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Category: Farmers Market [Edit]
Neighborhood: Back BayCopley (Green)
Back Bay (Orange)
Tue., Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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Great Farmer's Market-
- Location is ideal! Close to other shopping, beautiful setting. A nice place to hang out and read or people-watch before you buy your uber-fresh veg. The first time I came here someone had dumped a bottle of detergent in the fountain and there were dozens of people playing in the bubbles. Plus, subway a block away and buses right at the market.
- Excellent produce. I've gotten phenomenal peaches and vegetables here. Friendly people selling them too.
Atlas Farms is the best-- they're the only organic producer, and they offer many varieties of incredible heirloom tomatoes that taste way better than field tomatoes.
Flats Mentor Farm is my second favorite. It's a collective of refugee-run small farms where you can find great prices on unusual vegetables.
-I find the prices to be very reasonable.
Like many other people I am a huge fan of Farmer's Markets...not so much a fan of their prices. Wait!
The prices at all of the farmer's tents at this location, have been very reasonable and its easy to find hard to find veggies and hand made goods. I love that I work so close, and its central location in copley square makes it easy to find and stop by to pick up some farm fresh veggies. Often times they will tell you that certain items were just picked earlier in the day. Skip shaws and even trader joes and make your way over here because you will not be disappointed. Some things can be a little more expensive but its worth it.
Most bunches of greens will cost around $2, the same or less than what you get at the grocery store. Large squash will only set you back a dollar for the most part which is super cheap. Everyone who works here is very friendly and knowledgeable about what they are selling. Sometimes you can ever barter a little, if there is a set price but the item you are buying is pretty small for the price, they will most likely accept an offer, so don't be afraid to try.
Some other great finds are the breads. Iggy's ( i believe is their name) has probably the best bread around. The Pan focaccia is ammaaazing and the cranberry pecan whole wheat rolls rock my world.
Other tents are selling flowers, cheeses, prepared foods, meats, soaps, honey and so on. Its awesome to bring a bit of the country to downtown Boston!
Probably the biggest farmer's market I've been to in MA! Tons of vendors selling local produce, meats, cheese, flowers, baked goods, bread, crafts, soaps, etc. Good prices, friendly people. Just awesome.
The location is so nice too, right in the square in front of Trinity Church. I love everything about this Farmer's Market!
Go to the guy who sells goat cheese.
It is Uh-mazzzeee-ing
Best real farmers market in the Boston area. The attractive, pedestrian friendly location gives it an excellent buzz and consistent traffic.
Highly recommend Siena Farms beautifully merchandised, thoughtful and unique consistent high quality produce selection. Get there at 11:00 AM for any chance of things that sell out quickly when first coming into season. In 2009, Siena's stand faces CVS on Boylston Street.
Also recommended is Atlas Farms, which excels at greens early and late in the season. Atlas' first tomatoes are the ONLY tomatoes worth buying before mid-July. I've tried them all. A well stocked stand, it faces the Fairmont Hotel at the end closest to the church.
I stumbled across this place on my way to the nearby Shaw's last week, and this week made it my priority to get there and skip Shaw's altogether. Did I pay a little more than I probably would have at the large chain grocery store? Probably yes. But the quality and piece-of-mind of knowing that I'm supporting the locals makes the cost difference more than worth it.
The selection is plentiful and the prices seem fair.
The location makes it convenient to the orange line (Back Bay), green line (Copley), and the buses. Who could ask for more?
Love the market on a warm day...go to Iggie's for an artichoke spread sandwich
I like to think of the CFM as the "starter's market". It's not huge (hey it's plopped down in the middle of the city, so you can't expect to have tons and tons of vendors with overflowing stands, right?) but it has a little something for everyone....even city-dwellers and FM newbies who only dabble with the baked goods! I think it's definitely become a little more packed as the concept of market shopping has grown in popularity (I'm totally not complaining, just sayin' ) The produce selection is decent -- there are so many varieties of heirloom tomatoes and goodies that you're practically guaranteed a flavorful Friday night meal with whatever you pick up.
