Farmers markets, Kids Night, Butter Beer donuts for dad: Fall River Eats

Not sure where to grab a bite to eat? With lots of options around the Fall River area, it can be difficult to choose.

If you’re having a hard time, we’re here to help you narrow it down. Fall River Eats brings you a weekly roundup of new menu items, food events, and specials popping up all over the area.

Mark your calendars: here are some delicious offerings to look forward to this month:

In this 2021 file photo, city residents line up for fresh produce at the Fall River Farmers Market.
In this 2021 file photo, city residents line up for fresh produce at the Fall River Farmers Market.

Fall River's outdoor farmers markets are back

This week ushered in the return of Fall River's weekly outdoor farmers markets, which has expanded to a fourth location in 2023. Fall River's Farmers' Markets, coordinated by Mass in Motion - Fall River and run by Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership, officially kicked off its summer outdoor stretch on June 13. It will take place four days a week through Oct. 27 at different locations throughout the city, with a new site at Sunset Hill Apartments, 151 Charles St. Each market features local farmers offering a large variety of fruits, vegetables, seedlings and herb plants. Open to the public rain or shine, they will also feature community information tables, giveaways and more. The 2023 schedule is as follows:

Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saint Anne's Hospital, at the corner of South Main and Middle streets

Wednesdays, 2  to 5 p.m., HealthFirst Family Care Center, 387 Quarry St.

Thursdays, 2 to 6 p.m., Sunset Hill Apartments, 151 Charles St.

Fridays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cardinal Medeiros Towers, 1197 Robeson St.

SNAP/HIP, cash, cards and WIC/senior coupons are accepted. Check out Mass in Motion's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/massinmotionFR for market updates.

Pony rides to beer gardens: Fall River area farmers markets catering to all tastes

A look at the interior of the new Black Salt restaurant in Swansea.
A look at the interior of the new Black Salt restaurant in Swansea.

Parking lot upgrade at Black Salt

The next time you return to Black Salt for lunch, it'll be much easier to park. Black Salt owners completely revamped the former Simply Simons building prior to opening its doors this past November, and now they've shifted their attention outdoors. The Swansea restaurant announced via their Facebook page that they are in the process of revamping their parking lot. They will be closed for lunch Monday, June 12, through Thursday, June 15, while work is underway, but open for dinner starting at 4 p.m. The 481 Wilbur Ave. restaurant will return to regular hours for the remainder of the week.

The game room at Barrett's Alehouse, located at 4171 North Main St., Fall River.
The game room at Barrett's Alehouse, located at 4171 North Main St., Fall River.

Kids Night at Barrett's Alehouse

Summer's underway and the kids are home. Looking for something fun for them to do? Power up and head to Barrett's Alehouse in Fall River later this month for Kids Night. Barrett's is teaming up with A Piece of Cake Parties on an exciting evening Monday, June 26, from 5 to 8 p.m., starring every gamer's favorite plumber (it's-a Mario!). There'll be giveaways, goodie bags, game cards and a visit from Mario himself. Also get revved up for a Mario Kart competition in Barrett's Game Room. The cost is $20 per child and includes a game card, goodie bag, dinner and dessert. The event is reservations only. Call to make your reservation at 508-674-3600.

This Father's Day week, the Donut Factory will be serving up Butter Beer flavored drinks, doughnuts and shakes at its Fairhaven location.
This Father's Day week, the Donut Factory will be serving up Butter Beer flavored drinks, doughnuts and shakes at its Fairhaven location.

Be a wizard at gift giving

Calling all Harry Potter fans (or fans of tasty sweets). It's Father's Day week — time to raise a glass and toast all the dads out there. And what better way to do that than with beer the whole family can enjoy. Now through Sunday at the Donut Factory, grab your dad an iced cold Butter Beer. They've even got Butter Beer flavored gourmet doughnuts and shakes (for those wondering it tastes a bit like butterscotch). Make your Father's Day magical with a stop at the Donut Factory's Fairhaven location at 7 Howland Road.

Fall River debuts 3rd Fridays next month

There's a new waterfront event coming to the Spindle City this summer. The annual Fall River Farmers and Artisans Market is moving to a new format and a new location this year — get ready for Third Fridays. Organizers of the open-air market promise the same great atmosphere, this time with a view of Fall River's beautiful Gates of the City on Ponta Delgada Boulevard, which has become a hub for city events. Events are planned for July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, from 4 to 8 p.m., and each will feature food trucks, a live DJ, artisan market, free family activities, artistic performances and more. Interested in being a vendor this season? You can find the application here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfOTI3ZuMdER1.../viewform

Second location: Fall River's Mr. Chen expanding with new eatery, a new concept

Does it get any better than New Bedford Scallops?

Scallop Gratin is the new menu item at The Black Whale.
Scallop Gratin is the new menu item at The Black Whale.

The answer is obviously no, and at The Black Whale they are highlighting New Bedford Scallops in their new menu item. A must-try is the Scallop Gratin, NBMA’s finest, served in the shell, with buttery breadcrumb and a creamy gruyere cognac sauce for $18. They are also dishing up fried scallops ($30), bacon-wrapped scallops ($34), and seared scallops ($32). For your scallop fix make sure to head over to 106 MacArthur Drive, New Bedford.

Support the DNRT this summer

Photos from the first of three Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust Summer Cookouts held Friday, July 15, 2022 at the DNRT in Dartmouth.
Photos from the first of three Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust Summer Cookouts held Friday, July 15, 2022 at the DNRT in Dartmouth.

The Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust - DNRT is hosting three summer cookouts this year to support its fundraising goals. Tickets are $75 per person for each cookout and include dinner, music, lawn games, and an open bar. June 23: Cajun-inspired menu by Morton’s Fork and music by Southcoast Brass Band; July 29: Backyard BBQ menu by No Joke Smoke and music by NB Symphony Orchestra; and Aug. 26: fresh and local menu by It’s Thyme and music by The Two of Us. To enjoy some great food, good music, and support the DNRT buy your tickets at https://dnrt.org/product-category/dnrt-store/summer-cookouts.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River farmers markets and food for dads and kids featured