Farmers’ markets are one of the great joys of summer.  Massachusetts has embraced its agricultural roots and supports a thriving locavore movement, and nowhere is that more apparent than at one of the many markets across the Commonwealth.

vegetables, fruits, flowers, farmers' markets: develop your kids' taste for locavore flavore

While I love taking in the beautiful produce and other offerings, I’ve learned that these markets can form a critical commercial piece of many farms’ sustainable business models: allowing farmers to deliver their products to consumers without losing precious income to a middle man.  While many of us understand that smaller family farms are vulnerable to big risks like weather and infestation, the retail partnership can also allow farms to move beyond survival to sustainable prosperity.  The market allows retail customers (like you and me!) to reap the benefits of the success of smaller farms, and farmers can plan around our tastes and interests.  It’s a great relationship.
 pears
Without exception, every farmer I’ve met at a market has been enthusiastic to talk about where they farm, what kinds of practices they use, and what makes their products special.  From meat to honey to maple syrup to organic fruits and vegetables, there is a long tradition of Massachusetts agriculture represented at local markets.  I’ve learned that the folks at Nicewicz (Nish-way!) Family Farm will happily teach you everything about orchard fruits and then invite you and your kids to hike the trails on their beautiful farm in Bolton, and the family at Copicut Farms will tell you all about their pasture-raised chicken and eggs from their fourth-generation farm in North Dartmouth.
I love bringing my kids with me to the market, since almost every market we visit includes live music, kids activities, and artisan-prepared food.  We can often find local wine, seafood, pasta and ethnic dishes to bring home with our produce and meat.  Farmers markets can also provide a great launchpad for small food businesses to get established and make a name for themselves before investing in a storefront.  I got to know Sarah-Beth and her insanely amazing cheesecakes from 7ate9 Bakery at the Harvard Square market, and thankfully now I can get them any time at her brand new shop in Somerville.Screen Shot 2015-05-26 at 9.53.59 PM
To find a market near you, you can search by region or town at Mass Farmer’s Markets.   I have yet to visit every market, but I can personally recommend these family-friendly gems:
Located on a grassy triangle in the center of Lexington, this market has it all: great live music, gorgeous produce grown in town, wine, meat, seafood, and even knife sharpening.  A great spot to picnic with your purchases.
Located right off Route 2, you can stop on your way out of the city and get all of your shopping done, plus free entertainment for the little ones.  Honey, fresh pasta and cheeses, numerous produce vendors, every kind of fruit grown in Massachusetts, and a lot of parking.  You will remember all of the free samples, your kids will remember Ryan Lally and his great magic shows!
Located in a corner of Harvard Square, a long stretch of farmers and chefs take over the front steps of the Charles Hotel with fruit, pasta sauce, fresh bread, (the aforementioned amazing) cheesecake, roasted nuts and even pasta sauce.  Go out for brunch with the kids in the Square and then stop at the market to contemplate dinner!
Perched near the edge of the Assabet River, this market has great family and wellness events, fresh flowers, beautiful produce, and tables for local community groups.
Thankfully, you can find a market for every day of the week, with new markets opening each year.  Enjoy the summer, indulge healthfully in amazing food grown and prepared in our home state, and keep our local farms and businesses alive by supporting these great community markets.
Amanda Cather, owner of Plow and Stars Farm and the former manager of Waltham Fields Community Farm, generously contributed thoughts and insights for this article.