Last friday the HH and I stopped by the Damariscotta Farmers Market just as it opened and were surprised at how busy the market was. Some vendors already had 3-4 people in line for their products when we got there.
This is only the third farmers market we’ve been to in Maine {how is that possible!?} but we are looking forward to checking out more of them as the summer progresses.
At the first two vendors we stopped at, we picked up a crusty loaf of sourdough, chocolate croissants, and a couple of cheeses from Lakin’s Gorges Cheese.
Then we saw a line {5 people deep!} for baked goods.
By the time we got to the front of the line, she was nearly wiped out. It was nuts!
We bought a slice of carrot cake and a cookie and they were both fantastic.
There were also a couple of vendors selling meat products {lamb, pork, chicken and beef} as well as eggs and a good variety of vegetables and plant starts.
The Damariscotta Farmers’ Market was small but mighty and had the support of the local community. The parking lot was totally full by the time we had left and I’m already looking forward to going back later this summer as more local fruits and vegetables become available.
And the prices were very reasonable too! 🙂
This week I think we’ll try and check out the one in Camden or Belfast.
~Mavis
P.S. Do YOU have a favorite farmers market? Do you prefer ones that are strictly food and farm products, or do you like the ones that are filled with crafts as well?
Sarah says
We have a fantastic farmers market here in the town I live in (Oshkosh, WI). I love it. It takes place right on Main Street and is about 3-4 blocks long. I am lucky to live within walking distance and it is our Saturday morning thing. The prices are reasonable and I love to support local as well.
Kimberly says
Hey Neighbor! I live in Menasha and work in Appleton. I went to the university in Oshkosh!
Kimberly Vassar says
Hi to my neighbors, Sarah and Kimberly…I live in Wrightstown, just a bit north of you. We’ve lived here almost 2 years and love it!
Rachel D. says
We have a Saturday morning farmer’s market on our town square from May through October 1. These are strictly for food and farm products. This year they are also starting a once a month craft market on Sunday afternoon on the square. I wish they could combine them but then they would have to move somewhere with more space.
Suzanne Shaw says
I’m on the Board of our local Farmers Market (and I’m a vendor) here in Massachusetts. It’s always forefront of our mind that we are a FARMERS market first, but we do allow food and craft vendors in. We try to keep it 50% farmers and 50% others (food and craft). We also try to make sure our farmers are each selling mostly different items so all can be successful. We don’t want all of our farmers selling corn, for example. I’ll be curious to read Comments as we are always trying to get better. We want happy customers!
Margo says
Good job, Suzanne. Sounds like a good mix. We have several in our county that are good, but I went to one last week that I hadn’t gone to before. It looked more like a pop up food court. There were lots of vendors, but only one farmer. And he was selling a few lemons and oranges which are at season’s end here. Very disappointing.
Suzanne Shaw says
Margo – thanks for the feedback. It validates our efforts to make sure we have an equal mix of farmers to other vendors!
Elle says
We had a market downtown that became totally overwhelmed with arts-mostly jewelry, which I do not wear. I was so grateful when 15 Farmers pulled out and started another market. It is all food! Plus food vendors. Truly a “Farmer” market 🙂 I don’t mind some artists but isn’t 60% a bit much for the intended venue?
Jennifer Jo says
The cheeses were homemade, right? From raw milk? Do you recall how much it was per pound?
Mavis Butterfield says
Here is a link to her website: https://www.lakinsgorgescheese.com/
We paid $16 for 8 ounces of the Prix Diane and $8 for 4 ounces of the Cascadilla blue. They were both wonderful. You should try making some soft cheeses like the Prix Diane. AND I think you might like setting up a table at the farmer’s market, I think you’d do well. 🙂
Jennifer Jo says
Oooo, thanks for the link! It’s so helpful to see what other people are doing!
Mavis Butterfield says
She has a farmstand too. I will go check it out for you and report back. 🙂
Lana says
We have a wonderful market in our little town where our lake house is located. They have it on Friday night because that is when people are downtown which I think is so smart and we don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to get to a morning one before they sell out.
Katie C says
I wish our local farmers market had crafts as well—they need the support/location, too 🙂 I like the idea of only allowing a certain percentage of crafts in and only hand made items. In our area, markets quickly become taken over by non-local/mass-made products and direct sales booths, which I think is the reason they say no to all crafts. Looks like a great market! Such a fun time!
Kelly Riggs says
Hi Mavis!
I’m a potter and sell my work at our Farmer’s market here in Richmond, Virginia. We are a producer only market with over 120 vendors during the summer months. It’s a vibrant scene and an exciting mix of produce, food vendors and craft. The organizers are passionate about giving people a place to kick start their businesses and it is wonderful to see so many people grow and thrive.
Carolina Cooper says
Winter time–favorite farmers market Berwick, ME
Summer favorite—Portsmouth, NH
If I remember correctly, Mavis, you visited the one in Portsmouth, NH a view years back.
My favorite vendor in both markets are the couple from Two Toad Farm.
debbie in alaska says
Mavis – any chance the baked good were sold by Jessica from Fattening the Curve bakery — she’s a close friend who lives in that area and her baked goods are amazing.
Mavis Butterfield says
The baked goods were from IB Baking. Here is her website: https://www.ingridbathe.com/baking
Dianna says
I love to go to farmer’s markets around here. I prefer the farm & food booths. We rarely buy any craft items there.
Annette says
Are those purp!e peonies?
Jen says
They look like tulips to me! So pretty.
Mavis Butterfield says
Van England sells tulip peony bulbs in the fall. I think I’m going to order some this year. Here is the link: https://www.vanengelen.com/flower-bulbs-index/tulips/peony-flowering.html
Emily says
I love farmers markets that are mostly produce. I don’t mind the occasional baked good or prepared food product mixed in, but I’m really looking for good, in season fruits and vegetables.