FEATURE Ready, Set, Open! Area Farmers' Markets Open for the Season

It's no secret that food brings people together, but there's a little extra magic in the way it happens at a farmers' market. Many famous chefs have even said they make a beeline for the nearest farmers' market whenever they travel because that's where you get the most genuine local flavors (both literally and figuratively). &emsp;&emsp;Though there are an impressive number of markets in Southern New Hampshire and Vermont, each has its own flavor. And finding your favorite can be a summer-long adventure. &emsp;&emsp;An amazing first stop is the Brattleboro Area Farmers' Market, known for being more than just a place to shop. &emsp;&emsp;Market Manager Christine Colascione describes it as "kind of like Brattleboro's anti-mall." On any Saturday, May through October, you can go grocery shopping, eat delicious food, watch your kids play in the sandbox, learn about composting, attend a concert, and see all your friends in one place. &emsp;&emsp;"It's a quintessential little microcosm of our beautiful, quirky, rich community and all it has to offer," Colascione says. &emsp;&emsp;What many people don't know is that the Brattleboro Area Farmers' Market is also a 501c-6 cooperative and entirely member-run. This means that vendors don't just show up on Saturdays — they are full-year cooperative members and attend board meetings, update market rules, measure out booth space, and manage the website. &emsp;&emsp;"It's been really beautiful to see the dedication and passion the members have," Colascione says. &emsp;&emsp;This year is packed with lots of new additions. Get ready for veggies, maple syrup, baked goods, sustainably raised meat, raw milk, and even locally made spirits and wines. Need a housewarming gift? A special token for your best friend? Find it at the market within an incredible lineup of jewelry, woodwork, CBD products, herbal medicines, cards, soap, and wool products. &emsp;&emsp;"We're excited to bring a few educational events to the market this year to even further enrich the experience, from caterpillar labs to food demos, so keep an eye on our social media for a schedule," Colascione says. &emsp;&emsp;Folks are also welcome to just come down and grab a delicious lunch. Specialty foods range from Indian and Thai meals to smoothie bowls and Mediterranean dishes. &emsp;&emsp;"What's lovely is all our prepared food comes in compostable containers, and all components of the process have to be recyclable," Colascione notes. &emsp;&emsp;While you're noshing, take in some tunes from local musicians, like Aura Shards and Decatur Creek, and new artists joining from Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. &emsp;&emsp;Colascione says she loves that "the market offers an opportunity to turn off our phones and really be in the present moment." &emsp;&emsp;She suggests people bring cash versus cards to enjoy everything the market offers because the internet can be spotty. Remember that many area markets, including this one, accept SNAP benefits and crop cash, turning every $10 spent at the market into $20 if you're eligible. Take advantage of those dollars and eat local all season long. &emsp;&emsp;"The market is a representation of our values of the community — sharing space and supporting the local economy with our neighbors and friends," Colascione says. &emsp;&emsp;She adds that it's also a chance to participate in the social and environmental changes we'd like to see in the world. &emsp;&emsp;In nearby Putney, Vermont, it's an easy choice to go local and be part of that change. On Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the green commons across from the Putney Co-op, a vibrant village pops up with crafts, jewelry, scarves, lotions, and other stunning goods. An eclectic mix of vendors from near and far show up each weekend, and live music, apple picking and other activities enhance the vibe. &emsp;&emsp;"They also have a Thai food stand which is unbelievable!" says Sandi Shafer, a Keene resident who frequents the Putney Farmers' Market with her family. "The town of Putney itself is a hidden gem," she says. &emsp;&emsp;Across the river, another hidden gem with a noteworthy farmers' market is Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire. In its third year, their market on the town green now hosts about 20 vendors on the first and third Saturdays of the month. But what's really special about this one is how it brings the whole town together. &emsp;&emsp;"For our opening day on May 20, the Historic Blake House is going to be open, the Garden Club is doing their big plant and bake sale, the library is going to run a Charlotte's Web program for children, and the Rec Department is going to have yoga," says organizer Barbara Young. &emsp;&emsp;Game days, the annual Strawberry Festival, and other fun side notes set the tone throughout the season. Locals describe the market as "the thread that's pulling everyone together," Young says. "We keep evolving, and it's a good feeling," she adds. &emsp;&emsp;In Hancock, New Hampshire, townspeople are looking forward to enjoying their market for the second year after it made a return in 2022. Before that, it had been on hiatus for nearly a decade, but it's clear many locals were excited to see it come back to life. &emsp;&emsp;For many vendors from area produce farms, it was their first foray into selling at a market. Visitors showed up eager to shop, and there were several occasions when vendors even sold out. Find the market buzzing from 4 to 7 p.m. on the Town Hall green on Thursdays. In the summer, stick around and listen to an evening concert, as well. &emsp;&emsp;"It's very much a community event. We live on Main Street and go just about every week," says Katherine Harper. &emsp;&emsp;Her good friends, Megan Baptiste-Field and Dan Field of Bending Branch Farm, LLC, are market members, selling cheese made with milk from the herd of goats they took over management from Main Street Cheese last year. &emsp;&emsp;The couple was named winners of Radically Rural's 2022 Pitchfork Challenge, earning well-deserved dollars to invest in their local business. They've quickly become a wonderful presence at several area shops and markets, including the Peterborough Farmers' Market and the Farmers' Market of Keene. &emsp;&emsp;"They have a great story of coming to agriculture during COVID after leaving more traditional careers," Harper says. &emsp;&emsp;The amazing thing is that now neighbors get to play a part in that story during market days. &emsp;&emsp;As Colascione put it: "The world could absolutely use more farmers' markets, and each time we go to one, we're making that world a little bit more of a reality." SIDEBAR MONADNOCK AREA FARMERS' MARKETS Brattleboro Area Farmers' Market 570 Western Ave (Route 9) Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Chesterfield Farmers' Market Main Street (Route 63) Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Farmers' Market of Keene Gilbo Ave. across from Lindy's Diner Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Fitzwilliam Farmers' Market On the Common 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Francestown Community Market Francestown Horse Sheds Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Greenfield Farmers' and Crafters' Market 971 Forest Road Sundays, noon – 3 p.m. Hancock Farmers and Artisans Market Town Common Thursdays, 4 – 7 p.m. Henniker Community Market Community Center Park & Angela Robinson Bandstand at 57 Main St Thursdays, 4 – 7 p.m. Hillsboro Summer Market Butler Park (Corner of Central & West Main St) Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hinsdale Millstream Park (aka River Park) off of Main St. Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Milford Outdoor Farmers' Market 300 Elm St (Vacant lot across from NH Antique Coop) Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Peterborough NH Farmers' Market Peterborough Community Center at 25 Elm St. Wednesdays, 3 – 6 p.m. The Putney Farmers' Market Carol Brown Way, across from the Putney Food Coop Sundays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Richmond Farmers' Market Richmond Four Corners (Intersection of Routes 119 & 32) Sundays, noon – 3 p.m. Rindge Farmers' and Crafters Market West Rindge Common — Route 202 N Thursday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. TEAM Jaffrey's Community Farmer's Market 28 Main Street Fridays, 4 – 6 p.m. Winchester Farmers' Market on Main In the park at 111 Main Street Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.