Why I Love New Jersey, Reason #5,274,931: Bivalve Farmers Market

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon at the Bivalve Farmers Market in Bivalve, NJ.

I'm actually quite hesitant to post about this because Bivalve is in my most favorite area of my beloved NJ.  It is my most favorite area because it is well off the beaten path and I would very much like it to remain that way.
But I'm not the selfish type and the Bivalve Farmers Market is so wonderful so I have to share it.  Besides, I met some of the nicest people there yesterday who were selling their goods and wares and I would like you to go there in the coming weeks and spend lots of money on these fine folks.


I am lucky enough to live in Cumberland County, NJ, which is where the town of Bivalve is located.
Most people are so caught up in their misconceptions of NJ (and making lame jokes about it), that they don't realize there are places in my state that are literally breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful and steeped in history.  That's probably okay because (most of) those kinds of people are not the kind of people who will come, quietly and with reverence.  (See?  I can make broad generalizations, too! haha)

If you are the type of person who does have appreciation and respect for serenity and history, I think you will find that making the trip down to Bivalve is well worth the time and effort.

See for yourself:

The shore road to Bivalve

Inside the museum

This is what's left of the schooner, Cashier.  Read more about its history HERE and HERE. Built in 1849! 
"She worked the waters, mostly out of Bivalve, Commercial Township, Cumberland County, NJ
from 1849 to 2000."
Amazing. I felt proud to make her acquaintance.

There she sits, in her resting place, watching all the activity around her.

I'm standing on the one of the docks that the market is held on. This is the view from there.

Oyster boat

More of the magnificent view. This is across the water.

Fresh, beautiful flowers for sale

Samples of sailors knots

Fresh seafood for sale and some pretty cool shell art/jewelry

Out front; please note the musician whose music lent itself so perfectly to this oh so perfect place and event

Some of the locals hanging out

A local dining on one of the  local specialties - clam? oyster?

I went home with everything we needed for a perfect dinner: a quart of oyster chowder, a loaf of locally made bread, deviled eggs stuffed with lump crabmeat and applesauce bread for dessert.

The Bivalve Farmers Market is held on Wednesday afternoons until 11/22.  Please note that 11/22 is a Tuesday and I imagine they're doing it on that day so that we can go over and get what we need to start cooking for our Thanksgiving meals on Wednesday.

I can't wait to go back!  If you go, look for me and say hello.  I'll be the one taking pictures of everything.