Come to the Portsmouth Farmer's Market!

Winter. It is approaching all too quickly and I dread it for one reason more than all others. It is not the cold wind, blowing sleet, or hazardous driving conditions that have characterized winter on the seacoast of New Hampshire for the past few years. Nor is it the long nights and short days that make me recoil at the thought that soon summer and autumn will be but sunny memories. Whenever winter rears it's head will mark the end of the best part of summer, the weekly Portsmouth Farmer's Market!

Every weekend the farmers and vendors who make up the Seacoast Growers' Association converge on historic Portsmouth New Hampshire with 100% locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, prepared foods, fine arts and crafts. On any given Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the parking lot in front of Portsmouth's City Hall fills with tents, tables, wine makers, musicians, plaid clad farmers, artisans, and shoppers. The air fills with the aroma of fresh brewed coffee and just baked pastries, flowers, and produce as the band strikes up a lively tune.

If you have never enjoyed farm fresh food before you must go to the market this weekend. Once you bite into a just picked melon or apple you will never go back. The thought of the dull colored, tasteless produce you find at the grocery store will seem an offence to your senses and dignity. Plus when you buy local you know exactly where your food is coming from. The Seacoast Grower's Association states that, "We believe that reliance on imported foods and crafts is unsustainable, potentially dangerous to the local economy, and negatively impacts the culture of the region." Certified organic fruits, vegetables, eggs, and other locally produced products are all available in addition to traditional local fare. Try Stonewall Farm's certified organic eggs for the best poultry product you've ever tasted!

Aside from the lettuce, potatoes, roses, melons, and apples that one will find at the Portsmoutn Seacoast Farmer's Market are a great range of local goods. Local vineyards offer a taste of their latest wines and show why grapes are not just grown in California and Europe. Craftsman carve scupltues, painters create a mural, and pottists create immaculate pottery before your very eyes! New Hampshire made maple syrup and other novelties abound. Be sure and check out Jenness Farm's handcrafted goat milk soap, body care goods and soy candles.

After the market you can enjoy an nice walk through downtown Portsmouth along the historic seashore of New Hampshire. That is if you hold off on rushing home to dig into all the delicious goods you just bought!