Wintertime Farmers' Market in Providence, Rhode Island

Farmers' Markets have become popular in Rhode Island over the past decade, but are typically held outdoors during summer months. This winter and spring, a great alternative to buying produce and other goods in grocery stores has emerged at the Providence Wintertime Farmers' Market. This year, the market is housed at the Hope Artiste Village, in a restored mill building in Pawtucket, RI that also features artists' galleries, shops, restaurants and even the Lieutenant Governor's Office.

What surprised me most about the market was the eclectic offerings from Rhode Island (plus, Massachusetts and Connecticut) including Yacht Club Soda, Ocean State Chocolates, farm-fresh beef, pork and chicken, homemade salsa, dog treats, seafood, cheese (to name just a few) and of course produce. I went with my mother and toddler son and we all enjoyed looking around and sampling from the different vendors.

I found that this market offered more than typical outdoor markets do because of the number of vendors that were selling goods that do not typically come to mind when you may think of a Farmer's Market. First of all, you can find anything from breakfast to lunch being sold, including products made and sold in Rhode Island ranging from fair trade coffee to soaps to chocolates to pecans to breads and other goodies. We made quite a few purchases, none of which were of the fruit or vegetable variety-although there was plenty of fresh produce to choose from as well.

The market accepts cash, credit cards and Food Stamps/EBT Cards, making the fresh food there accessible to all Rhode Islanders. Free parking is provided, although that fills quickly, but there is plenty of parking available (most likely to the chagrin of neighbors) on the side streets surrounding the Hope Artiste Village. There is also the convenience of being located on RIPTA Route 99.

This is the Providence Wintertime Farmers' Market's second season, but its first in this location, as they quickly outgrew last year's location at AS220 in Downtown Providence. I would not be surprised if next year it requires and even larger venue. It is definitely a great Saturday outing, but was crowded and not easily maneuverable for strollers if you have small children. This is the only market of its type in Rhode Island and definitely an asset that all can enjoy until the warm weather arrives.

A visit on a Saturday morning to the Providence Wintertime Farmers' Market will allow you to enjoy all that Rhode Island has to offer and also see the ongoing process of establishing the Hope Artiste Village.