Quincy Farmers' Market)

Quincy Farmers Market
1 Merrymount Parkway
Quincy, MA 02169
(339) 225-2607
www.quincyfarmersmarket.com

The new location of Quincy Farmers Market makes incredible use of space for picnics, be it in the amphitheater or under the pavilion with tons of free parking to boot. Picture the family outing taking place, face painting, storytelling, picnics or kite flying all while perusing under the canvases for fresh produce to take home for later. Make use of the Thomas Paine Library booth, the baked goods and freshly made hot served foods. Of course, there is produce and so much more, which makes the Quincy Farmers Market a spot to habituate this season. Have professional photos taken, enjoy live music, preserves, fresh eggs ... the list is almost unending. The most family-friendly Farmer's Market appears to take place in the city of Quincy, only a hop, skip or jump away from Boston central.

Related: Guide To Farmers Markets In Eastern, Central Massachusetts

Freelance Writer Corinne Costantino brings the "Best of Boston" to New England. Her work can be found on Examiner.com
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.