Spring Into Farmers' Markets
by Madison Cebular
Photography courtesy of Ece Yavuz
The end of the school year not only means the end of classes and work, but also the end of winter. One of the best ways to embrace the changing weather is to visit some of Boston’s local farmers’ markets. Though many BU students go home for the summer, those who stay can take advantage of the fresh produce offered at reasonable prices. Using MassGrown Map, you can find a multitude of farmers’ markets selling local agriculture near you. A few of the best are listed below.
Copley Square Farmers’ Market
Running along 139 St. James Ave., Dartmouth Street and Boylston Street (near the Boston Public Library) is Boston’s largest farmers’ market. The Copley Square Farmers’ Market is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday from May 11 through November 20. The 2018 summer already boasts a large line up of over two dozen Massachusetts farmers who sell fresh produce and meat, so it’s guaranteed that everyone can find something they like at this market. As an added bonus, the organization that manages this market, Mass Farmers Markets, also manages two others, the Central Square Market in Cambridge and the Davis Square Market in Cambridge.
SoWa Open Market
Another one of Boston’s biggest is the SoWa Open Market. Described as “Boston's largest celebration of local artisans, farmers, food trucks, brewers and musicians,” this market not only offers a farmers’ market but also an arts market, food truck bazaar and a beer barn. Located at 530 Harrison Ave., it’s open every Sunday starting in May and running through October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With over 150 makers, the SoWa market really showcases the best of the Art and Design District. The beer barn also offers live music and lawn games, making the whole event fun and appropriate for all ages.
Boston Public Market
If spring fever really has you itching for fresh produce, then head over to the Boston Public Market. Located at 100 Hanover Street, near the Haymarket T stop, this indoor, year-round marketplace offers over 35 permanent local vendors and numerous “pop-up” vendors. Everything sold at the market is either produced or originates from Massachusetts or the New England area. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, so whenever you feel the need to support local agriculture, this market can be your go-to. To get the full experience, visit the market on April 22, Earth Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for its first ever Agricultural Festival, featuring live music, baby chicks and cider pressing among other activities.
BU’s Farmers’ Market
Finally, sometimes the best places to go to are the ones in our own backyard. Although BU’s Farmer’s Market won’t open again until September, it’s something to look out for once the season rolls around again. The market, which goes through October, is open every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The best part about BU’s market, other than the fact that it brings fresh produce literally right to the students, is that the featured local businesses offer more than just food. Henna by Heather has a booth where people can get natural, temporary body art and Urban Kitchen Handmade sells personal care products, such as soaps, shea butters and soy candles. This market gives students another reason to look forward to the upcoming school year.