I love a farmers market. Usually, though, I can’t seem to get it together in the am to get to the morning ones. It’s not that I’m sleeping in until 11am or anything, mind you. It’s more that I’m usually up early answering emails, brewing a 2nd pot of coffee, catching up on the news, and (last but certainly not least) editing posts for this blog. Anywho, there’s a later in the day market that’s running now until October and it just so happens to be in the neighborhood on the west side of Providence where I grew up in the 1970’s and 80’s.

After an early 5 o’clock dinner last Thursday evening, we masked up and motored over to the Armory Market in the park behind the Cranston Street Armory. (Weather permitting, it’s every Thursday, from 3:30 to 7pm-ish.)

We arrived around 6:30 when there was still a lot going on vendor wise, but you could also tell it was starting to wind down a bit. Luckily, we made it over to the Salisbury Farm setup, just in time to scoop up some native tomatoes, greens for salad, a carton of blueberries, three cukes, and a jar of their strawberry rhubarb jam.

Next on the agenda? I asked the hubs to stash all of that in the car (bc schlepping much too much stuff can really put a damper on the whole outdoor market experience) and made my way over to the area where I thought I’d spied tables with — could it be? — herb plants and fresh flowers.

And that’s how I discovered Lucayda Farm which, prior to last Thursday night, I’d had no idea existed. (Will have to check out their digs at 91 Valley View Drive in Cranston soon!) Also, you’ll be thrilled to know that everything they have to offer is grown organically.

We picked up two bouqs (short for bouquets…too much? not enough?) of Moonrose Farm blooms and strolled over to the Knead Doughnuts tent where the young man on duty could not have been nicer. I picked out several donuts and before placing our order in a square box, he offered an additional one for FREE — because, he said, it was the end of day and he would be packing everything up in a few. Sweet!

I feel like this summer in particular, local open air markets such as this one are an outstanding way to get out of the house safely whilst supporting, and discovering, Rhode Island farms as well as other small businesses.