Farmers’ Markets can easily be found during the summer and fall months. In Boston, MA; the SOWA Open Market can be located in the South End. I paid a visit to the SOWA market this past Sunday for the very first time.

Curiosity filled my mind. Would I find any vegan meals at this market? Would vegan desserts or snacks be available? Would I instead be faced with absolutely nothing to eat all afternoon? As I pondered these questions, I decided to head into the small cafe on the grounds of the market. Then and there, I was pleasantly surprised! The displaycase showcased a decadent-looking chocolate cake with chocolate frosting with a label that said “Vegan”! Hooray! Upon first glance at the sandwich counter menu, I noticed that the cafe offered several vegetarian options. The cashier was closeby, so I asked if any of those vegetarian items could be made vegan. She told me that indeed they could.

The cafe also contained shelves of snacks for purchase. Several cookies were labeled as vegan.

Instead of purchasing a sandwich there, I decided to head to the market outside, where several food trucks could potentially offer vegan items.

Lunchtime arrived, so I headed over to the other side of the courtyard where I was met by several food trucks. Two of the trucks served some vegan fare! A Korean cafe on wheels offered vegetable rice bowls. Another food truck called “Clover Food Labs” had many vegan options. They actually have a restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I selected the fried chickpea sandwich in pita bread and slaw with a side of rosemary, french fries. Everything was so tasty! My beverage was a peach-flavored, iced water. It was really refreshing on that muggy day!

Now that my stomach was satisfied, I needed to stroll down the rows and rows of tents. Clothing, bags, jewelry, artwork, and so much more could be found.

As an environmentally-conscious vegan, what caught my glance was the eco-friendly shop called “Nancy’s Gone Green – (Nancy’s Gone Green). I interviewed Nancy, the owner, regarding her mission for the company. Her desire is to work with international, small businesses and craftsmen who can provide eco-friendly, “green” products. She asks them if the labor was inexpensive and cruelty-free to people and the environment. Many of her items are recycled materials. She sells handbags made of recycled plastics. Several South American and Asian small businesses provide her with eco-friendly goods. Natural fibers make up the fabric of the products. I found lovely handbags, cotton clothing, and jewelry made of local materials such as acai berry beads from her Brazilian contacts.

I ended the afternoon by visiting the vegetable produce tables. Zucchini, summer squash, potatoes, and leafy greens proudly dressed the counters with all of their freshness and vibrant colors! Vegans visiting any US town or international destination should keep an eye out for any farmers’ markets weekends. Its a great way to find healthy stuff to munch or to cook in your vacation lodge or on a camping trip.

I recommend that every vegan seek out farmers’ markets where-ever they may travel in the world. They can be a wonderful source of eco-friendly products, local fresh vegetables, and good meals!