If you can make it, bake it, or grow it, you’ll probably find it at a New Brunswick farmer’s market. Here are a few to check out.
Think farmers markets are for summer only? Think again. The ground might freeze in the fall and our black bears may go into hibernation for the winter, but New Brunswick growers, bakers, farmers, and artisans won’t let a little weather get in the way of our beloved farmer’s market tradition. They’re such a part of our culture that it just wouldn’t feel right to pack things up once the temperatures drop.
Here are some markets open all year long that you might want to check out this fall and winter. And remember, the early bird gets the worm (or in this case the seafood, veggies, pastries, cheese, homemade gifts... you get the idea.)
SAINT JOHN CITY MARKET
When: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 47 Charlotte St., Saint John
What we like: The fact that it’s the oldest continuing farmers' market in Canada (first opened in 1876) is pretty cool. So is the fact that the roof resembles the inverted keel of a ship.
Photo credit: @fredfarmmarket
FREDERICTON BOYCE FARMERS MARKET
When: Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 665 George St., Fredericton
What we like: The wide (and tempting) array of foods, goods and crafts from over 200 local suppliers. And the famous samosas, that are definitely worth the line up.
Photo credit: @marchemonctonmarket
MONCTON MARKET
When: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 120 Westmorland St., Moncton
What we like: The finely crafted goods, freshly prepared foods and flavours of the countryside smack-dab in the heart of downtown (plus a food court brimming with multicultural delights).
DIEPPE MARKET
When: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 232 Gauvin Rd., Dieppe
What we like: Acadian and local specialties from the terroir and the sea, a relaxed atmosphere with amicable vendors, and the convenient weekday market to shop local essentials and get a head start on the weekend.
SACKVILLE FARMERS MARKET
When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 18 Lorne St. (winter); 66 Main St. (summer)
What we like: The yummy local (and international) food, great small-town feel, and the buzzing variety of makers, growers and cooks. The market’s winter quarters (from November to April) are at 18 Lorne St., a 5-minute walk from its summer location in Bill Johnstone Memorial Park.
WOODSTOCK FARM AND CRAFT MARKET
When: Monday through Thursday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 220 King St., Woodstock
What we like: The wide selection of creative art and craft items reflecting the Saint John River Valley’s cultural heritage, as well as the produce, sweet treats, and occasional food vendors.
RESTIGOUCHE FARMERS' MARKET
When: Wednesdays 5 p.m. to 8 p.m and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 357 Miller Blvd., Dalhousie
What we like: The amazing coffee, delicious breakfasts, nice crafts, and meals to-go; this little market comes complete with a big ecological and community awareness.
KREDL’S CORNER MARKET
When: Open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday-Tuesday), 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Wednesday-Saturday) and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays
Where: 1171 Main St., Hampton
What we like: The huge selection of organic products, fresh baked goods, and quality meats from a community of over 150 local producers. Yes, please.
DAIRYTOWN INDOOR MARKET
When: Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 607 Main St., Sussex
What we like: The bakery, candy shop, antiques and collectibles, electronics, video games and movies, local producers’ fresh wares, and always-there specialty shops. Additional vendors on the weekend.
SUGARLOAF COMMUNITY MARKET
When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (2 p.m. in the winter months)
Where: 312, Val d’Amour Rd., Atholville (Campbellton)
What we like: The authentic crafty market vibe in a convenient mall location. Stock up on fresh products, home-made treats and artisans creations while enjoying great food and a nice welcome.
BATHURST COMMUNITY MARKET
When: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 309 St. Patrick Street, Bathurst
What we like: Traditions done well at this community market, with fancy hand-made soaps and jewelry, jams and jellies, cookies and baked goods, as well as a variety of other crafts. Find The Pie Man to stock up on savoury beef, seafood or chicken pot pies.
WATER STREET FARMERS MARKET
When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (March to December)
Where: 1 Ellis St., Miramichi
What we like: The locally handcrafted wares, home-cooked meals (don't miss the delish specialties of the Goulash Guy!) and small-town feel that perfectly encapsulates the friendly nature of the region.
NEWCASTLE FARMERS MARKET
When: Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (February to December)
Where: 21 Cove Rd., Miramichi
What we like: The small-town feel of this friendly market whose vendors have welcoming smiles and delicious offerings. (Warning: you might get addicted to the delicious baked treats!)
Shopping at a farmers' market is a great way to find fresh foods and quality products while buying local and supporting New Brunswick producers. For more places to find food and crafts by New Brunswick producers and artisans, visit:
