The Best Farmer's Markets in Providence

The Greater Providence area just blooms with fine farmer's markets. So where do you begin to sort the pith from the matter?

Why, in Wyoming, of course! Not that Wyoming - the Wyoming section of Hopkington. Bruce and his mom have been serving up fresh fruits, vegetables, and locally produced cider to Rhode Island residents year-round for nearly three decades now - and all from the same location at 1127 Main Street at Wyoming Fruit and Vegetable. Offering some of the nicest looking pumpkins and mums around, their prices are fair, too. Don't miss sneaking a peak at the building Bruce uses for storage while stopping by, though you're likely to get a lecture about how "useless" it is. Don't worry. It's all part of the fun of visiting here in the wild west. Call (401)539-0210 if you get lost.

The DownCity Farmers Market on Hope Street at Hope High School rallies up each Saturday morning from 9:30-12:30AM. It's worth crawling out of bed early for. Featuring organic vegetables and local growers, the market provides a chance for these artisans to front their wares, and for members of the local Providence community to meet. Cooks Farm from nearby Wrentham, MA puts on a display each week of Yukon Gold and Red Bliss potatoes that can't be beat. A llama farmer brings her yarn - and a llama (who proves to be fond of the green peppers he finds on a table here) - on some weekends. Succulent Macintosh watermelons can be had for around $1, and perfectly sweet and unwaxed rutabagas are available for .75. Native-grown corn and varieties of grapes not otherwise found in grocers is also a staple at this market. Jazz and blues bands are frequently featured, as are dancing babies and fluffy dogs. Catch them by phoning 401-930-1230 May through November.

Hill Orchard gets the vote for a fantastic place to spend the afternoon. Pack a picnic basket and head off into the countryside for a truly Monet Moment you and your children will remember forevermore. Open on weekends through October from 10AM to 5PM, be sure to phone to ahead for ripening schedules, for directions, and to avoid unnecessary trips in case of foul weather. The horse drawn hayrides at Hill are pure magic (bring a blanket or wear a sweater), and you can't BEAT the macintosh apples - for eating or for baking. You're sure to pick more than you can use, so plan to give a few baskets as gifts. They'll be a welcome surprise. Find the Welcome Center for Hill Orchards at 86 Windsor Avenue in Johnston, and follow the signs up-up-and . . . up the hill to the orchard. Phone them at (401)949-2940 if you'd like to learn more. While visiting, peruse the welcome stand, which features lovely peaches, cider, pumpkins, and Christmas trees, in season.

Schratner's Farm at 5 County Trail in North Kingstown is pretty far out there. So far out there, if you want to call them, their telephone number is listed in Greenwich. Still, they're worth the trip, particularly if you've got a hankering for blueberries. Now, you can pick-your-own, or you can do it the "lazy man's way." Either way, they don't get any fresher. Schratners, though, can't make much money if they let the likes of my friend Wendly loose in their blueberry groves at dinner time. (Just a warning, Schratners. Maybe you should post her picture). But they have a fantastic deli, and a greenhouse, and a remarkable bakery and fresh produce section - and we must have been good at keeping everybody busy while Wend "bought" her quart of blueberries. Don't miss the roast beef - some of the best in Rhode Island. Or the fresh-baked Italian bread. This is THE place to bring your little kid to buy their pumpkin. Open daily from 8AM-5PM, phone (401)855-5510 for directions. You'll need them.

Jaswell's Farm at 50 Swan Road in Sheffield deserves a mention, if for no other reason than their apple pie. More often than not it's hot. Even my friend Mike, who's a chef, likes the stuff, and you know how they are. This is a homey place, family run, small town. You can pick-your-own here, if you want. Schools and farm tours are welcome. This is local, real hometown Rhodie-centered stuff - raspberries, strawberries, pears, and apples - cider in season. There are veggies, too, with pumpkins, and sweet corn. As the season comes to a close, Jaswells offers Christmas trees. Open June-December, Monday-Saturday, 8AM-5PM, phone them at (401)231-7043 for more info. Don't forget the pie. Mike's coming over.