Just before the holiday season, many Long Islanders who enjoy local products bade a sad farewell as the east end farm stands closed up shop for the winter. While most produce will not thrive in our freezing winter temperatures or under thick icy blankets of snow, other artisanal goods still beckon to be savored. Now you can find many of these local delights under one roof in Riverhead every Saturday.
In February, Riverhead premiered its indoor farmer's market on Main Street, across from the theatre. Tremendous efforts have been implemented in recent months to revitalize the area. From the promenade along the Peconic River and the adjacent scenic park to a host of new restaurants and even a craft brewery, weekender tourism is surging on Main Street. The new market is an added draw, evidenced by filled parking lots and lines of eager shoppers on a mission to procure the locally produced goods that they crave all year.
The market features over 25 vendors, including the Mecox Bay and Goodale dairy farms for cheeses, Blue Duck Bakery, Ginger Goods, Rosie’s Country Bake Shop and Delicious Delights Bakery for fresh breads and sweet treats, fruitful fancies from Davis Peach Farm, world class wine from Roanoke vineyard and Italian delicacies from Papa Pasquale Pasta, just to name a few. Borghese vineyard, technically the oldest vineyard on Long Island, shares the marketplace with one of the area's newest craft breweries, Moustache Brewery. Soaps from the Southampton Soap Company, knitted items from Lulu’s Knits and seasonal florals are also on display. Local restaurants and caterers, such a Dark Horse Tavern, also set up stalls to promote their wares. Be tantalized by the aromas of freshly brewed, locally roasted Tend Coffee and the savory scents coming from Gula Gula’s Emapanadas. As a vendor at the Davis Peach Farm table proclaimed, “You don’t go to a farmer’s market and not eat!” Many of the tables offer samples of their creations.
At the market, you will also find preserves, jams, honey, granola products from Copia Granola, coffee, chocolates from North Fork Chocolate Company, North Fork potato chips and even Charissa Spice Blend’s own harissa, a delectable Moroccan condiment and cooking sauce. Browse some exotic, locally cultivated mushrooms from Long Island Mushroom, Inc. Merkin Fisheries, a local fishing company, vends their latest catch from our surrounding waters. You can also find winter produce, such as root vegetables and potatoes, some early spring lettuces, and local milk and eggs. Just because it's winter, the chickens don't stop laying eggs and the cows and goats continue to provide milk. In turn, those who revel in buying and eating locally produced goods can continue to do indulge.
The marketplace has the power to inspire a complete gourmet spread for a leisurely weekend meal. Pick up some cheeses, a pate, a fruit spread, artisan bread, a bottle of wine, Italian dry sausage and some chocolates for a sip and nibble in front of the fireplace or, in just a few weeks, on the patio table. The idea of opening the indoor farmers market supports our local growers and artisans, and satiates the palates of Long Islanders who have missed their favorite east end provisions.
The farmers market will be open every Saturday through May 17 from 11:00am to 3:00pm. It is held at 117 Main Street in Riverhead, in the former Swezey's building across from the Suffolk Theatre. For more information and a complete listing each week of participating vendors, visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/RiverheadFarmers Market
In February, Riverhead premiered its indoor farmer's market on Main Street, across from the theatre. Tremendous efforts have been implemented in recent months to revitalize the area. From the promenade along the Peconic River and the adjacent scenic park to a host of new restaurants and even a craft brewery, weekender tourism is surging on Main Street. The new market is an added draw, evidenced by filled parking lots and lines of eager shoppers on a mission to procure the locally produced goods that they crave all year.
The market features over 25 vendors, including the Mecox Bay and Goodale dairy farms for cheeses, Blue Duck Bakery, Ginger Goods, Rosie’s Country Bake Shop and Delicious Delights Bakery for fresh breads and sweet treats, fruitful fancies from Davis Peach Farm, world class wine from Roanoke vineyard and Italian delicacies from Papa Pasquale Pasta, just to name a few. Borghese vineyard, technically the oldest vineyard on Long Island, shares the marketplace with one of the area's newest craft breweries, Moustache Brewery. Soaps from the Southampton Soap Company, knitted items from Lulu’s Knits and seasonal florals are also on display. Local restaurants and caterers, such a Dark Horse Tavern, also set up stalls to promote their wares. Be tantalized by the aromas of freshly brewed, locally roasted Tend Coffee and the savory scents coming from Gula Gula’s Emapanadas. As a vendor at the Davis Peach Farm table proclaimed, “You don’t go to a farmer’s market and not eat!” Many of the tables offer samples of their creations.
At the market, you will also find preserves, jams, honey, granola products from Copia Granola, coffee, chocolates from North Fork Chocolate Company, North Fork potato chips and even Charissa Spice Blend’s own harissa, a delectable Moroccan condiment and cooking sauce. Browse some exotic, locally cultivated mushrooms from Long Island Mushroom, Inc. Merkin Fisheries, a local fishing company, vends their latest catch from our surrounding waters. You can also find winter produce, such as root vegetables and potatoes, some early spring lettuces, and local milk and eggs. Just because it's winter, the chickens don't stop laying eggs and the cows and goats continue to provide milk. In turn, those who revel in buying and eating locally produced goods can continue to do indulge.
The marketplace has the power to inspire a complete gourmet spread for a leisurely weekend meal. Pick up some cheeses, a pate, a fruit spread, artisan bread, a bottle of wine, Italian dry sausage and some chocolates for a sip and nibble in front of the fireplace or, in just a few weeks, on the patio table. The idea of opening the indoor farmers market supports our local growers and artisans, and satiates the palates of Long Islanders who have missed their favorite east end provisions.
The farmers market will be open every Saturday through May 17 from 11:00am to 3:00pm. It is held at 117 Main Street in Riverhead, in the former Swezey's building across from the Suffolk Theatre. For more information and a complete listing each week of participating vendors, visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/RiverheadFarmers Market