Shop 'Til You Drop: A Pile of Veggies and Other Shopping Goals

Farmers Market season is upon us again! Out on the East End we’re lucky to have so many markets to choose from; some might say too lucky. How do you decide which market you’ll explore this weekend? Why do you need to pick just one?

Good news for all the poor decision-makers out there: It’s theoretically possible to hit ALL of the East End Farmers Markets in a single weekend. Don’t believe us? Here’s my guide to hitting them all.

The Hayground School Farmers Market starts this Friday, May 20, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 151 Mitchells Lane in Bridgehampton. Hayground is the lone Friday market (until next week, when the East Hampton Farmers Market re-opens), so, no sweat. Head over after work and pick up dinner. I recommend carb-loading, because Saturday is a marathon day.

The Westhampton Beach Farmers Market gathers every Saturday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at 85 Mill Road, Westhampton. The Sag Harbor Farmers Market runs on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Bay and Burke Streets in Sag Harbor. Hit these bad boys first, since they close pretty early. Starting Saturday May 28 at 9 a.m. the Greenport Farmers Market will open at 622 First Street, Greenport, and the Shelter Island Farmers Market will begin on the same day at 16 South Ferry Road. Conquer the North Fork, then sprint over to the Riverhead Farmers Market, every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 117 East Main Street in Riverhead. End the day with a really big salad and an overstocked fridge.

But, you’ve hit a wall. You’re beginning to wonder if this was a good idea. You’re thinking, “My God, what am I going to do with all of these radishes?” Don’t give up! You are on a race for glory, and the finish line is in sight! The Port Jefferson Farmers Market opens every Sunday at 9 a.m. at 99 Main Street in Port Jefferson. The Southampton Farmers Market begins Sunday, May 29 at 9 a.m., and can be found at 25 Jobs Lane. Just two markets? Heck, you could do that in your sleep!

So is it possible to hit them all in a weekend? Yes! Is it recommended? Not unless you want to crawl your way out from under a pile of produce. But, if you’re in it for the pride, glory and sweet, sweet bragging rights, there’s nothing stopping you. Now go out there and support your local farmers, because if it’s possible to hit them all in a single weekend, you have no excuse not to shop at at least one.

For the antiquers among us: Two very special antiquing events are coming up that you won’t want to miss. First up: This Saturday, May 21, The Old Town Arts & Crafts Guild in Cutchogue is hosting an arts, crafts, and antiques show. Join them from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to peruse their collection of fine art, antiques, and handmade goods. The event is being hosted by the Mattituck/Laurel Historical Society at 18200 Main Road in Mattituck. Visit oldtownartsguild.org.

Then, starting May 26, Russell Steele Antiques and Kilim Antique Rug Gallery are teaming up for a super sale! Through June 6, stop by the Red Horse Plaza, 74 Montauk Highway, East Hampton to find your own unique antiques and home decor. Call 631-324-7812 or 631-604-5858 for more information.

New Kid on the Block
Dan’s Papers senior editor Stacy Dermont, a self-described “design freak,” reports “geeking out” at the new Jayson Home in Sag Harbor Village. Apparently the John Derian trays, graphically printed linen kitchen towels and the latest Bowie book and Nigel Slater’s new cookbook were too much for her. Of course she bought yet another ceramic berry basket. jaysonhome.com

Send shopping news, including sales, new inventory, openings, and events to shoptilyou@danspapers.com.