Last weekend, I made a brief trip up to Providence to check in with friends and family. But in between all the social occasions, I had to find a way to a local famers' market. After all, this is a state that does agriculture right, and July is the beginning of peak growing season for farmers across the Rhode Island.

I headed to a relatively new market, in the small suburb of Barrington. Held in the parking lot of Barrington Congregational Church (known to locals simply as "The White Church"), the market drew a large crowd that only seemed to grow during my time there. I was surprised at the number of vendors, and the variety of products on offer. There was ample produce from a number of farm stands, but you could easily round up the rest of your food for the week from this one market.

Moondust Macarons was serving up samples of their slightly cloying but still solid macarons.

Prince's Hill Deli, a local staple for decades, had quiches, fresh soups, and granola on display—I purchased a red pepper spread that convinced even my younger brother that vegetables can be delicious.

Baffoni's Poultry Farm had all-natural chicken and eggs for sale, and decorated their stand with my favorite sign of the market: "Don't forget the bacon!" And farmers' market regulars Wicked Natural had a sampling of their jarred products on display, made with locally-grown ingredients and sold across the state.

The standout vendor for me at this market was Great Harvest Bread Company. I'd never heard of this bakery, but after sampling some of the delicious loaves they were readily slicing for customers, I'm ready to become their personal sales representative. After taking a bite of the cheddar-garlic loaf, a white bread studded, but not laden, with cheddar cheese chunks, I looked the baker in the eye and said, "Oh my god." They had nearly a dozen flavors on their table, but I limited myself (and my waistline) to two. But holy moley, I haven't had bread that good in a while.

As far as produce goes, I picked up some delightfully peppery radishes, several handfuls of fresh and snappy green beans, and my favorite: dozens of sweet, juicy sugar snap peas. These I ate quickly and happily on the way home, every bite reminding me of just how great summer produce can be. The Barrington market isn't the biggest I've seen in Rhode Island, but it's certainly a locals-friendly place with some truly great food on offer.

In Season Now

Beets
Broccoli
Zucchini
Sugar Snap Peas
Green Beans/Wax Beans
Tomatoes
Carrots
Summer Squash

Coming Soon

Sweet Potatoes
Rutabaga
Okra
Brussel Sprouts
Eggplant