Of COURSE it's more expensive than the supermarket -- hello, these people sell the produce for a living! It's like having a lemonade stand and selling each glass for $0.25 -- you KNOW the cost per gallon was about $1, but how can you cover your operating costs without markup?! Sheesh.
Anyhow, if you work downtown it's totally worth a peek at the market during an afternoon break -- you know you want to!
I really love Tuesdays and Fridays because I know I can get some fresh seasonal produce at very good prices. All of the different farms represented here have nice, friendly employees, and I appreciate being able to browse fruit stalls with my dog in tow. This is one of my favorite farmer's markets ever, and I rue the last day of it in November, because then I am stuck going to whole foods or worse to find my produce.
I think Im just bitter, because I cant really afford to shop there often. Being a grad student will do that to you. Well, that not all, there are a few other imperfections here.
First of all, its kinda of small for my taste, maybe 20-25 vendors. So, you cant really get all of your market shopping done there. Maybe these are the real farmers, but my mother was not impressed with the selection. They do have goodies for lunch. Those cookies are humongous.
The produce varies from one stand to another, so make sure to walk around before buying anything. The produce is organic and quite colorful. I like the veggie color pallets.
The mothers with strollers who shop there ....get on my nerves. They are just so snobby and stuck up....beware. The sales people a.k.a. the farmers are awfully nice. Very friendly and they know their produce and products. Dont be afraid to ask questions. This is nothing like haymarket, although I prefer haymarket, more character.
One word: Gooseberries!!!
Four more words: The goat cheese picnic.
Holy kale! There's so much goodness berry-ed in this farmer's market! Locally grown produce, cheeses, breads, meats, etc. make this place egg-selent. I do most of my shopping here now! Although the size and some of the prices might get your goat, most of the stuff is very reasonable and I can do a lot of my weekly buys here. And let's be honest - I'm also going to go for the apple cider donuts or a pie, too and feel good about it because I'm supporting the local economy. Everyone wins and everything's coming up rosemary at the Copley Squre Farmers Market!
so admittedly, i've been really spoiled by the madison farmer's market, so while i would normally be pretty happy with this farmer's market i'm not uber-awed.
pros: produce available that's really hard to find elsewhere. purple green beans, purple peppers, ground cherries in the fall, extremely ripe fruits, fresh baked goods and fresh from the farm meats (stillman's lamb sausage soooooooo good but so hard to find - they run out quickly). love the soap/honey/herb/tea vendor - live by their soaps, have their lavender honey in my cabinet, picked up my basil and cilantro from them, and have some delicious licorice mint tea from their stop as well.
cons: only on tuesdays and fridays - i'd be a lot happier if i could go on saturday morning than trying to cut over on my lunch hour. the market's a little on the small side, not a ton of variety. would love to see more produce stands, more kinds of baked goods (mini-breads especially), and MORE FRESH CHEESE. i understand that i'm not in wisconsin anymore, but cheesecurds and/or baked cheese would make me pretty much the happiest girl ever. would also like to see some fresh-made sauces/vinagrettes, more plants for purchase besides cut flowers and herbs, and just in general more venders to choose from. the one or two bread vendors, the 3 or 4 produce vendors - i'm used to having 30 produce vendors to choose from, and i miss scouring the tables for the best and freshest deals. the farmers markets i'm used to spending time at are practically a religious experience - the copley farmer's market is probably my favorite in the city, but when you've already been spoiled by something great, something good just barely cuts it.
Stand back bitches, imma b a gor-may chef thanks to these people. For reals, purple and white STRIPED eggplant. WHAT?!?
Also, heirloom varieties of every conceivable fruit or veggie you can think of. Zephyr squash, ground cherries, rosemary goat's milk soap, lollipop radishes, pistachio tarts that are as long as your arm (!), rosemary bushes, ginaromous sunflowers, lavender cranberry lemonade, those prehistoric tomatoes, mint honey, cider donuts, apples, cherries, and berries, oh my!
This is by far the coolest farmer's market I've been to out here. There are no piles of forgotten veggies a la the Haymarket here, oh no. Just the most beautiful, vibrant selection of yum-ables around. Here I found out that I know nothing about food and what's available thanks to the grocery store (yay, agribusiness!).
