Browsing around an open air market is a fun summer activity and a nice way to enjoy the good weather. Thankfully, Boston has a few options when it comes to farmers markets and finding foods that are (for the most part) actually good for you!
Copley Square Farmers Market
Located in the heart of back bay right by the Boston Public Library, the Copley Square Farmers Market is a great place to buy fresh produce and sample items from businesses that use locally grown ingredients. I stumbled upon the market one Friday afternoon and I immediately was thrilled with my discovery. Having just returned from a four month stay in Paris, I was missing the open air fruit and vegetable marchés that I had grown accustomed to shopping at. That’s why when I found this market I was excited that it had a similar feel to those in France. All the food is fresh, and made with REAL ingredients, which is very different from the majority of the products I find in grocery stores here in the US.
What’s the best part? FREE FOOD! Many local restaurants, bakeries, and cafes give away free samples at their booths. That means you can not only try delicious fresh fruit, but also taste products like Boston’s best (in my opinion) cheesecake from 7ate9 bakery. So, even if you’ve already done your grocery shopping for the week The Copley Square Market is still worth checking out if you want to snack on new treats from a restaurant you’ve never tried before or just need a good excuse to get outside and explore a part of the city in the summer. The market is open every Tuesday and Friday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The Greenway
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is a lively spot in Boston during the summer. Located in the financial district across from South Station, the Greenway is another great place to buy and sample delicious foods from over 20 vendors, like fresh baked bread from When Pigs Fly Bakery and ice cream from Honeycomb Creamery. The Greenway hosts markets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 am to 6:30 pm, which means if you’re getting sick of the boring lunch you bring to work every day, the Greenway market can be the perfect solution as many vendors sell “grab and go” lunches and prepared food to enjoy outside on the lawn of the park.
Another interesting lunch idea is to visit one of the many food trucks that park on and around the Greenway everyday as part of the Greenway Mobile Eats Program. You can find just about every type of cuisine, as trucks range anywhere from Zinneken’s Belgian waffles to Bon Me’s Asian food. So, while it might not be as healthy as fresh vegetables from the farmers market, you’ll definitely be able to find a delicious meal no matter what you’re craving.
The Greenway is also home to the Greenway Open Market every Saturday and every first and third Sunday of the month until October. Like the other seasonal markets, the Open Market consists of local businesses, however it is uniquely an artisan market. Local area artists and designers sell their works here on three consecutive sections of the park. If you’re an art lover, proud small business supporter or just looking for something to do this weekend I strongly recommend taking a look!
