On Saturday we visited the Roslindale Village Farmers' Market and in the process discovered a great food neighborhood.
The market itself is in Adams Park at the intersection of Washington Street and Cummins Highway. We slipped Zipcar Prius Pierce into a street space on Cummins and headed for the market tents.
The vendors were a nice mix of farmers, craftspeople, artists, specialty food purveyors and local businesses.
When we say local business we mean people from just around the corner. When the Fornax Bread Company stand ran out of baguettes, they sent us to their nearby bakery to buy one.
I was familiar with MacArthur Farm and Spring Brook Farm from other farmers' markets. Other farms were new to me.
Farms Connecting With Community
It was good to see two community farms using this resource to sell their goods. These represent another way farms are connecting with consumers.
The Brookwood Community Farm's site tells us it is, "... a working organic farm and education center located in Milton, MA. The farm is dedicated to preserving historic farmland through sustainable agricultural production that improves access to healthy, affordable, freshly grown fruits and vegetables in urban communities. The farm operates a community supported agriculture program, sells produce at local farmers markets and provides on-farm employment, educational and volunteer opportunities to members of the surrounding communities."
Neighborhood Farm from Needham describes itself as,"...a collection of market gardens in private yards in and around Needham, MA. Homeowners lend us a portion of their yard and we grow vegetables, herbs and flowers. In exchange, the owners receive produce from the gardens during the growing season."
A Real Village Market
This market has a warm, small town, community feel. Families were strolling and enjoying the entertainment that was scheduled throughout the day. Other folks were shopping while walking their dogs. And, of course there were serious shoppers and browsers.
I was please to see artists included in the event. They had a place to show their work at the Roslindale Art Alliance's booth.
Most of all there was conversation and a good measure of laughter to be heard. Vendors were chatting with customers. Neighbors were catching up with one another. Volunteers were making newcomers and strangers (like us) feel welcome.
We'd like to say a special "Thank you!" to Michael. He's a market volunteer who answered our question about where to have lunch with suggestions that formed an enjoyable tour of the village.
We're planning a return trip to this market. Next time we'll take the commuter rail. The Needham line station is within sight of the park. And, we'll be telling you more about this treasure of a village located just a short hop from the heart of Boston.
The summer strolling season is underway. Here's to wearing out more shoes than tires.
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Details:
(Photos: © 2009 Penny Cherubino)
Roslindale Village Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm
Adams Park (Cummins Highway & Washington St.)
June 13 - October 17, 2009
http://www.roslindale.net/farmersmarket/
Or follow the market on twitter
http://twitter.com/rozzifarmmrkt
Roslindale Village Main Street
http://www.roslindale.net/
MBTA Needham Line schedule
http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=NEEDHAM&direction=I&timing=S&RedisplayTime=Redisplay+Time
I haven't been to the Roslindale Farmers' Market yet, but it might be next on my list. Looks like fun!
Posted by: Sues | June 16, 2009 at 03:54 PM
Re. above comment: Orange line and bus are especially handy on Sundays. No commuter rail then.
From Monday to Saturday, you can also take the 51 bus from Cleveland Circle--about 25 minutes.
Posted by: Laura | June 16, 2009 at 03:39 PM
Where did you have lunch? After leaving the market and paying a visit to Village Books, we went to Village Sushi. We ate outside in the courtyard it shares with a couple of other restaurants.
Posted by: Andrew | June 16, 2009 at 01:48 PM
An alternative to commuter rail: Take the Orange Line to Forest Hills and then one of the 60 gazillion bus lines that run down Washington Street. The 34/34E seem to be the most frequent. It'll cost less than commuter rail and, especially on weekends, offer far more frequent service.
Posted by: Adam Gaffin | June 16, 2009 at 01:34 PM