Dish Up Local!
Farmer’s markets and farm stands are buzzing all season, offering an opportunity to connect farm to plate. Take home some bounty from the boonies – everything from locally-grown fruit, veggies and meats, maple syrup and honey, or even fresh-picked flowers grown just down the road is available depending on what’s in season. Here are a few suggestions for farmer’s markets to tempt your tastebuds!
With farm stands dotting the landscape it’s no surprise that this region was previously known as the Garden Capital of Canada, providing more than a third of the country’s canned food. Today, the Wellington Farmers Market is the largest in the County; it’s open Tuesdays in conjunction with the Wellington District Lions Club Concerts in the Park events, on Saturdays from May long-weekend until Thanksgiving long-weekend, and the market will also be open Sundays from the May long weekend until Thanksgiving.
In the spring, the Downtown Belleville Farmers Market comes alive with maple syrup and crafts, and remains a ‘hive of activity’ right through the Christmas season. Find the Belleville market in Market Square beside City Hall, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 7 a.m to 6 p.m. all year round. It’s older than Canada itself and carries on a deeply-rooted farm to table tradition. Take a road trip to find other local farmer’s markets in the Bay of Quinte region in places such as Stirling, Madoc, Tweed and further afield. While in the Quinte region, the Trenton farmers market is on Wednesday and Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm downtown next to the Chamber of Commerce!
Handmade meets homegrown at the Greater Napanee Hometown Market! This unique market operates bi-weekly on Saturdays from May 12 to Sept. 29 rain or shine. Come down to Market Square in Downtown Napanee for fun themed days at the market.
Since 1801 farmers from the area surrounding Kingston have congregated in Market Square for the Kington Public Market. Friends and neighbours continue to gather here today, in the city’s historic downtown Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from April to November. This is the oldest market in Ontario and it’s easy to see why it has endured: vendors bring the finest quality produce, meats, maple syrup, honey, cheeses, flowers, and handmade creations. The Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market also brings fresh to the forefront, and is open on Sundays year round, rain or shine. Watch for fun special events here such as a kids’ market play day and toy swap. Theres also the YGK West Market which operates Saturdays from May until Thanksgiving.
The Brockville Farmers’ Market offers local wines, cheese, homemade breads and preserves – as well as artisanal goods. Brockville’s market is interspersed throughout the week, held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Market Street West downtown from May to December. The heart of Prescott also comes alive every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday as shoppers and vendors mingle at the clocktower from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Live entertainment adds a celebratory atmosphere to the Prescott Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market, too!
It’s all about locally grown and locally made at the Cornwall Kinsmen Farmers Market. This market is now in its 7th year of operation and takes place each Sunday from the last Sunday in May to the last Sunday in October 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Lawrence College Cornwall in the North parking lot. Look for a mix of locally-grown produce, fresh meats, homemade preserves, baked goods, and artisan vendors – with the majority hailing from Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont Dundas and Glengarry.
There is a certain satisfaction of buying food from the people who grow it. Bring the beauty of South Eastern Ontario to your plate; local tastes make the food and drink you love even more tempting!
The Gananoque Farmers’ Market adds freshness to Town Park every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. from June to October – stop by to be greeted with a smile and take home some bounty from the boonies!
Join in the fun at the Merrickville Mid-Week Market, featuring live music, local vendors, craft and demos every Wednesday from May 30 to Oct. 17. It takes place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Blockhouse Park on the beautiful waters of the historic canal.
Kemptville Farmers’ Market is another great market to not be missed! 12-4 on Sundays in the B&H Grocery parking lot.
Food grown close to home plays a big part of creating the authentic foodie experience in South Eastern Ontario.
