The weather is warm – okay HOT again – the berries are ripe and the good news is someone else has already picked them. I do remember going to the strawberry patch as a child and plucking ripe ones myself. It is a fond childhood memory. Of course I was maybe 2 feet tall which meant there wasn’t much bending over to do. Plus I have absolutely no memory of the heat nor of any bugs about my face. This validates what I am firm believer of. That is that “everything changes.” Nowadays ‘round here if the heat doesn’t get to ya those gnats will for sure. I honestly never imagined I would pray for windy weather. But I do very much enjoy the change of seasons therefore it would be incongruous of me to complain about the heat. So I try not to. I try to look for the positives. For one, the pool feels great. And this is a good time to venture out to the market. Not Martins, not Food Lion or Weis. No, I am suggesting you go to a real farmer’s market. Like the one held every Thursday and Sunday afternoon in the heart of Berkeley Springs www.berkeleyspringsfarmersmarket.com . You’ll find a wide variety of plants, fresh cut flowers, wonderful selection of herbs and of course fresh from the garden goodies – oh think of those spanking new strawberries and cherries. In July we’ll see blueberries and raspberries.
Not over in Morgan County much? Well you are still in luck. Butler’s Farm Market on Thatcher Road is open seven days a week. This market isn’t as far out of the way as you might think and it’s worth the trip. The large paved parking lot offers an easy in out; the building is clean & roomy and best of all – under roof. Shade. Yes, that is what I’m talking about. They have been picking quite a few strawberries, 2100 quarts a week to be exact and the homemade pies – oh my gracious me – I bought a peach pie for my neighbor then upon my return it was so inviting we could not wait for dessert. Right then and there we sat down and helped ourselves to a piece of that warm peach pie struggling to find the willpower to leave some for later. Luscious would be the word for it !
Another large market is the Inwood Farmers Market just east of I-81. I doubt you can go wrong with any selection there. Then heading north again, on Tabler Station Road, there is a small outpost for Kilmer’s Farm Market. Some of their produce is from out of state as is everyone’s this time of year but it all looked very fresh. The Gerogia peaches were scrumptious. In July they’ll have more locally grown stuff. In fact, July brings us a lot of locally grown choices. Jefferson Orchards on the old Route 9 will be open; as will Orr’s Farm Market where even now you can pick your own berries. Those picked by one’s own hand might well be the best. It’s something the kids might enjoy too.
There will also be more local produce at the smaller places like Willow Brook Farm on Poor House Farm Road. Stuart Lentz is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He is presently offering Pennsylvania grown produce and vegetables along with loaves of tasty Amish bread.
Very nearby as the crow flies and not but a stone’s throw from the Interstate is Greenfield Farm Market. I am very anxious to get the call from them informing me that my raspberry order is ready for pickup. They’ll also have plums when they are in season, peaches, apples – though I was surprised to hear that apple sales have been quite low around here. I don’t quite understand that what with all the apple festivals and celebrations we have in this area. That helps me understand why the apple orchards are being sold to developers though. So next time you think about complaining of the disappearing orchards, consider what you did (or did not do) to support them. I’m not pointing any fingers – I’m just saying “think about it.”
Back to our jaunt around the markets -
Returning west on Route 9, you’ll find Petrucci’s Market shortly before James Rumsey Technical Institute. Folks can often be seen toiling away in the garden there behind the building. As with many of the other places, the harvest is slim at this time of year. And if we don’t get some rain, it may be a long summer for the farmer.
Shepherdstown also has a market which I have yet to visit. I’d love to hear more about it. And Charlestown -
In fact, I invite you to visit any local farm market and add a comment below or send me an email. Even if the produce you purchase isn’t local today, the men and women that keep these places open are living an extraordinarily tough life. There are no days off, no sick days, no mornings to sleep in – I surmise they don’t even want to sleep in what with the sun about to rise and add 20 or 30 degrees to the temperature.
And besides – if it’s fresh from the tree or straight out of the garden it simply has more flavor. I say – get yourself to market !

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