Now is the time  to visit different farmers’ markets besides those in your neighborhood as the selection of produce, meats, fish, dairy and prepared foods becomes more varied.  Beyond Portland, look into the difference that geography makes within a 50 mile radius of the city where other, often more vital farm markets are the life blood of the community.  This weekend I went to Kennebunk and Scarborough markets, both of which are much smaller than Portland’s but with differences that made the trip worthwhile.

The Kennebunk and Scarborough markets

At the Scarborough Sunday market, for instance, I found a plant annual (scaevola) that was perfect for my garden terrace.  Highland Avenue Greenhouse was offering it—in a large hanging pot that I would transplant into a container.  Most of the plant centers now have it in small flats, so this was a good find.  Other vendors included the pot-holder lady—that’s what I call her.  She is at several markets around the state, and for a few bucks you get these beautiful handmade pot holders that are brightly patterned and sturdy.

Strawberries and pot holders

At Kennebunk, a market with about 20 vendors, strawberries from Spiller Farm were only $6 for a quart compared to over $7 elsewhere.  Also, as the season progresses, long lines form when peaches come to Kennebunk’s market from Kelly Orchards.

The real big difference with markets beyond Portland is that vendors are allowed to offer prepared foods, fish, baked goods and more.  Portland still maintains its arcane rules in which only farm-grown produce and locally raised meats and cheese are allowed to the exclusion of foodstuff (including live-caught fish) prepared by farmers.

For a great guide to markets look at the Get Real Get Maine site or Maine Farmer’s Market where each market is listed by county and the days of the week that they operate.  You can actually devise a plan to visit a market any day of the week.  For a serial farmer’s market shopper such as myself, this is nirvana.

Heirloom lettuce and spinach at Kennebunk market

Some of my favorites  markets to visit within an hour’s drive of Portland are: Bath Waterfront Farmer’s Market,  Crystal Springs Farmers Market in Brunswick; Damariscotta Market River Association Preserve and for a bigger trip try Camden, Rockland and Belfast markets or Blue Hill, Brooklin, Bar Harbor and Winter Harbor where the treasures of heirloom provender are many.