Shore to Shore: Shore Acres Farmers Market brings local flavor and handmade finds to the shore

FRUITLAND, Md. — In the latest edition of Shore to Shore, you may head to the Shore Acres Farmers Market for fresh produce, but you’re guaranteed to leave with something else handmade or locally made. Sponsored by Schell Brothers.

Fresh flavors, handmade treasures and the people who make it all happen are bringing flair to Fruitland and downtown Salisbury through these local farmers market featuring artisans and small businesses.

Tanesha Siggers, market manager at Shore Acres Market, said she wanted to create an experience that went beyond a traditional farmers market.

“A lot of people have been to a farmers market, but I wanted to give artists, artisans, bakers and others that opportunity,” Siggers said.

Small businesses of all kinds have the opportunity to showcase their products, bringing the community together one booth at a time.

“We have produce, fresh fruit, baked goods, sourdough — everyone loves the sourdough — cookies, honey bun cake that’s famous around here, Amish breads, lotions and dog treats for all the furry friends,” Siggers said.

The market features about 20 vendors, with selections rotating throughout the seasons. With so many options, visitors may wonder what they shouldn’t leave without trying.

“Try everything. I promise you, you will not go back to eating store-bought anything if you come here,” Siggers said. “But I know, by popular demand, honey bun cakes were introduced to the world, and now it’s a phenomenon.”

I can attest to the buttery, lemony goodness of the honey bun cake — it’s a must-try! Whether it’s fresh from the farm, made by hand or rooted in the community, visitors are sure to find something locally made.

Siggers said the market also aims to educate visitors about nutrition and the benefits of knowing where their food comes from.

“We want to make sure we also bring that nutritional part in, as well as the experience and understanding what a farmers market is, how it works and what nutrition is behind it, so you can eat healthier,” Siggers said.

She said shoppers can also benefit from knowing what goes into the foods they buy.

“You can actually know what’s in your bread,” Siggers said. “There don’t have to be 30 ingredients in your bread or your cake or anything else. It could be five ingredients, and they can taste just as good.”

Supporting local vendors also means supporting family members, friends and neighbors, helping strengthen the community throughout Wicomico County.

Siggers said the market has fostered relationships between vendors and customers, many of whom see one another each week.

“A lot of people know vendors by name or know customers by name. They already know what your order is going to be,” Siggers said. “Having your kids here, having them see that and having that community — they come here each week and play with different kids.”

The Shore Acres Farmers Market is open Thursdays from 4 to 7:30 p.m. and every other Saturday in downtown Salisbury from 9 a.m. to noon.

To learn more about the market, visit its website.