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We've compiled the best of the best in Massachusetts - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Treat yourself to a view of the agro side of the island with a visit to Bartlett's Farm. Encompassing 200 acres, the farm is overseen by eighth-generation Bartletts. Healthy, tasty prepared foods—within a mini-supermarket—are added incentive to make the trek out. They also offer a variety of farm tours. If you're not up for the trip, a produce truck is parked on Main Street through the summer.
Open year-round, the indoor Boston Public Market offers a great place to grab a sandwich, sample local foods, and even pick up a tasty souvenir. The New England–centric marketplace has 30 vendors, selling everything from fresh herbs and fruit to meat and seafood, as well as plenty of food stalls. Everything sold at the market is produced or originated in New England, including nonperishables like wool and carved wooden bowls and handmade jewelry. There’s also live music, cooking demonstrations, trivia games, creative-writing nights, music bingo, and more. The Kids’ Nook is a designated area for kids to gather and play, with activities throughout the week.
An institution in the Pioneer Valley, this market sells produce, baked goods, and specialty foods—try a cider doughnut to sample the best of all three.
Known for its sweet corn, Boardman's makes a fine quick stop to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, from pumpkins and peppers to peaches and nectarines.
This complex of five buildings, one of which is the original Faneuil Hall, is both huge and hugely popular (drawing 18 million people a year), but not necessarily unique—most of its independent shops have given way to Banana Republic, Uniqlo, Urban Outfitters, and other chains. Founded in 1742 as a market for crops and livestock, the place has plenty of history and offers one of the area's great à la carte casual dining experiences within Quincy Market. Pushcarts sell everything from apparel to jewelry to candy to Boston souvenirs, while larger name-brand stores are in the North and South Markets. Live bands set up gigs throughout the weekend days, while buskers perform crowd-pleasing feats such as break dancing and juggling routines. Have your dollar bills ready for when the hat gets passed around.
More than 50 local vendors and artisans take over a stretch of the Greenway every Saturday and Sunday from May through October. Peruse wares from tent to tent, including hats, jewelry, wall art, and more, all made in Boston.
More than 100 makers and artisans come together during the winter holidays for this open-air market. Visitors can sample foods from local food trucks and dessert vendors, or get a warm or alcoholic beverage at four bars. Stop for a selfie, have a hot chocolate, and enjoy the twinkling string lights.
Local businesses, including those owned by women and minorities, make up the vendors at this annual outdoor vendor market. Housewares and pottery, jewelry and clothing, artwork, cosmetics, and pet goods are among the unique wares to browse. Bring the kids because this market is quite family friendly with a DJ and games, Children's Museum programming, and lots of food.
This farm sells yogurt, raw milk, and cheese, as well as beef, from grass-fed cows. Vegetables and fruits are generally available throughout the year.
From May through October, the excellent SoWa Open Market on Sunday (affectionately known as "SoWa Sundays") is a great excursion packed with artists, food trucks, and a farmers’ market. Held 11 am to 4 pm, it's jam-packed with outdoor tent vendors, along with 100-plus indoor artist studios, galleries, and retail shops; food trucks; and a thriving vintage market that's also held the first Friday of every month 5 to 9 pm.
