Excellent Blog By Kristin Amico
From tart tomatoes to gorgeous gourds, farmers’ markets across Cape Cod spill over into September with the best of late summer produce and autumn must-haves, like pumpkins, cranberries and mums. Here’s where to go to sample some of the freshest farm-to-fork food and goods that Cape Cod has to offer.
Cape Abilities serves more than 400 individuals with disabilities throughout Barnstable County through job training, housing programs, and community support. The organization also operates a farm and adjoining store on Route 6A in Dennis that provides skills training and jobs for the people it serves, in addition to promoting local sustainable farming. At the farm, which is open daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm, expect to find everything from their award-winning tomatoes to fresh fruit, vibrant planters, and locally produced soaps and sauces.
Coonamessett Farm is a 20-acre working farm, agricultural research center and general store located in Falmouth. The store is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm through fall, and carries freshly grown seasonal produce, native plants, homemade pies, sandwiches, and snacks. Purchase a day pass to walk the farm and pick your own crops in the field. The farm also holds seasonal activities, including pumpkin decorating for kids.
The Mashpee Commons Farmers’ Market makes it easy shop to locally within city limits. Conveniently located within Mashpee Commons – an on open-air shopping center which is home to upscale eateries, boutique shops and larger retailers – the farmers’ market runs every Sunday 12 to 4 pm until the end of September. In addition to local produce, prepared foods, fresh juices and baked goods, musicians and performers are on hand creating a festive atmosphere for afternoon shopping.
Situated in front of the Local Color Art Gallery, the Chatham Farmers’ Market is open every Tuesday from 3 to 6:30 pm through October 22. Expect to see locals and visitors shopping side-by-side in search of locally harvested produce, live seafood, freshly made cheeses, and sweet snacks.
Fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, snacks for humans and dogs, and handmade crafts can all be found at the Sandwich Farmers’ Market. Located in the Village Green on historic Route 6A, the market is open every Tuesday from 9 am to 1 pm through mid-October.
Those in Wellfleet can shop locally every Wednesday from 8 am to noon through mid-October. The Wellfleet Farmers’ Market is held on the green behind the Wellfleet Preservation Hall and features live musicians, produce, spices, jams & jellies, cut flowers, dairy, local seafood, and prepared sweet and savory foods.
The Falmouth Farmers’ Market runs on Thursdays noon to 6 pm at Marine Park next to Falmouth Harbor through October 10. The market features just-picked produce, local fish, artisanal cheeses, breads, pies, handmade pasta, and freshly baked treats.
Harwich residents and visitors can take advantage of the Thursday afternoon Harwich Farmers’ Market that runs 3 to 6 pm until mid-October. It’s located in the grounds of the Brooks Academy Museum, which is also open during market hours. Local musicians are on hand to entertain shoppers as the peruse the selection of produce, meats, dairy, and prepared foods.
Just around the corner from Fisherman’s Wharf, the Provincetown Farmers’ Market bustles with crowds every Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm. The market runs until October 26, and features locally caught seafood in addition to a bevvy of produce, baked goods and prepared foods. Find it at Ryder Street next to the Town Hall.
Thanks for shopping local!