Farmers markets in the Berkshires are rich with local foods, culture

Amherst Farmers Market 2012

Spring Street parking lot, Amherst Center Amherst, MA 01002 Phone: 570-401-9811

The Amherst Farmers’ Market has been in continuous operation for more than 30 years. This market features locally grown vegetables, fruit, cut flowers, herbs and herbal remedies, artisan breads and baked goods. Here you can also find organic pork, lamb, and beef, eggs and cheese, preserves, prepared foods, maple syrup and maple products, honey, bedding plants, perennials, hanging baskets, soaps, agricultural crafts and specialty products.
Dates and Hours: Saturdays, 7:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; April 21-November 17

Farmers Market at Forest Park 2012

Cyr Arena at Forest Park Springfield, MA 01108 Phone: 413-737-1724

Rain or shine, this market brings you organic, and conventional produce, organic sourdough bread, honey, goats' milk soap, lotions, plants, grass-fed beef, hormone free pork, sweets, kettle corn, olive oil, vinegar, dairy products and goat cheese, freshly roasted coffee, cut flowers, and more.
Dates and Hours: Tuesday, 12:30 to 6 p.m.; April 1-October 2

Great Barrington Farmers Market 2012

Taconic Avenue and Castle Street. Great Barrington, MA Phone: 413-528-8950

This is a is a 100 percent producer-only market offering a wide assortment of vegetables, soft and stone fruit, sourdough bread, bedding plants, vegetable seedlings, perennials, cut flowers, honey, maple syrup, mushrooms, eggs, dried and fresh lavender, pork, chicken, lamb and beef, sweet and savory baked goods, jams, spreads, dips, and chutney.
Dates and Hours: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; May 12-October 27

Greenfield Farmers Market 2012

Court Square Greenfield, MA

fresh locally grown products featuring organic and conventional produce for you along with local craft vendors such as herbal ointments and salves, hand-thrown pottery, handmade portable chicken coops, cutting boards and custom-made furniture pieces, hand-crafted jewelry and more. Dates and Hours: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; May 5-November

Holyoke Farmers Market 2012

High Street, between Suffolk Street and City Hall Holyoke, MA Phone: 413-322-5511

This market sells apples, blueberries, vegetables, honey, maple syrup, bedding plants, cut flowers, jam and jelly.
Dates and Hours: Thursdays,11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; May 5 - October 25