We wait anxiously every year for Marshall's Farm Stand to open for the season. I really appreciate…read moretheir honesty: they tell you whether the produce is their, local, or shipped in. Best of all is their sweet corn. They get it from local Essex County Farms (whenever possible) and they tell you what farm grew it. Always fresh picked, it is SOooo good. Face it, even 24 hours after picking, the sugar in corn has started to convert to starch. They are also one of the few places in the area where you can get Richardson's Ice Cream in a pint or 1/2 gallon tub. The 1/2 gallon is barely more expensive than a 2-scoop cone at the ice cream stands!

Marshall's Farm Stand is located far away from the hustle and bustle of Gloucester and Essex so…read moreit's somewhat hard to find. Depending upon which end of Concord Street you enter, you may not find it. If you go in closer to the beach and fire station, then it's right up the street. If you try from the far end near Essex you'll be in for some turns and bumpy roads. Selection is pretty good. The tomatoes are awesome. They sell a wide assortment of plants and other gardening supplies. They have a nice freezer section with home-made quiche. Fine selection of breads and pastry items, including delicious monkey bread. The place even has a cute cat roaming around outside. The one drawback is that it's not open year round, and last time I was there (last year) it was still cash only. I absolutely hate cash only. No one I know carries enough cash to buy a big order at a grocery store. I'm forgiving of places that have an ATM on sight (like the Clam Box) but when your farm stand is in the middle of nowhere and you're cash only and you have so many awesome items then that's just cruel and bad business. I definitely recommend checking out Marshall's Farm Stand. The selection is very nice for a small farm stand. Just be sure to have some cash handy and don't lose faith if it feels like you've been driving forever- Concord street is a very long street!

Really nice farmer's market, with a decent selection, and Marblehead prices, so bring your wallet…read more Great Harvest Bread is gone, but A&J King of Salem has replaced it, and they're just plain better. Cheese from West River is great, as is the produce and baked goods from Cider Hill Farm. I can't wait for June. Come early, and be prepared to park far away. It's crowded.

Marblehead Farmer's Market isn't the largest around, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in…read morequality. For one thing, it's one of the few farmer's markets open on Saturdays, which is great for my schedule. On the other hand it means that it's real busy. We've never not been able to get a parking spot at the Marblehead Veteran's Middle School where it's held, but we've had to do the "wait and stalk the lady with the bags" thing. Oh and get there early, but I guess that applies to all farmer's markets; the best stuff goes quick. Most of the vendors are regulars but there are always new people coming and going. Our favorites include the two stalls selling cheese, one from Vermont selling cow and sheep cheese and the other from Mass. selling goat cheese. I forget the name of the goat cheese farm right now, but the lady who makes and sells it is so nice and remembers us from year to year. Great Harvest Bakery (which is located in Beverly) also comes every week with some great bread. There's at least four fruit and vegetable stands, an organic beef stand, an organic pork stand (mmm, great bacon and chops); a Vietnamese farm stand,and more. They also have people selling crafts and usually some kind of entertainment for the kids. It's a real lively family-friendly hootenany. It's not just food shopping; it's a fun excursion. Oh and let's not forget that the fresh fruit and vegetables are fantastic! The market is open Saturdays, June to October, 9 am to noon.

The Garden School is simply and amazing place. You can shop at the Farm Stand--which is the…read moreschool's very own Farmers Market right here in your home town, or you can come and volunteer. The Garden School is designed for young adults and teenagers to come and learn farming in real time within their own community. The farm stand teaches youth about business, interaction with the public, selling produce and flowers and customer service. They can also learn how to run a small farm. Working just a few hours per week, one can gain valuable hands-on experience on a real community garden/farm working whatever aspect they choose or they could learn the entire operation. Jon and Ben who run the Garden School are fantastic and patient teachers who love working with our youth and love what they are doing providing a valuable service to this community. The Farm Stand is a great alternative to mass made/chemistry laden produce. This is a place to buy truly fresh picked (that morning or maybe right then as you are buying) produce and flowers grown the all natural way like you would do in your own backyard garden. You can See, Smell and Taste the difference and it cannot get any fresher! Check out my photos and you will see what I am talking about. This is my go to place to volunteer. It is outdoors in the fresh air and it is an absolutely wonderful group of people and an outstanding garden and food stand.

