Farmers Markets

The East Side has recently seen the Providence Alternative Market set up shop in the neighborhood, a welcome addition to North Main Street. Started by Jacob Brier, Dani Sahner Brier, Richard Suls and Rachael McCaskill, the market brings together local farmers, food producers, artists and area residents. The word “alternative” simply signifies a market option that is an alternative to big chain grocery stores.

The market has close to 20 vendors ranging from meat and poultry to herbs and flowers, with food trucks on site as well. “We’ll be providing regular workshops through a partnership with the Summit Neighborhood Association and with other local groups,” Jacob says. “We’ve been in touch with a new pedi-cab company, Sol Chariots, to transport customers between [farmers market] venues. It will help ensure that market-goers head home with the products for which they came looking.”

The historic site provides for a spacious market with parking for 85 cars, plus plenty of on-street parking in the neighborhood. “And speaking of the neighborhood,” he says, “we’re proudly working with the newly- formed North Main Street Merchants Association to help enhance the reputation of the area.” Make it a point to check out this unique market. Sat 10am-2pm. Miriam Hospital Arena Lot, 1111 North Main Street, Providence.

The Hope Street Farmers Market sets up shop in Lippitt Park every Wednesday and Saturday morning. The Hope Street Farmers Market Association is a cooperative that - according to President Diana Kushner - is the biggest summer farmers market in the state with over 40 vendors. “We are a farmer/vendor run organization,” she says. “As a small business association, we choose to grow slowly and steadily.”

Since moving from Hope High School to Lippitt Park in 2009, the market has added about five new vendors per year. For 2013, India, Tallulah’s Taco’s and PVD Pudding Pops will be permanent members of the Saturday market and Great Harvest Bakery will be coming to the Wednesday market. “The park, with its beautifully restored fountain, playground, many giant shade trees and vast lawns, is a beautiful place to be. To that end, we always have a band playing under the trees where families can picnic and toddlers can dance.” Adding to the fun this summer is the Providence Artisans Market, which will take place on Saturdays from 9am-1pm.

“The East Side is filled with people who just love good food. Luckily we have many of the best farmers and food artisans in the state!” Diana exclaims. “Our customers are fantastic... We couldn’t ask for a better and more supportive community. We just ask our customers to bear with us through the construction that will be happening on Hope Street this summer. We will be there no matter what!” Wed 3-6pm; Sat 9am-1pm. Lippitt Park, 1059 Hope Street, Providence.

Over on the West Side, the Armory Farmers Market attracts foodies to its Cranston
Armory site each Thursday afternoon. Since the market stays open until 7pm, lots of folks swing through on their way home from the office to pick up some weekly groceries, enjoy some live music, meet up with neighbors or simply indulge in an after-work treat.

Always happy to satiate a sweet tooth, PVD Pudding Pops owner Valeria Khislavsky and her portable bike cart will be fixtures at both the Armory Market and the Hope Street Market this summer. Val’s refreshing pops are made with Rhody Fresh milk and cream plus other local ingredients like coffee from New Harvest Coffee, blueberries and strawberries from Schartner Farms and peppermint from Vella Gardens.

“I carry four to six different flavors at a time. Too many flavors leads to customer indecision!” she says with a laugh. “There’s been talk of making a flavor wheel so that those who truly can’t decide can spin to choose a flavor, but that’s admittedly a little on the backburner. For the moment, a coin flip usually does the trick.” Thur 3:30-7pm. Parade Street and Hudson Street, Providence. 

Other Summer Markets:
Broad Street Farmers market: Opens July 6. Sat 8:30am-12pm. Algonquin House, 807 Broad Street, Providence.

Downtown Farmers Market: Opens June 4. Tue 3pm-6pm. Kennedy Plaza, Washington Street, Providence.

Neutaconkanut Hill Farmers Market: Open July 8. Mon 3-6pm. Neutaconkanut Park, Plainfield Street, Providence.