Markets of New England

When I look back on some of our family trips, some of the best memories stem from the road trips we took to Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire when I was growing up. These states, along with Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, make up a region known as New England bordered by Canada, the Atlantic Ocean and New York State. Overflowing with a unique charm and particular kind of rustic refinement found nowhere else in North America, this northeastern corner of the U.S. is a must-see for anyone interested in antiques, quaint architecture, pastoral landscapes and wonderful, homegrown food. (If you love Martha, you'll adore New England! Martha's entire oeuvre is based on the aesthetics and atmosphere these states are known for.)

I was delighted, then, when I discovered a book called "Markets of New England" by writer and blogger Christine Chitnis, who is a regular reader of this blog, I'm thrilled to report! All of my memories of Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire came flooding back as I leafed through its pages. It's a gorgeous guide to the best roadside and off-road markets (50 in total) throughout New England. The pages also feature some of Christine's gorgeous photographs of the places she visited.

State by state, the journey goes something like this: In Massachusetts, make your way up the coast to Cape Cod, where markets feature baskets of blueberries and flats of oysters still dripping with saltwater; hop the ferry to Sustainable Nantucket’s picturesque farm stands; or journey inland to an art festival nestled in the Berkshires. In New Hampshire, attend a lakeside workshop and a market held on New England’s largest town common, in the shadow of a classic white church and steeple. Meander across Vermont during an open studio weekend, or to Maine for a clam festival, a county fair, and craft guild shows. Even tiny Rhode Island has pleasures aplenty: an oceanfront gourmet food tasting, an indie art fair overlooking Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor. There is so much to explore! I highly recommend this guide to anyone interested in visiting this beautiful region of the U.S. Visit Christine's beautiful blog here. You can order the book here.