Winter Farmers Markets Offer Variety of Local Products

From Aquidneck Island to South County to the northwest corner of the state, Rhode Islanders now have six winter farmers’ markets available where they can purchase a wide variety of locally-grown and produced products for the holiday season.

Coastal Growers Winter Farmers Market

Coastal Growers Market moved things indoors this month for its Winter Market, now located in the upper level of Lafayette Mill on Ten Rod Road just west of Wickford Village.

The winter market is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday from Nov. 3 to April 27, 2013. During the spring and summer, the market is found at Casey Farm in Saunderstown. (The market will have extended hours on Dec. 22 for the holidays, opening at 9 a.m.)

Live music, local artisans and delicious lunch and breakfast items are available at the more than 20 vendors. Get coffee from The Coffee Guy, breakfast pizza from Bravo Wood Fired Pizza, oysters form Matunuck Oyster Farm or even goat milk soap from Reynolds Barn. (Click here for the full list.)

“Take some time this weekend to visit one of our six winter farmers’ markets as you prepare for your Thanksgiving meal. There’s nothing better than a fresh, Rhode Island-grown turkey, and potatoes, carrots, apples, cider and winter squash to compliment your Thanksgiving menu.  They are all available – straight from the farm – at the winter markets,” said DEM Director Janet Coit.

“Buying fresh, locally-sourced meats, seafood, vegetables and dairy products at the winter farmers’ markets helps Rhode Islanders enjoy delicious, healthy foods and supports our local farmers.”

Farmers Markets 

South Kingstown 

• The South Kingstown Indoor Winter Farmers’ Market in the Peace Dale Mill Complex at1425 Kingstown Road (Route 108) in Peace Dale is open on Saturdays through April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Now in its fourth year, this market is an outgrowth of the South Kingstownfarmers’ market that operates at URI's East Farm and at Marina Park from May through October. This indoor winter market features a cornucopia of locally grown and produced products, including seasonal vegetables and fruits, cornmeal, breads, harvest decorations, eggs, honey, candles, jams, RI wool blankets and yarns, artisan soaps, RI raised beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, oysters, fish, seafood, baked goods, and dog biscuits.  For more information about the South Kingstown Indoor Winter Farmers Market, visit its website at www.southkingstownfarmersmarket.org.

Portsmouth

• The Aquidneck Growers' Market is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through May 11, 2013 and is located at St. Mary Church Hall, 324 East Main Road. Among the many local items available at this market are fruits, vegetables, pasture-raised meats and eggs, fresh seafood, breads, pastries, and a fine selection of freshly ground coffees. For additional information, contact www.aquidneckgrowersmarket.com.

Bristol

• The Mount Hope Winter Farmers’ Market at Mount Hope Farm in Bristol is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Among the many products that are available at this market are locally-raised meat, fish, vegetables, eggs, Alpaca felted items, freshly-baked breads, pies, cakes, coffee, honey, herbs, granola, and knit items. The Mount Hope winter market is located at 250 Metacom Avenue in Bristol, and will be open through May 18.  For more information, visitwww.mounthopefarm.org. 

Pawtucket 

• The Farm Fresh RI Wintertime Farmers’ Market at Hope Artiste Village at 1005 Main Street in Pawtucket is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through May 11.  From now through January 30, the market will also be open on Wednesdays (except for Dec. 26) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Now in its sixth year, the market specializes in fresh, locally-grown and produced food including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, eggs, meats, fish, shellfish, artisan chocolate, granola, coffee, jams, jellies, and prepared lunch items from numerous local farms and food producers.  For more information about the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers’ Market, contact Sarah Lester at 312-4250 or www.farmfreshri.org. 

Glocester

• In Glocester, the Northwest Winter Farmers’ Market is open Sundays through May 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Located adjacent to Petersen Farm in Sticks Tavern Banquet Room at 451 Putnam Pike, the market features locally-grown fruit and vegetables, honey, goat cheese, eggs, cider, chocolate, baked goods, soap, wreaths, crafts and dog treats.  For more information about the Northwest Farmers’ Market, visit www.northwestfarmersmarket.org.