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Without a conscious effort to embrace the Island’s cherished practices of farming & fishing, it would be nearly impossible to have the incredible food scene we have today. We continue to honour these rural roots in our kitchens and on our dinner plates while welcoming any global twists that enrich the foodie landscape. So, during your visit, be sure to take in the abundance of local, fresh food available at farmers’ markets, restaurants, and local shops throughout the city.

Best Things to Do This Fall in Charlottetown 4 Farm Day In The City

1) SPECIALTY FOOD SHOPS & MARKETS
You’ll be delighted by the variety of local and specialty food shops, including Kent Street Market, MR Seafoods, Riverview Country Market, Gallant’s & Co., Liquid Gold, Receiver Coffee Co., Farmacy + Fermentary, Mike’s Island Market, and Anne of Green Gables Chocolates. At these shops and farmers’ markets, you’ll discover an array of artisan food products, such as fresh artisan bread, handmade chocolates, free-range eggs, incredible cheese, hormone-free meats, PEI preserves, craft sodas, creamy fauxmage (vegan cheese), organic kombucha, and more.

Buy It Fresh: The Benefits of Shopping Local on PEI 9 Farmacy + Fermentary
Buy It Fresh: The Benefits of Shopping Local on PEI 8 Kent Street Market
Buy It Fresh: The Benefits of Shopping Local on PEI 10 Receiver Coffee Co.

2) DROP BY A FARMSTAND
Take a drive beyond the city limits and you’ll find plenty more options to buy local food at seasonal markets, shops, and even at some farms. Keep your eyes peeled while driving along PEI’s highways and backroads, as you may happen upon farmstands set up roadside. Typically unattended, these inviting stands offer seasonal treats, including famous PEI potatoes, strawberries, Island honey, apples, and other homegrown goods. Just be sure you bring some change to leave in the cash box or jar! The honour system is alive & well.

3) CELEBRATE THE HARVEST
The end of summer brings with it the PEI Fall Flavours Festival, a culinary festival that takes place in communities across Prince Edward Island in October. Farm Day in the City presented by the PEI Potato Growers (Oct 1) is the largest open air market and street festival in PEI. It’s a treat for the senses with over 180 food & artisan vendors, live entertainment, a petting zoo, kids’ activities, live painting, and more.

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Buy It Fresh: The Benefits of Shopping Local on PEI 15 Farm Day In The City
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TO MARKET, WE GO…

MID-TOWN – A must-visit is the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market where mingling is as popular a pastime as shopping for farm fresh items. This longstanding market features 60+ vendors, including farmers, food producers, hot (and cold – think oysters) food vendors, crafters, and artisans. Open Saturdays (9am – 2pm) throughout the year and Wednesdays from late June to the middle of October.

DOWNTOWN – Every Sunday throughout the summer (July – Sept, 10am – 3pm), the Downtown Farmers’ Market sets up a beautiful outdoor market with vendor tents that line the lower length of Queen Street. You can find homemade treats, local produce, a hot lunch, artisan wares, and lots of other goodies. Starting at Grafton Street running toward Water Street, you won’t want to miss this quintessential PEI shopping experience.

HARBOURSIDE – Founders’ Food Hall & Market is the perfect waterfront oasis for food lovers. Located in one of the city’s most stunning historic spaces, this urban market features several local food vendors serving up high-quality food & drink, including freshly baked goods, sushi burritos, Italian-style paninis, gourmet burgers, authentic Mexican delights, vegan comfort food, French Carribean, incredible pizza, baked potatoes, gourmet donuts & more.

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Buy It Fresh: The Benefits of Shopping Local on PEI 14 Doughnuts By Design

Now there you have it. Shopping local in Charlottetown done right. For a full list of these amazing places, check out our Local Markets page for all the goods!

Need a place to stay? Check out our amazing selection of accommodations. Curious what else to do around Charlottetown? Don’t miss a beat over on our events page.

Follow along on social @discovercharlottetown and tag us during your stay to help share the love!

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