To be perfectly honest, the title of this week’s column is a bit of a lie — the no hay part is true, but there is an actual market at the Haymarket station, just not when I visited. Anyways, I braved the cold this week and took a quick and easy trip to Haymarket station. For those interested in visiting, you can hop on the Green Line at the Medford/Tufts station and take it all the way to Haymarket. As someone who commuted to the station nearly everyday over the summer, I can verify that it takes exactly 19 minutes to get there. Not 20 minutes, 19.
First, a little history: The Haymarket station, along with most of the stations on the Green Line that run through downtown Boston, was part of the city’s initial subway system. In fact, Haymarket was the northern terminus of Boston’s first subway line, which was also America’s first subway line. Throughout the first half of the 20th century, Haymarket was served by two subway lines, one of which would become the Green Line, as well as the elevated lines, which would eventually be moved underground and become the Orange Line. Today, Haymarket is served by the B, C, D and E branches of the Green Line, along with the Orange Line.
Haymarket’s name derives from farmers who would congregate in the area to sell hay and other agricultural goods. The area hosted markets for over a century prior to the founding of the Haymarket Pushcart Association, which operates the market in its current form. Every Friday and Saturday, Haymarket Square is bustling with produce vendors. I worked in the area over the summer and had the opportunity to browse the variety of fruits and veggies sold at the market. The prices are better than anywhere else, but it requires sorting through some very mushy plums and wilted lettuce in order to find what you need. For a college student on a budget, I felt like I hit the jackpot.
Haymarket station is located at the confluence of many amazing neighborhoods and attractions. Located right outside of the station, you have Boston Public Market. To the north, you have Boston’s famed North End (which I covered in the very first edition of this column). Take a little walk to the south and you have Faneuil Hall, and if you walk a bit further, you’re in the heart of downtown Boston. No matter which direction you go, there is something to do and see.
Immediately after I stepped out of the station, I was greeted by a gust of icy cold wind, forcing me inside Boston Public Market. After walking around and contemplating what to buy, I ended up getting an apple cider from Red Apple Farm and an everything bagel seasoning popover from The Popover Lady. Feeling refueled, I braved the cold again and walked outside, passing by the New England Holocaust Memorial. Despite working right across the street from it all summer, I realized that I’d never walked through it, so I took the opportunity to do so. It is a moving and well designed memorial; I highly recommend taking time to visit it if you’re in the area. After walking around for a bit, I decided to conclude my travels and come home.
For good food, good prices and interesting history, I highly recommend visiting Haymarket.
Correction: An earlier version of this column stated that the Haymarket market is not open in the winter. The market is open year round on Fridays and Saturdays.