-1 star for the prices. Not that these items aren't worth it but if I have to buy vegetables in front of a man who has passed out in a puddle of his own urine the price needs to come down a bit.
Goat. Cheese. Picnic.
Did you hear me?
I said: Goat. Cheese. Picnic.
You can't miss them - look for the large banner that says GOAT CHEESE. It's like my bat signal.
Agree with Robert Z on Hardwick Culinary School. I didn't remember seeing them in past years, but on my way to class one night I got ham and arugula with butter and it was divine. Perfectly summery and made me think of my grandparents, who I thought were the only people alive who ate their sandwiches with butter.
The variety at Copley is amazing, and I've never been anything but astounded at the quality and taste of anything I've purchased there.
You have been living under a rock if you work or live near Back Bay and aren't aware of this Farmer's Market ! (open from Tuesdays and Fridays May 20- Nov 25)
Buy your fresh veggies, local meats, artisan breads, jams, delicious sandwiches, and fruits of all kinds here.
So much better than the produce aisle at the supermarket
Many of the veggies and fruits have been picked within 24 hours-- in addition this produce hasn't traveled thousands of miles. A good idea in so many ways.
If you haven't bought anything at the market give it a try!
You will quickly discover that fresh local produce is for you too.
3.5 stars. Okay, I'll admit that I am a farmer's market snob because I've lived in California and brief stint in South Texas (amazing strawberries and grapefruit). I am so sad this place is not open year round, but I guess Boston has "weather" (i.e. - seasons), so it must close from November to April. My favorite thing to buy here are tomatoes. Mind you, they are very pricey. I paid $5 dollars for a medium sized heirloom tomato last summer and it was ALMOST worth it. The goat cheese is also awesome. Somehow the goat cheese I buy at Trader Joe's does not compare at all. If you're in the area, definitely check it out.
I haven't purchased too many things here. My kitchen isn't full of organic tomatoes, and Goat cheese kind of grosses me out, but the Cook's Orchard stand (the one with the pies, cakes, etc.) has cookies that are the size of my FUCKING FACE. They are always huge, and they are only $2 (they were $1.50 last year, but there was a drought at the cookie farm in Brimfield, MA ... I guess?).
I'll probably start crying the week after Thanksgiving, because that's when they close down. :'(
How fantastic is it that there's an actual farmer's market right in the middle of the city, in Copley Square? The people seem nice, it's not horribly crowded, and while it isn't the biggest selection one might find at a farmer's market, what they do have is quality, fresh, tempting stuff. People all seem really nice, and I like that there aren't too many screaming babies around.
The organic goodies, fresh tomatoes and delicious baked goods are my favourite, but overall this is worth checking out if you're looking for fresh, local produce in the city without actually going to a supermarket. Enjoy it while you can, before the winter comes and blizzards everything into oblivion. Or something like that.
I went here today in the pouring rain, and I give the vendors who were there props for coming out and staying out in the weather. Everyone I encountered was friendly and laughed at the situation of us all getting drenched and shopping for veggies. I ended up getting two different types of peaches, some apples, squash, eggplant, and bell peppers all for under $10. I would say that's a damn fine bargain.
Everything I picked up was really nice, but a word of advice: do a walk through before you buy from the first farm stand; prices can vary a lot from stand to stand and so can the readiness to eat of the fruit.
I work right across the street and have been perusing the market when I can on a fairly regular basis for a few years now. I am glad they expanded to both sides of the park.
What I like - lots of choice, quality produce, flowers, potted pants, good pastries and now they have things like coffee and Iggy's bread. I got a sandwich here for lunch today and it was quite good. $6, large, but obviously made that morning. but still good. everything i have bought here, i have enjoyed.
What I don't like - sometimes the prices can be high. $4 for a half pint of blackberries? please!
