Yesterday morning started off with a bang—literally! I was woken up at 4 AM to the sound of thunder crashing and lightning lighting up the sky, and I was slightly worried that the weather wouldn’t cooperate for our market visit. But by mid-morning, the skies calmed down, and we managed to avoid getting soaked, making our way to the Kennebunk Farmers Market with a quick side stop at the Artisans Marketplace nearby.
Our first stop was the Artisans Marketplace, which I initially thought was the farmers market (thanks, GPS!). The colorful booths and local artwork caught our eye immediately. This marketplace, located at the Waterhouse Center on Main Street, is open every Saturday from May 25 through October 5, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. It was a treasure trove of handmade goods from talented local artists. We discovered everything from handcrafted soaps and beautiful cloth towels to beach-themed art and cozy blankets. One of our favorite finds was a stunning print by local artist Leah Payne, whose work reminded us of our black cat, Toody. Her collection also featured charming ceramic figurines, each one more adorable than the last. We couldn’t resist picking up a piece!
With our new art in hand, we headed over to the Kennebunk Farmers Market to get the majority of our grocery shopping done for the week. The market, located at the Garden Street Lot, runs every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., rain or shine, from May through November. The market was buzzing with energy, and the selection of local goods was impressive! Here are just a few of the fantastic vendors we visited:
Hossac Farm from Cornish – The array of fresh vegetables at Hossac Farm was like a rainbow of healthy choices. We were instantly drawn to their adorable bunches of carrots and crisp, green beans. Their produce looked so fresh, it practically begged to be turned into a delicious meal. It’s always a treat to find such vibrant and wholesome vegetables straight from the farm.
Redneck Ridge Farm from Arundel – This stop was a meat lover’s dream! We picked up some ground beef and a delicious-looking steak, perfect for grilling. They also had fresh eggs and chicken available, making it easy to stock up on high-quality protein for the week. Their offerings are a testament to the care they put into raising their animals and providing the community with premium, farm-fresh products.
Hancock Family Farm from Casco – Hancock Family Farm had an incredible selection of fresh vegetables that caught our eye immediately. Their corn looked amazing—plump, sweet, and ready for summer barbecues. We couldn’t resist grabbing a few ears to enjoy with our next meal. Their booth was overflowing with farm-fresh goodness, showcasing the best of Maine’s agricultural bounty.
Shipmast Farm from Eliot – Honey lovers, this one’s for you! Shipmast Farm offered jars of fresh, golden honey that looked as sweet as it tasted. We couldn’t help but laugh when we noticed they brought along a few of their bees for company—talk about fresh from the source! Their honey is perfect for drizzling on everything from toast to tea, and we love supporting local beekeepers who are so dedicated to their craft.
Tiny Roots Organic Farm from Litchfield – Tiny Roots Organic Farm had the most tempting lettuce we’ve seen in a while, so fresh and crisp that it inspired us to add more salads to our menu for the week. We also grabbed a perfectly ripe cucumber to slice into our salads. Their organic produce is not only delicious but also grown with care for the environment, making it a feel-good choice all around.
Dogpatch Farm from Washington – Dogpatch Farm was a true find for meat lovers. We were thrilled to discover some local sweet Italian sausage, which will make a fantastic addition to our dinners this week. We also lucked out and snagged a couple of the last pork chops of the day, plus some chicken breasts for a homemade chicken parm night! They even had some great-smelling soaps, making this stop a multi-sensory delight.
Hussein’s Family Farm from Lewiston – Hussein’s Family Farm rounded out our salad plan with a colorful selection of adorable peppers, cherry tomatoes, and more fresh green beans that were just too tempting to pass up. Their produce is vibrant, flavorful, and clearly grown with love. Adding these fresh veggies to our meals is going to make our week that much tastier!
Rare Berry Farm from Limington – We were absolutely charmed by Rare Berry Farm’s selection of unique jams. Flavors like Blueberry-Beach Plum and Lavender Blue caught our attention right away. What’s even more impressive is that they make their own organic pectin and use minimal sugar, allowing the true fruit flavors to shine through. Their jams are a perfect blend of creativity and quality, making them a must-try.
One of the coolest aspects of the Kennebunk Farmers Market is the variety of vendors who come from all over the region, bringing their unique products to share. This market seems to attract vendors from farther away than other local markets we’ve visited, which adds to the diverse selection. They also have a fun raffle with pre-picked winning tickets—shop at one of the vendors and you could win a prize! We didn’t find out what the prize was, but it’s a cool idea that adds an extra element of excitement to the market experience.
Supporting local farmers markets isn’t just about getting fresh, tasty food—it’s also about supporting the community and the hardworking farmers who bring these amazing products to us. Shopping local whenever you can is a win for everyone. Do you have any great farmers markets near you? Spread the word, my friends, and let’s celebrate the joy of local together!
Travel Turtles 