Think farmers’ markets are just for summertime? Think again! Here at VIM, we love buying fresh, locally sourced ingredients that make for healthy, low-cost meals. Lucky for us, farmers’ markets have been popping up all across the city this season and are braving the frigid winter weather to bring us a much-needed taste of summer.
Check out these indoor markets for everything you need to make your favorite wintertime comfort food.
Cambridge Winter Farmer’s Market
Cambridge Commuity Center – 5 Callender St, Cambridge
Saturdays 10am-2pm
Somerville Winter Farmers’ Market
Center for the Arts at the Armory – 191 Highland Ave, Somerville
Saturdays 9:30am-2pm
Brookline Winter Farmers’ Market
The Arcade – 318 Harvard Street, Brookline
Saturdays 9:30am-2pm
Dorchester Winter Farmer’s Market
Great Hall in Codman Square – 6 Norfolk St., Dorchester
Sundays 12pm-4pm
Newton Winter Farmer’s Market
Hyde Community Center – 90 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands
Tuesdays 1:30pm-6pm
Like many businesses we were psyched to get commercial plates so that we could park in loading zones and avoid the musical chairs of city parking meters. That excitement turned when in a state inspection our car was deemed to have several thousand dollars worth of repairs. Sitting at the car dealership I came to the conclusion that this was the time to switch to Zipcar. I figured this decision was sound, it fit our triple bottom line paradigm; it was good for the environment as we could reduce our carbon footprint by utilizing public transportation and hauling supplies to and from each location by hand, it was good for the community as businesses like Zipcar with car sharing models deserve to be encouraged to expand by our spending vote, and it was good for VIM as it gave us more exercise and is significantly less expensive. It turns out that the unforeseen benefit is that Zipcar is really easy to use and we were able to set up a company account that allows employees to zip for less. I know I sound like a cheerleader and you’re thinking “did Zipcar pay them to say that?” We’re just so happy with the decision we want to encourage other businesses to do the same.
Thoughts from the founder,
Pierre
What better way to start your weekend than dancing for a good cause? This Friday, VIM is hosting a PARTY IN PINK Zumba fundraiser event in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Come enjoy an evening of Zumba with VIM instructor Maeve and Edwin to help raise money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.
Tickets: $10 cash donation will be collected at the door. ALL proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure
When: Friday, October 26th at 5:45pm
Where: The Mind/Body Studio at our Central Square location
Remember to wear PINK and bring friends, family members, or anyone else who wants to join the party! Non-members are encouraged to attend.
We will be raffling off a 2 hour message at our Aveda Spa. Everyone who attends the Party in Pink will receive a ticket and anyone who visits VIM on Friday can enter buy purchasing a $5 raffle ticket.
Looking for a simple yet healthy dish to whip up after your VIM workout that won’t totally undo all your hard work or counteract all those calories you just burned? Here’s 10 awesome bloggers from the Boston/Cambridge area with tons of healthy recipe ideas and fitness inspiration to keep you on track. Remember to check out our #RecipeWednesday posts on Facebook and Twitter, where we feature a new local blogger each week!
6) Sarah Fit
9) VeganYumYum
10) Melomeals
With fall only a few days away and summer’s heat beginning to fade, now is the perfect time to get out and enjoy all that our beautiful city has to offer. We know it’s not an easy task to say goodbye to those carefree days of backyard BBQs, strolls along the Esplanade, weekends on the Cape, and late nights of patio lounging and pitchers of sangria, but it’s time to face the inevitable: the refreshingly cool breeze of autumn is swiftly approaching. Here are five great ways to kick those end-of-summer blues while embracing the great outdoors. Hey, you’ll even burn a calorie or two (or 200)!
1) Go for a Bike Ride
Don’t have a bike of your own? Good thing Hubway has over 60 stations throughout Boston and Cambridge! Whether you gather a crew to ride around the Boston Common or set out on a solo mission to your favorite reading spot, biking is sure-fire way to get a low-impact exercise while enjoying the sites and sounds of the city.
For a list of local bike paths, visit www.massbike.org
2) Apple Picking
‘Tis the season for fresh, locally harvested produce and nothing says autumn quite like a deliciously crunchy, handpicked apple. Hop on the commuter rail and head to Belkin Family Lookout Farm for some quintessential fall fun at one the country’s oldest farms. You’ll be happy to know that some good ole apple picking burns about 220 calories an hour!
Visit www.Mass.gov for more pick-you-own farms
3) Take a Hike
What better way to transition your mind and body into the new season than by getting in touch with nature AND working up a sweat? Put down the smartphone, step away from your laptop, and escape the stresses of city life. Our friends at Harvest Co-Op created a Boston hiking guide to help you navigate through the numerous trails in the area that are worth checking out. Remember to pack plenty of water and some healthy snacks like almonds or dried fruit!
4) Paddle Down the Charles River
Take in our city’s killer skyline while kayaking or canoeing down the Charles! With rentals as cheap as 10 bucks for a one-way trip from Kendall Square to Allston, a relaxing ride down the river is a cheap way to get your fitness fix while soaking in some rays.
Check out www.paddleboston.com for more info
5) Visit the Arboretum
If you haven’t paid a visit to this hidden gem nestled in Jamaica Plains, it’s time for you to see what this urban oasis is all about. Boasting over 265 acres of luscious greenery , The Arnold Arboretum is the ideal destination for a day of hiking, biking, or a free guided tour. It’s conveniently located right off the Orange Line and is the perfect spot to have a picnic and enjoy the fall foliage.
Walking to work during the summer is pleasant especially when your path takes you through a Farmer’s Market. VIM is lucky to have the Central Square Farmer’s Market adjacent to our Central Square Location. The vibrant color of the fruits and vegtables, the earthy local farmers and table attendants, and the feeling of solidarity of purpose is all so charming. This last week there was even a couple of musicians playing live folk music. If you haven’t already, check out the Central Square Farmer’s Market through November in the parking lot at Bishop Street and Norfolk Street.
For more info visit: www.massfarmersmarkets.org
Thoughts from the founder,
Pierre