I am a Russo's junkie, since I live so close, so I usually get all my produce there. the Copley Farmer's Market is a good place to get midweek fruit, bakery bread to which i usually don't have access or baked goods that i shouldn't be eating in the first place:)
[I edited my original review after the title was changed to read 'Copley Square' instead of just 'Boston' and it became possible to write a review for that specific location. Unfortunately, there are still two distinct addresses listed and the yelp arrow still points at City Hall plaza, not Copley Square - can an admin please resolve this mishigas?]
I don't personally get to this market all that often, but my wife works near Copley, and often will pick up a few things before heading home. It's not huge - there are several farms selling fresh produce (including a couple that follow organic or IPM practices). Also, there are usually fresh cut flowers, potted herbs, and artisanal breads and cheeses. The quality of everything is quite good, generally higher than that of some of the other Boston-area farmers markets - but the prices reflect this.
So it's a lovely place to grab the makings of an al fresco lunch, or pick up inspiration for the evening's meal, or grab some fruit or carrots to enjoy over the weekend. However, given its small size and Back Bay pricing, I doubt anyone who cooks more than a couple meals a week could do the lion's share of their produce shopping here. Haymarket is still the only open air market in the city with that kind of depth (although the market getting started down by South Station is intended to become that sort of venue).
But you know what? I don't think that the Copley Farmers Market is pretending to be Haymarket ala Back Bay - it's just what it is - a lovely oasis in the middle of the city, and maybe a bit of a foothold to encourage frantic Bostonians to slow down and enjoy something fresh and local. So in that sense, it's a success.
********
By the way, there are over a dozen farmers markets in the city proper, and probably twice that many in the metro area. Here's a site from the "Federation of Mass Farmers Markets" for anyone trying to find a farmers market in the Commonwealth:
http://www.massfarmers.../
And here's the specific page that shows the markets in the Boston area (both those affiliated with the FMFM and independents - very conscientious work by the FMFM - huzzah!):
http://www.massfarmers...
The Farmer's Market at Copley runs on Tuesday & Friday; City Hall's is on Monday and Wednesday. I've been going to both for years. Most of the same growers used to be at both locations; now it seems like they pick one and stick with it. Copley's is bigger, with more growers and bakers, but the one at City Hall has more crafty/ clothing/local designers.
Iggy's is excellent, and the goat cheese from Sterling Farms is fantastic (try the Australian Ginger). When I gardened, I bought most of my flowers and herbs as seedlings from the Herb Lyceum (3 for $5). While it's nice to support local growers, sometimes it's just so expensive. I love the organic growers, and the smell of fresh earth and herbs is a restorative during lunch or after work.
One of my fave spots to walk to on a summer afternoon (well Tues and Fri that is). I frequently get delicious fruits, veggies, and whatever else I can find! I bought a log of goat cheese from Crystal Brook Farm that was delicious. Last time I saw something for a picnic lunch of goat cheese with herbs de Provence and olive oil, trail mix, and some fresh slices of bread but they were out. Today when I strolled by there was a fresh batch calling my name. Its so amazing. Its my new favorite lunch! I was afraid of it not being filling enough but I can't finish! I feel like I'm traveling the European countryside again. In summation: GO GET A GOAT CHEESE PICNIC!! you won't regret it.
Three words: Apple Cider Doughnuts!
If you're not from the Northeast, you haven't lived until you had these! I first tasted them when I was living in Ithaca, NY and been longing them since I returned to the area. The vendor that was selling them was The Apple Barn from New Salem, MA (I have them in front of me now and they are calling me to eat them!) They also sell apple ciders as well (equally delicious)!
In addition, I bought some corn ($0.50 each) and green beans ($2.00/lb). I also saw a good selection of tomatoes, raspberries, apples, and greens. It's not very big and doesn't have prepared food stands, but it is a wonderful treat in the middle of the city. Plus, WHY are you giving your money to evil empire Whole Foods instead of directly to local farmers?
Copley Farmer's Market is open on Tues and Fridays and you can check out hours and other locations on this website:http://www.massfarmers...
