Locally Made Products Abound

One benefit of the shorter days and frozen ground is that I have more time to explore nearby localities and see what local farmers and suppliers have to offer. During the growing season, any spare time I have is spent cultivating my own garden. Once we start harvesting, we typically have enough produce to satisfy our own needs, and therefore, don't frequent farmer's markets often in the summer. But, since last week we finished the last of our broccoli and kale, I can now appreciate what others may still be growing with more sophisticated methods such as greenhouses and high tunnels.This past weekend, in addition to visiting two winter farmer's markets, there was also a plethora of craft shows around the Merrimack Valley. Here there was an abundance of locally made crafts, including organic products such as jams, jellies and salsa. 

My first stop was after work on Friday. I drove out to the Weare Farmers Market which is open on Fridays during the winter from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Old Town Hall. Products can be ordered ahead of time on-line at the link above. I picked up a bag of fresh greens from Warner River Organics and a jar of "Wickson Crabapple Jelly" from Webster Ridge Farm.

Brandon Sussman, Webster Ridge Farm offers free samples from a variety of sauces and preserves

On Saturday, there was definitely not a shortage of craft fairs to get holiday shopping started. There were at least four in Concord alone. The pictures below is a sampling of what was on display at the 9th Annual Holiday Craft Fair at Rundlett Middle School.

Cool T-shirts from Just Be Products, LLC

Thistle's All Natural Zucchini Salsa

After checking out the shows in Concord, I headed north on I-89 to Warner. Dave and I purchased our first home here, so I have a special fondness for this town nestled amongst the Mink Hills. If you like covered bridges, there is a nice one as you enter into town from Exit 8.

Warner offers a wonderful winter market on Saturday mornings. It is located within the Kearsarge Business Center - which also houses a flea market offering a variety of antiques, crafts and unique items. If you go, plan some extra time for browsing among the many treasures.

I purchased some celeriac from Kearsarge Gore Farm and have been very pleased with its flavor in salads and sauces.

After Warner, I continued up I-89 to New London. New London is worth a visit any time of the year. Bring your camera as there are some fantastic views. It is home to Colby Sawyer College, a small liberal arts school founded in 1837 and offers a quaint downtown with shopping, restaurants and cafes. In the summer you can enjoy a variety of hiking trails or take in a play at the New London Barn Playhouse, the oldest continuously operating Summer Stock theater in New Hampshire with the first showing in 1934. In the winter you can cross country ski on trails operated by The Pine Hills XC Ski Club or, if you prefer downhill, Mount Sunapee in Newbury is just over ten miles away. My destination was Spring Ledge Farm which offers baked goods, organically raised meats, dairy products, produce, plants and gifts. Here I picked up some sweet potatoes and a recipe for Sweet Potato Fries which I am looking forward to making. There was plenty of color displayed outside and inside the greenhouse.

Good thing this ornamental kale is cold hardy

Poinsettias come in a variety of colors

It was a beautiful day to be out and about and I am thankful to live in an area that offers so many opportunities to enjoy the fruits of nature year- round.