The Norwich Farmers Market
Dartmouth's location in the woods opens up a whole new range of social options that I never had access to growing up in the city. This weekend, my friends and I decided to explore one of these local gems: the Norwich Farmers' Market. It was a refreshing change of pace from our usual campus routines, and I was excited to experience something that felt quintessentially New England.
Our trip started with us hopping on the Advanced Transit near the computer science building, which is such a convenient option for students who don't have cars. It's free and makes getting to nearby towns like Norwich easy. When we arrived at Norwich, the energy at the Farmers' Market immediately captivated me.
The Norwich Farmers' Market runs outdoors from May through late October every Saturday morning, and it's brimming with life. There were over 50 vendors lined up with the most beautiful displays. The air smelled of freshly baked pastries, and we could hardly decide between the sweet and savory options. We wandered from stall to stall, enjoying the healthy plants, vibrant hanging baskets, and lush, freshly cut flower bouquets that brightened up the market. Adding to the sensory experience were freshly cooked dishes from all over the world—Thai, Haitian, and Indian food, to name a few. The local artisans were another highlight—each booth was filled with unique, handcrafted goods made by skilled weavers, carvers, potters, jewelers, and printmakers. Live folk music performed by musicians from the Upper Valley filled the air, creating an atmosphere that felt almost like stepping into a scene from The Hobbit. The blending of music, friends, organic food, and natural beauty made it a wonderful way to start a weekend.