Lots of variety and super convenient location! I can swing by the library and pick up fruits, vegis and breads at the same time. The prices are totally reasonable and most of the vendors were really friendly. There's a vendor with homemade jam there, too (Mmmmm! It's $5 and she doesn't like you to pick them all up, even though I put them right back where they were and they weren't nearly as organized as she claimed they were or I wouldn't have picked them up in the first place, but you gotta deal with things if you want homemade jam). This is great: local growers, organics, don't need vehicular transport to get there, just right!
P.S. Where do I get some farm fresh eggs? I just want to find someone who has a couple chickens that are treated really nice and some extra eggs.
OMG! If you want a yummy sandwhich, look for the vendor Hardwick Culinary School. They're on the public library side. They're fresh, the bread is awesome, the turkey is real roasted turkey, not that processed stuff. For $5.50 it's a steal for some tasty handmade sandwhiches. And, you're not stuck with that same ole same ole at Rebecca's or Souper Salad! PS: Desserts are de-lish too!
From early May to Thanksgiving this farmers' market brings a taste of the country into Back Bay/South End twice a week. Early in the season you'll find good prices on plants: tomatoes, hostas, Profusion zinnias, onion sets, even some great prices on ornamental grasses.
Come late May asparagus appears, along with goat cheese, some early rhubarb, and honey. Small non-florist looking bouquets of lily of the valley, sweet peas, and larger bunches of lush peonies too. By the first week of June peas and lettuce begin to appear, soon followed by strawberries, and from here out is just gets better. Plenty of heirloom varieties of vegetables; beans, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and radish. By mid July some great tomatoes appear, the hybrid standards and the weird-ass looking heirlooms like Purple German, Green Zebra, and red and yellow Brandywines. Next up: no, you're not in Iowa, but how about that corn? Yummy sweet corn, I like the yellow-white bicolor varieties best, 'Sugar and Gold,' and 'Seneca Dancer.' By mid-August there's even melons - look for a small and tasty variety called 'Jenny Lind' (on the St. James Avenue side), figs, eggplants and summer squash. Raspberries appear and are followed by blueberries. Sooner than you think, and probably would hope, some hints of fall elbow in. Innocent enough at first, a box of early Honeycrisp apples, and some high-bush cranberries. But then as summer reaches, then passes, full tilt, we see please God no, yes: winter squashes. Tomatoes, a second harvest of beans and lettuces continues to pump out, and some farmers bring in fall ornamental plants: kales, icicle pansies, spoon mums, asters, and dwarf ornamental peppers.
Almost every week you will also be able to find some great baked goods, honey, herbs, and new last summer lamb and pork (from Aidan on the St. James Avenue side).
The prices are not that ridiculous. Seven pieces of corn (sweet, juicy corn) for $3? Nothing to complain about, unless you went to the neighboring stand and got one less piece for the same price. It's all about reading the signs and being a little selective.
What else can actually make you look forward to 2 week days?? The Copley Farmer's Market is filled with farm fresh, local ingredients: beets ranging in color from bright yellows to deep purples, wild cremini mushrooms, zucchini in all shapes, sizes and colors and sunflowers that make you dream of hot sunny days in Tuscany. I always go to Sienna Farms for no other reason than it was the first booth I went to and the people were WONDERFUL. I now can't go anywhere else! Check out the labels on each of the baskets. They not only tell you how to store your veggies to keep them fresh, but also give insight into the best methods of preparation and what to pair the item with to really bring out its full flavor. Can't wait for the fall- apples, pumpkins and winter squashes...mmmmm
I've never really gotten much here. They have an Iggy's bread stand here which has delicious breads and pastries, but it's pricey. They do have a lot of produce, but to me it is not worth paying extra for the organically grown stuff, so I usually don't get anything here. However, it is fun to look around and be outside. If you need some fresh herbs they have a fantastic selection, but again, that's not something I really buy. If you're into organic and don't mind paying extra for it I am sure you'd love it here.
