The Little White Market is Big on Homemade Foods in Hopedale, Mass.

The Little White Market, Hopedale, Mass. (photo by Eric)

Looking over the menu of soups, salads, paninis, sandwiches and desserts, I decided on a turkey sandwich with homemade stuffing and cranberry spread on a bulkie roll. It was amazing, perhaps the best and most substantial turkey sandwich I've had on my 50 years on earth!

While enjoying my sandwich, I was in awe of what mouthwatering foods the steady flow of customers were taking out, as well as what I saw around the store and on the menu: chicken and broccoli aglio, stuffed eggplant, vegetable alfredo, chicken marsala, honey glazed carrots, as well as gingerbread men cookies, cheeses, chocolates, breads, beers, and wines.

I felt right at home here -- such a nice alternative to the fast-paced, over-hyped, contrived chains along the highways and byways of New England. Like all places where you feel a connection, it was tough to leave. I thanked the owner and then, without thinking twice, said to everyone in the place, "Merry Christmas!" That's something I normally wouldn't do --addressing a group of people I don't know.  Each and every person in The Little White Market replied in virtual unison, "Merry Christmas!" back to me. In a world that seems less friendly each day, this was really a wonderful moment that I appreciated so much.

I left The Little White Market and Hopedale with this unintended Christmas gift of meeting some very nice people while enjoying a lunch that will, no doubt, have me returning to this unassuming, friendly little small business in a town I have always loved. Just goes to show that digging deep into the road less taken brings some mighty rewards when traveling New England!

The Little White Market is located at 5 Depot St. in downtown Hopedale, MA. Tel. (508) 473-1443