Haymarket, Boston

For some fantastic picnic ingredients, you can't beat the fresh produce markets in Boston. The savvy locals know to head over to Haymarket's open-air market, which takes over the Marshall and Blackstone Streets every Friday and Saturday, starting at the crack of dawn and running until dusk (most vendors tend to wrap up by 5 PM). Here, you'll find nice deals on a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh seafood.

Haymarket has been a fixture of Boston life since 1829, with pushcart vendors displaying their array of fruits and veggies, set against a backdrop of fish, meat, and cheese shops. The interesting part is that the remnants and debris left behind every evening have been transformed into an imaginative work of public art. In 1976, artist Mags Harries created "Asaroton", a term derived from the Greek word meaning "unswept floors", often used to describe Roman floor mosaics depicting the remnants of a banquet. This public art piece consists of bronze fruit peels and other discarded items artfully embedded into the pavement.

And if you happen to be near Haymarket at Creek Square, take a moment to spot the Boston Stone. Embedded into a brick wall, this stone is said to have served as milepost zero, marking the starting point for measuring distances from Boston.

Why You Should Visit:
Well, you'll find wallet-friendly prices, friendly vendors, and it's the perfect spot to gather picnic supplies before heading to the nearby waterfront park.