If I were cooking a meal for a special occasion, I would totally hit up the farmer's market for some A+ produce. The veggies are fresh and yummy, but you've got to pay for that extra goodness.
the market is fantastic. A good mix of vendor carrying a wide variety of things. Prices seemed reasonable and everyone was extremely friendly,
Cute market in the middle of town. Prices are high
I love the farmer's market! For someone like me who loves to cook, it's fantastic. I disagree with the posts that it's over priced.... considering that the produce in most of the supermarkets around town is nasty. I'm far from "Mr. Organic", but there is a definite difference in taste. If I'm making my precious generations-old red sauce, fresh tomatoes from the farmer's market makes it that much better, there's no comparison. Even the fresh picked lettuce tastes way better than store bought. Don't even get me going about the fresh corn on the cob.....Lord have mercy! I love the baked goods stands as well. If I didn't live in the city, I'd have a garden. This, to me is the next best thing.
ok, i admit that i have a softspot for farmer's markets much like michael jackson likes his jesus juice. and this is def. one of my favorites to go to since i can get pretty much anything i want here.
big big big fan of the lady who sells goatcheese. yum. try the one with australian ginger. worth the $5+
great selection of veggies and baked goods. there is one guy who has great sausage that melts in your mouth when cooked. (get your mind out of the gutter). i wish there were more people selling meat or eggs, but i think he's the only one.
the heirloom tomato selection is also superb.
i disagree that it's overpriced. i bought $40 worth of sausage, veggies, and bread, and it's lasted me for 2 weeks! i'd pay double that at whole foods- and it's all local and organic!
If you want the absolute freshest produce produce there are two places you can go to get it. A farm out western massachussetts, or to the farmers market in downtown boston. The farmers market happens on the weekends and every Saturday right in front of Trinity Church and the Hancock building. Farmers bring in only their freshest produce from all over the state and you can get the absolute best at great prices. They've got fruit, bread, and apple pies. Delicous! You can also visit the farmers market in front of town hall on some weekdays.
This market isn't all vegetables. You can find great pies, cookies, herbs, and flowers. Most of the booths are organic and all are relatively locally grown.
my recommendations for the copley market:
-siena farms (last stand closest to the church on the boylston side). i have always been very happy with this stand's produce. the prices are decent and the people who work there are very nice. there's a good variety. also has spices and treats from oleana. the somerville mozzarella cheese lady is there on fridays.
-old friends farm - the flower stand (also on the boylston side). LOVE this place!! pick up 10 zinnias for $4 and brighten your apartment up!
-stillman farm (dartmouth side) - a pretty good variety, and they have meat (usually pork). their heirloom tomatoes are slightly pricey, but it is what it is. i was excited to buy okra there last week!
-herb lyceum (corner of dartmouth and st. james) - do yourself a favor and grab a cup of their cranberry lavender lemonade - YUM. this year they have sandwiches too ($7).
-the stand right next to the herb lyceum w/fruit (i forget the name) - AVOID. their fruit is INSANELY overpriced. and not even good quality: in june i bought a $5 TINY container of native strawberries and half of the berries were rotten when i checked them out at home. you'd be better off at whole foods, believe it or not!
-macarthur farm: also avoid! not because of their produce (which is OK), but because of the mean older lady who works there. she is soooooo mean i avoid this stand so i can avoid any interaction with her. seriously.
-atlas farm: this stand is always one of the most crowded because it's at the end closest to the church on st. james. so i tend to avoid it, but its produce is OK.
-equal exchange stand: on tuesdays only, you can get a pound of coffee for only $7! on the st. james side.
basically, if you shop smart you can get some sweet deals.
since moving to the south end, i've tried to hit this farmer's market up most fridays. i really like… Read more »
Being an ex-Floridian, this farmers market does not even satisfy my basic requirements... theres nothing like an outdoor market with 1000 vendors on a 10 acre land... anything from flowers to luggages to pirate DVDs to exotic fruits to homemade bread and honey to keychains to cell phone chargers to sea-salt scrubs to.... the list goes on and on.
Great place to get fresh food in the middle of the city. I first discovered the Copley Farmers Market when I had some visitors in town. They absolutely loved it since they grew up in upper state NY and you aren't able to find fresh Macintosh apples in Texas. Not only does this market have fresh goods but also baked goods, jellies, jams, and flowers. It's certainly a great way to eat local and help support local businesses. I do suggest browsing before you by since the prices and freshness does vary from stand to stand.
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