I had a chance to visit the Walpole Farmers Market 2011 kick-off, June 15, at its new location at the Town Common in downtown Walpole, Mass. From that first experience, we’re happy to say that we’ll be back frequently!

We were especially impressed by the variety of farm-fresh vegetables and plants, as well as the quality of strawberries from several local vendors. You don’t always see such vibrant fruit and vegetable colors in the larger markets — what a beautiful scene!

We ended up buying some fantastic New England clam chowder from Fresh Catch of Medfield, Mass., straight-from-the-garden organic green leaf lettuce from Lanni’s of Lunenberg, Mass., an over sized, mouthwatering mint whoopie pies from Butter Cafe and Bakery in Walpole, Mass. Additionally, we sampled some delicious zucchini bread from Vermarje International, of Randolph, Mass., a uniquely fabulous key lime pie fudge from Fudge is Love, of

Bellingham, Mass., fresh homemade hummus from To Dine for in Hull, Mass., and delicious raw asiago cheese from Lawton’s Family Farm, of Foxboro, Mass. There were many more vendors that we look forward to visiting next time.

Overall, prices were quite reasonable and we felt good about supporting the local economy by purchasing from the hard-working folks that keep the spirit of independently-owned businesses alive.

Next time we visit, we look forward to buying the foods we had sampled, as well as fresh-picked strawberries from Oakdale Farms, of Rehoboth, Mass. Nothing like fresh fruit coming right from a local farm!

Another highlight of the Walpole Farmers Market is its quintessential New England location. The town common is spacious with beautiful paved walkways, benches and an old stone gazebo. With historic municipal buildings and homes and a big white church with a tall white steeple surrounding the town common, you really feel like you’re in “small-town” New England. Hard to believe this laid-back scene is just 20 miles southwest from the heart of downtown Boston!

The Walpole Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday from 2-6:30 p.m., and is located on Route 1A at the intersection of Main and Front Streets.   For more information on vendors, log onto the Walplole Farmers Market Web Site.