Where can you enjoy a great breakfast, entertainment and a chance to browse and buy from local vendors on your visit to Halifax?  The Halifax Seaport Farmers Market is just the spot.

We visited on a Saturday morning when everything was in full swing.  The “Dispossessed” entertained with their Appalachian music and children dancing.  There’s a great view of George’s Island and the lighthouse.  After enjoying a great cup of coffee and mini quiche with friends on the second floor overlooking the market below we explored the local goodies.  The market has artisans and local vendors with arts and crafts, jewelry and locally produced items like soaps and beauty products.  I was most interested in the local produce and always look for something new to try out.

My most exotic find was a Lions Mane mushroom from Maritime Gourmet Mushrooms just outside of Halifax.  With the variety of shapes and colors of mushrooms it was difficult to choose.  The Lions Mane mushroom looks like a fuzzy ball.  I got instructions on how to cook it and couldn’t wait to try it out when we got home.  I also found local multi-colored carrots, basil and baby spinach and another new veggie for me – celery root.

Here are photos of the veggies including the Lions Mane – and the recipe I cooked up with it and baby spinach.  Yummm

The market is located on the Halifax waterfront, not far from Pier 21 and behind Via Rail.  It is open (winter hours) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, Saturday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Market will be reopening on Mondays starting April 30.

More information

• Halifax Seaport Farmers Market http://www.halifaxfarmersmarket.com/
• Maritime Gourmet Mushrooms http://www.maritimegourmet.ca/