Boston - July 20, 2005

To Market, to Market

Somerville Farmers' Market

Union Square. Hipsters and young families have been pooling in its ever-gentrifying wilds for years. And no wonder: It’s got low housing costs, nearly crime-free neighborhoods, and is spitting distance from the big city.

But the true badge of a healthy ‘hood? Whether it can support an open market. And sell pies.

After a humble beginning, the weekly Union Square Farmers’ Market is quietly gaining steam. The neighborhood’s diverse masses gather on Saturday mornings to shop for everything from locally grown Asian produce and bulging bouquets of wildflowers to fresh herbs and hot-out-of-the-oven ciabatta loaves. Recently there’s been a smattering of arts and crafts — handmade jewelry, pottery, baskets, and such.

Not bad for a little upstart. Or, for that matter, all of Boston, which could use a few more farmers’ markets.

And for the record? They do sell pies.

Union Square Farmers’ Market, Union Square, Somerville. Saturdays through October 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.