I found "The Garden School" by chance via a recommendation in the Beverly Facebook group. There's a…read morefarm stand at the entrance selling apples, zucchini, and kale among other fruits and veggies. Further up the dirt path is a huge vegetable and flower garden. Visitors are encouraged to explore the garden using the clover paths. My first trip to the Garden School was during their Friday garden happy hour. On select Fridays, you can stop by with booze in hand as this event is BYOB and explore the gardens at your leisure. The school is managed by two brothers and much of the work here is undertaken by volunteers. Make sure to support your local farmers! Oh, and there's plenty of parking in the lot! YELP'S 2020 REVIEW CHALLENGE: #15

Imaginative decor. The food is great and reasonably priced. Chef Andrew Varela is hard at work in…read morethe kitchen turning out amazing dishes made from locally sourced food. The not - wedge salad is beautifully presented with hot house tomatoes, thick cut bacon and blue cheese that is otherworldly. Mushroom soup has layers of flavor. They now have a seasonal liquor license but in the meantime try their Jun Kombucha. Yum. Got there.

Love everything about Maitland Mountain Farm! They have a huge amount of amazing plants for sale…read moreplus varieties you normally can't find anywhere else. It's a hidden gem on the North Shore. Nasturtium? Dinosaur kale? Yes please!! I was amazed by their high quality succulents too. Maitland Mountain Farm is well known for their *amazing* pickles, but they have so much more. So excited to grow their seedlings in my garden this season!

I think this is the best Farmers Market around. It is Saturdays until 1 in summer and fall…read more I can come away with ingredients for meals, something to eat right away or shortcut prepped meals. They even have protein balls in many flavors for a quick healthy snack. In addition there are lovely breads, jellies and pastries, coffees and juices. I've got gifts both for others and myself there. There is always a community group and some music to add to the atmosphere. Parking can be tough during the first hour or so. There's is plenty of you don't mind a little walk I recommend arriving early, taking a walk around Lake Quannapowitt (3 mi), then grabbing some items at the market.

Amazing place! Great vendors. Good variety. Lots of small business to support. Highly recommendread more

The best chili I've ever had. This guy is a genius. The steak tips are insane. Take all…read morerecommendations when you go in. You won't be disappointed.

Extremely well organized and as soon as I walked in, the guys were so friendly and attentive. Was…read morein and out in 5 min. two days before Thanksgiving and my lamb rack came out wonderful! Will make this my go-to butcher shop.

Encountered this while galavanting through Salem one day, and what a great find! They have many…read moregood local options to buy almost anything grown, or made from natural ingredients. Berries, greens, herbs, breads, eggs, cheese, honey, wine, fish and cookies from The Cookie Monstah, among others. Suffice it to say, there is something for everyone here. I took my mother, who before coming to the U.S. only shopped at open air markets (no others existed). When she saw the scallions (green onions) she nearly cried, for she hadn't seen onions like this in over 25 years! They taste great too! Tomatoes also taste like tomatoes, and not like a small grown ball of rubber! Also great for learning about local products, and where to get them (in case you want to get products directly from the farm) Also good to be able to talk with people actively engaged in cultivating and growing products, rather than just placing them on produce shelves. NOTE: This place is very pricey (relative to Market Basket, and other grocers). Said scallions are 99 cents at MB, but 2.50 here. But they are bigger, better, and worth it all the way. Awesome find!

Such a cute little market! Came here spontaneously and absolutely loved it! Def a must!read more

This is my favorite local farm stand…read more I love the variety of seasonal produce, delectable home baked goods and local honey. They have local eggs, dairy and a fine selection of Stonewall Kitchen jams. Specially olive oils, and other various local products are offered. I wish they were open year round.

service here was so great -- very friendly & prompt. their selection isn't huge but what they do…read morehave looks good and fresh and yummy.