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The Weekender: Boston's Saturday Morning Newsletter
12 farmers markets you can get to on the MBTA
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's Saturday morning newsletter, The Weekender. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
The farmers market offers an attractive twofer: Come and grab some fresh produce, sweet jam and local cheese, while leisurely taking in the sights and smells of summer. It’s grocery shopping disguised as a cute weekend date, and I fall for it every time.
This is the time of year that many seasonal farmers markets begin to emerge from hibernation. And because I’m exceptionally excited about the opportunity to meander around with veggies and a baguette peeking out of my tote, I decided to compile a list of local markets to check out.
Massachusetts as a whole has upwards of 200 farmers markets, from Williamstown to Provincetown, and almost everywhere in between. (You can use this tool from Mass Farmers Markets to find one near you.) But most require a car to visit.
So I decided to focus on the farmers markets that you can get to on the MBTA.
Some of these markets specialize in produce or fresh fish, while others offer a wide variety of artisan goods like jam, cheese, salsa and handmade soap. But they’ve all got one thing in common: You won’t need to worry about parking (though you may want to double check the T’s diversion schedule).
So, without further ado, here’s the list — and how to get there:
Copley Farmers Market | Open now through Nov. 25
227-230 Dartmouth St., Boston
Boston’s biggest farmers market has reopened for the season. Catch the Copley Square Farmers Market every Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Here’s a list of this year’s vendors, selling everything from flowers and herbs to delicious fresh-baked babka.
- Take the T to: Copley (Green Line) or Back Bay (Orange Line)
SoWa Open Market | Open now through Oct. 26
450 Harrison Ave., Boston
SoWa Open Market has more than 250 vendors selling everything from produce to pet treats to pre-owned vintage. They’ve also got food trucks, entertainment and even beer and wine for purchase. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
- Take the T to: Tufts Medical Center (Orange Line), and then walk 15 minutes. Or take the Silver Line (SL4 or SL5) to the Washington St @ East Berkley St. stop.
Fish & Farm Market | Open June 7 to Nov. 1
212 Northern Ave., Boston
The Fish & Farm Market is returning to Boston’s Fish Pier in the Seaport for its second-ever run. You’ll find local bagels, distilled spirits, meat and lots of local seafood at this market every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. starting on June 7.
- Take the T to: World Trade Center (Silver Line)
Nubian Square Farmers Market | Open July 13 to Nov. 1
2300 Washington St., Boston
Nubian Square hosts this farmers market every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Roxbury’s Bruce C. Bolling Building. “Considering the Daily Table just closed in Roxbury, we’re kind of trying to fill that gap,” said farmers market manager Hortencia Dorosario. They’ll be selling fresh fruit and vegetables weekly in the community starting on July 13.
- Take the T to: Roxbury Crossing (Orange Line)
Jamaica Plain Farmers Market | Open year-round
677 Centre St., Boston
Jamaica Plain’s small, community farmers market happens every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., in the Bank of America parking lot on Centre Street, selling locally sourced honey, coffee and meat. Starting on June 17, they’ll also be open on Tuesdays from noon to 5 p.m. until Nov. 25.
- Take the T to: Green Street (Orange Line)
East Boston Farmers Market | Open July 2 to October 22
282 Meridian St., Boston
Organized by Neighbor Health, the East Boston Farmers Market will take place in Central Square Park from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday starting July 2. This market is also a great option for locals in nearby Chelsea, which only has a mobile farmers market currently (just jump on the 116 bus).
- Take the T to: Maverick (Blue Line)
Revere Beach Farmers Market | Open July 11 to Sept. 26
400 Ocean Ave., Revere
What’s better than a farmers market day followed by a beach day? This market will run every Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting on July 11. We suggest picking up fresh fruit for a refreshing beach picnic, and packing away a few goodies to take home, too.
- Take the T to: Wonderland (Blue Line)
Davis Square Farmers Market | Open now through Nov. 26
44 Day St., Somerville
Located just across the street from Sacco’s Bowl Haven, this farmers market serves up fresh produce, coffee, baked goods and more from noon to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.
- Take the T to: Davis (Red Line)
Central Square Farmers Market | Open now through Nov. 24
76 Bishop Allen Dr., Cambridge
You’ll find local hard cider, fresh-caught lobster, flowers and microgreens at Central Square’s farmers market, happening every Monday from noon to 6 p.m.
- Take the T to: Central (Red Line)
Kendall Square Farmers Market | Open May 29 to Nov. 20
One Broad Canal Way, Cambridge
This market is a little smaller than some of the others along the Red Line, with only 15 vendors nestled just off Broadway in Cambridge. But it’s still worth a visit to pick up local meat, honey, seafood and ice cream during its run on Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m., beginning on May 29.
- Take the T to: Kendall (Red Line)
Codman Square Farmers Market | Open July 19 to Oct. 18
20 Wainwright St., Dorchester
Dorchester’s Codman Square will host a farmers market every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Dr. Loesch Family Park starting on July 19. Each week also has a unique theme — you can view each one, along with their vendors, right here.
- Take the T to: Shawmut (Red Line)
Fields Corner Farmers Market | Open July 19 to Oct. 25
150 Park St., Dorchester
At the corner of Dorchester Avenue and Park Street, you’ll find the Fields Corner Farmers Market, which also begins its run on July 19. Swing by this one during its two-hour Saturday morning run, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Take the T to: Fields Corner (Red Line)
P.S. — Wondering what to search for at the farmers' market? Craft your shopping list with these recipes from Here & Now resident chef Kathy Gunst that center around seasonal vegetables, "spring-focused chicken" and seafood.
