BOSTON COPLEY SQUAREOne of the more popular markets in town because of its prime location, this market is the perfect lunch-break pit stop. Munch up on a roll from Iggy’s slathered in a picnic portion of goat cheese with Herbs de Provence from Crystal Brook Farms; then do up dessert quickie-style with the much-coveted banana bread from Breadsong or a miniature strawberry-rhubarb pie from Cook’s Farm Orchard. Then disperse the small crowd of people who have gathered to watch your ravenous eating by screaming, “WHAT?!” [Tuesdays and Fridays, 11am-6pm through 11.22.05]
BOSTON CITY HALLPerhaps nothing makes Boston’s lack of green space more clear than surveying the vast, bumpy brickyard that is City Hall Plaza—let’s face it, the place is kind of a downer. If you’re typically still asleep when the weekend produce clearances of Haymarket are happening, the City Hall market is a fantastic weekday alternative. The Keown Orchard stand, for example, is a one-stop shop for that kick-ass salad you’ve been dreaming of. [Mondays and Wednesdays, 11am-6pm through 11.23.05]
THE FOOD PROJECTEvery season, the 100 or so teenagers and thousands of volunteers that comprise the efforts of the Food Project grow close to a quarter-million pounds of yummy vegetables without the use of any pesticides. If you’ve ever tried the fresh salsa they sell at the Harvest Co-Op, you know these kids aren’t (pardon me, kids) fucking around. You can help the project along just by stopping by—the cause is as good as the squash. [Tuesdays: Children’s Museum, Boston. 4pm-6:30pm; Thursdays: Dudley Town Commons, Roxbury. 4pm-7pm]
DAVIS SQUARE, SOMERVILLEOnce called “the Paris of the ‘90s” by someone on too much Yerba Mate and/or crack, Davis has plenty of culture—just not a lot of places to grab cheap grub. Wednesdays are a different story, as an impressive market springs up with all sorts of goodies: The Nicewicz Family Farm specializes in berries, apples, pears and cut flowers; Hi-Rise Bread is on hand with delicious baked treats; and you can satisfy your craving for frighteningly fresh natural beef by visiting the folks of River Rock Farm. [Wednesdays, noon-6pm through 11.23.05]
UNION SQUARE, SOMERVILLEAre you a slave to the Foodmaster? Well, get your ass out of bed and set yourself free, malnourished Somervillian! Wake yourself up by sniffing a Persian Pomegranate candle at the Spice Genie (and pick up some homemade mint sugar while you’re at it). Rock some coffee from the nearby Sherman Café and hit the Berkshire Mountain Bakery stand for an empowering breakfast that will liberate you from the Toaster Strudel status quo. [Saturdays, 9am-1pm]
FOR FULL MARKET TIMES, LOCATION AND VENDOR LISTINGS, CALL 781.893.8222 OR VISIT WWW.MASSFARMERSMARKETS.ORG