A new harvest in the hood.
On a recommendation from a fellow eastender, we checked out one of the newest places to gather and stock up on local goodies. The Fairmount Park Farm Market, running 3 – 7 pm on Wednesdays from May to October at Fairmount Park, is a must-visit for mid-week groceries and connecting with neighbours. And what a gem. With over 20 vendors, it has a cozy feel with tons of offerings.
TRIP TIPS:
Getting there: By TTC take the Coxwell bus or Gerrard Streetcar. Driving, lots of residential parking. The market area is on the south end of the park at the corner of Beaton Ave and Wrenson Rd.
Playgrounds: You have your choice of two. Although they are not in close watching distance from the market itself, you have tons of space burn some (kid) energy. There is a butterfly garden too — missed it but will check it out during our next visit.
Bathrooms: Yes, and with change table. The Fairmount Community Centre (north of the market area) stays open.
Stay for dinner: We were impressed by the abundance of dinner options – check out their list of vendors who say “Dine in the Park.” The eve we were there, Wheelbarrow Farm had a pulled pork sandwich ($5.50). For an appetizer or dessert (depending on what kind of day you’ve had) Moo Milk offers six flavours of cookies ($2 each).
Gluten- and dairy-free: Delicious coconut Sorbetto (Maple Roasted Banana is mmm) from BixBakery; vegan offerings from Tiffinday; and Japanese-inspired eats from Abokichi. We also spotted a vegan and gluten-free soup from Lazy Daisy’s Café.
Don’t miss ’em: There are a few exclusive vendors — Abokichi, Andrea’s Bakery and Village Kanteen. And Grassroot Organics only attends Fairmount and Evergreen Brick Works markets.
Get your kids cookin’: Kimberly Davidson from Green Blossoms offers weekly cooking classes for kids with fresh produce from the farmers at the market. The day we were there, it was sushi time.
More kid-friendly: Art and music! Check out Nature’s Course Art where Sarah Wooldridge uses a combination of upcycling and nature to create art with kids. The weekly music stage keeps kids dancing (and many perform children’s songs). The Market has put a lot of effort into involving youth. They have a dedicated crew of teenaged volunteers and the music calendar is managed by a local teen.
Fairmount Park Farm Market
1725 Gerrard St. E
www.fairmountmarket.ca
@fairmountmarket
Wednesdays 3 – 7 pm
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