As may already know, New England can serve as a regional model for local economies everywhere. We have a dense population that values New England's cultural identity and connections to history. We have natural capital, industrial and intellectual capital, agricultural bounties from every corner of every state, and most importantly, a groundswell of support for a burgeoning movement to grow economies that are local, fair, and green.
"But what is all this jibber jabber of big words leading to??" you wonder. Easy. It serves as a simple explanation of why New England farmer's markets are some of the best in the country. If I'm not convincing you, maybe pretty little pictures of one of New England's largest farmer's markets, located in Coventry, Connecticut, will.
Whether you live in the city or suburbs, a farmers’ market is not too far from you if you live or visit anywhere in New England. From spring until late fall, you can find local growers set up with their canopies and colorful displays of just-harvested fruits and vegetables in town squares, parks and other public spaces. Throughout the winter, many move inside and keep right on connecting farmer/tradesperson to consumer.
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Here my son Jonas runs into a local friend while walking on a Nathan
Hale Homestead rock wall from the 1700s. What a fun space to bond with
neighbors and enjoy some local delectables!
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I may be a little biased, as I live right down the road from the amazing homestead-turned community gathering called the Coventry Farmer's Market. Here one can easily find an array of products, including baked goods, honey, flowers, jams and jellies, maple products, farmstead cheeses, grass-fed meat products, eggs, drinks, organic and heirloom fruits, herbs, and veggies, spices, sauces, and salsas, housewares, knitted goods, and wood products. But what's more is I can not only run into people from all over the region as well as local friends, but I can find my child animals to pet and ponies to ride, artisans to meet, hot dishes and cold drinks to partake of, and local musicians to hear. The market is located at the Nathan Hale homestead, the historically preserved homestead of Coventry native Nathan Hale. (Who is Nathan Hale? Touted as America's first spy, he's also that dude quoted as saying, "I regret I have only one life to live for my country.") With different themes and community events going on every Sunday afternoon, I guarantee you you'll enjoy taking in the local goodies found at this incredible gathering place. As YankeeMagazine.com puts it, the market feels like "a momentous celebration, with cooking demonstrations, sustainable-living programs, kids’ activities, musical guests, and local artisans." Nothing could be so quintessential New England. Check it out this season!
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| Row upon row of booths fill the Nathan Hale Homestead grounds for the Coventry Farmer's Market. Visitors can also tour the Nathan Hale home and gardens. |
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| The Nathan Hale Homestead is located at 2299 South St., Coventry, CT. The market is held Sundays 11am-2pm, June-October. |
"But what is all this jibber jabber of big words leading to??" you wonder. Easy. It serves as a simple explanation of why New England farmer's markets are some of the best in the country. If I'm not convincing you, maybe pretty little pictures of one of New England's largest farmer's markets, located in Coventry, Connecticut, will. 
