Best Veggies by the Tracks

HOPE Farmers Market

As far as we know, it has nothing to do with the Obama campaign, but the HOPE Farmers Market does encapsulate the social shift that swept him into office. Small-scale but thoughtful in its offerings (local produce, arts, crafts, landscaping plants, vegan Indian food), the market is a community-oriented nonprofit associated with the Helping Other People Everywhere organization, which involves artists in promoting social change. The vibe in the market's shady, breezy courtyard and adjacent Pine Street Station space is nuevo-Eastside: relaxing and a little raggedy, hip but not yet overmonied, and infused with low-key, 21st century creature comforts such as iced coffee, xeriscaping discourse, and musicians from Okkervil River. The veggies we've bought there have been luscious and impeccable, but the real prize at HOPE is the invigorating sense of neighborhood connection, of place, and, yes, of change.