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Many years ago, visiting friends in Manhattan, I got my first taste of a non-growing season farm market.

You know how the wind whips around New York City?

Walking on the High Line, NYC

Well, that was going on. December. I remember I was out by myself at the time, just drifting, and I chanced upon a market where some streets came together to create a place were people could be together. In this small stand of stalls, there were apples, greens, roots, and a fish vendor. I was impressed. I was jealous. Man, I wish we had this sort of thing back in Boston!

Home: the years marched the way they do and I observed the formation of a collection of winter markets via our area’s robust farm-to-table and food justice scenes. I heard rumors of this organization and that, trying to bring  indoor markets to the old, cold city.

Finally the markets revealed themselves like crocus. Enter Somerville. Enter Cambridge. Enter Dorchester. Enter Brookline.

Enter Jamaica Plain.

Egleston Market at a glance

Egleston Square, to be more precise. Despite spending many hours at a cafe just around the corner, I hadn’t been quite aware of this neighborhood-within-a-neighborhood.

Egleston Market sign

But now I know of a lively farmer’s market that sells, among other items, outrageously delicious salsa by NoLa’s Fresh Foods, a Main Streets program, and a neighborhood church served by a well-spoken and thoughtful pastor.

Urban Hydro Farmers

Music at the market

Children's activities at the market

Stillman's Meat at the market

So, New York, we’ve caught up. Now what you got?