Shop Locally at a Winter Farmer’s Market!

By Sarah Wright

Farmer’s markets are everywhere in the summertime, and are full of many beautiful flowers, fresh produce, and interesting local products. In fact, farmer’s markets are so popular, that more and more winter markets are popping up, to satisfy customers’ desires for local items. There’s been a nationwide trend in recent years to support local businesses, and buy products that haven’t traveled halfway across the globe to reach supermarkets. In our area, there are great winter shopping options to tide you over until the summer markets return. 

One of the largest winter farmers markets in the Route 16 territory is the farmer’s market in Tamworth. The mission of the market is to increase the exchange of food and farm products in the region, encourage new farmers and producers and help build community through a seasonal marketplace and a year-round, vibrant food and farm economy. 

In the winter months, the market moves from the Unitarian Church on Tamworth Road to the Tamworth Town House at 27 Cleveland Hill Road. You can shop the market at the Town House every other Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm through March. The remaining dates for this season are February 16, and March 2, 16, and 30. 

Products at the Tamworth winter farmers market include high-quality vegetables, fruits, dairy, maple syrup and honey, meats and poultry, bread and baked goods, yarn, preserves, eggs, mushrooms, natural body care products, and even freshly prepared food to eat on site or take away. Although vendors can vary by the season, there are many regulars in Tamworth. If you haven’t been to a farmers market, and are doubtful about what’s available, you will be surprised! You’ll meet local farmers, bakers, and crafters in person, like Annie Burke, who sells vegetables, herbs, flowers, chai tea and iced tea, and handmade cutting boards. 

Small local companies like Black Snout Dog Biscuits are popular, selling pet biscuits, jerky, and dog toys. The Booty Family Farm provides certified organic vegetables, maple syrup, flint corn, and dried beans. If you like hard cider, you’ll want to check out Dube Robison Cider, LLC. Lily Hill Farm has various items available that can include flowers, herbs, fresh lemonade, berries, preserves, and nature crafts. Mi Vida Gardens sells organic eggs and vegetables. The kombucha trend is big right now, and Mo’Bucha makes a delicious and healthy version of the fermented tea beverage. Check out the cultivated and foraged mushrooms of the New Hampshire Mushroom Company, and learn something new about the beloved fungus. Experience the Old Ways at Mustard Seed Farm, and shop for herbal products, butter, cheese, cookies, eggs, herbs, and flowers, depending on the season. Red Gables Farm is your go-to place for dairy like grass-fed organic milk, yogurt, kefir, and yogurt cheese; they also sell organic vegetables and garlic, maple syrup, and honey. Beef products like jerky, steaks, and burgers are provided by Roberts Farm, which also sells cider, vegetables, fruit, berries, lemonade, maple sugar, and cotton candy. Try a new drink at the Sap House Meadery table, and choose a maple syrup mead or a honey wine. Steele Farm is a lamb and goose vendor, along with wool, yarn, pelts, eggs, and vegetables. Stonehedge Farm also has lamb, wool, and yarn, and other items like jams and jellies, ketchups, vegetables, and honey. Purchase some delicious baked goods from the Sunnyfield Brick Oven Bakery; they make sourdough breads, scones, muffins, granola, pizza, and pie dough. Choose from beef, pork, and chicken from White Gates Farm, who also sells vegetables. Finally, there’s Windover Farm, with vegetables, apples, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and horseradish available. Even the choosiest customer will find something they like! Also, the Tamworth farmers market accepts SNAP benefits, so that everyone can have access to fresh, local foods. 

The Farm to Table Market on Route 16 in West Ossipee is a retail farmer’s market, open year-round. The market partners with over 20 local farms and producers to bring customers fresh delicious fruits and vegetables, meats, milk and cheeses, and items like coffee, honey, and jams. You’ll find items from places like Mountain Heartbeet Farm in Effingham, Pork Hill Farm in Ossipee, Turkey Street Maple in Tamworth, Valicenti Organico Farm in Hollis, Good Vibes Coffee Roasters in North Conway, and the Sandwich Creamery in Sandwich, among many others! Order lunch or dinner from their list of available soups, salads, cooked entrees, and sides, and support local farms with a tasty meal. Farm to Table is open seven days a week from 11 am to 7 pm. Call 603-539-2266 for further information. 

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Route 16 is the Wolfeboro winter farmer’s market, held at the First Congregational Church on Main Street on the first and third Saturdays of the month, from 10 am to 2 pm through April 20. You’ll find locally produced meats, vegetables, honey, wool and wool products, candles, body care items, coffee, tea, cheese, eggs, baked goods, herbal products, and maybe even smoked trout.

Summer will be here before we know it, with all its agricultural bounty! But in the meantime, there are some great options for local produce, meats, and other fine products made by New Hampshire farms and businesses. Support these local vendors and check out a winter farmers market. After all, you never know what you might find.