Shop Local, Taste the Difference: This Week’s Unique Finds

Here we are—fresh off the excitement of Strawberry Festival and our second market of the season—and as we approach the third, we couldn’t help but take a moment to reflect on how grateful we feel for our community, a little bit of sunshine, and all things seasonal and local.

We have so many incredible vendors—some from right here in our backyard, and some who travel from afar. For many of these farms, the drive is necessary because where their farm is located, there just aren’t enough residents to make a full living. Unique vendors like Black Eyed Susan Sheep Dairy make the trip all the way from Mont Vernon, New Hampshire, and Ackermann Maple Farm drives in from Vermont.

So when you hop in your car or stroll just a few minutes from home, you’re making a real difference in supporting these farmers, makers, and small businesses.

Speaking of unique vendors, here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss this week:

For pancakes that deserve top-shelf treatment.

Ackermann Maple Farm

Straight from Cabot, Vermont, Ackermann Maple Farm brings the sweet taste of New England right to your table. Whether you’re drizzling their fresh maple syrup on pancakes, stirring their decadent maple cream into your coffee, or sprinkling their maple sugar over baked goods, you’ll taste the care and craftsmanship in every bite.

Black Eyed Susan Sheep Dairy

Tucked away in Mont Vernon, New Hampshire, this small but mighty farm is always bustling with sheep, lambs, and cheese making. At any given time, you might find their cheese cave stocked with rustic, flavorful cheeses perfect for your weekend charcuterie board. From rich ricotta to Manchego that transports you to Spain, Black Eyed Susan also offers yogurt, meats, sheep pelts—and if you’re lucky—a baby lamb to pet.

Herd you were looking for amazing cheese…

Grateful Tastes

You already know Grateful Tastes for their creative jams and spreads, but did you know they make honey too? Based in Lowell, their hives are tucked across the Merrimack Valley, helping local farms pollinate their crops while producing rich, dark honey with a golden glow and slightly savory notes. What makes their honey special—besides being hyper-local—is the buckwheat planted in their wildflower mix. Even during dry spells, the bees have steady access to pollen, ensuring every jar you take home is both delicious and purposeful.

As we wrap up the unique offerings at our glorious little market, we’d like to take a moment to tip our hat in recognition to The Savings Bank, who has been our Music Sponsor, making it possible for us to continue supporting local artists—in this case, musicians—who provide the ambiance for our market every Saturday.

Whether you're dancing at the music tent or sampling syrup, we’re excited to have you join us every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM at Hall Park (468 North Avenue, Wakefield, MA), and we’ll be there every Saturday through October 25. 

Be sure to stay connected through our website and social media channels for updates, vendor spotlights, and weekly entertainment lineups.

Thank you for supporting local — we’ll see you at the market!