Most of us know the biggies in our cities. In New York, we've got Union Square and Grand Army Plaza that are open year-round and have dozens of vendors. But there are lesser-known markets that pop up for a few months in summer, and sometimes we don't know there's one right around the corner until we stumble upon it. Let's make a list...
The market pictured above is at Rockefeller Center, smack dab in the middle of midtown office buildings. It's open in July, August, and October.
We've also mentioned the 96th Street market, which is open year-round but really flourishes from now until Fall.
More that we know of:
• 106th and Central Park West (hasn't shown up yet this season)
• Near Columbia University, on Broadway
• Lincoln Center
Can you tell what neighborhood we live in? West side, uptown, obviously. There are a few websites that list local greenmarkets, such as...
• Council on the Environment of New York City
• Local Harvest
...but some markets are better than others, and we're curious which off-the-beaten path ones you particularly love and want to share with your neighbors.
Not just New Yorkers, here! Weigh in with any city. Tell us what's up and running so far this summer.
Related: How to Support Your Local Farmers' Market (Without it Consuming Your Whole Day)
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None. I live in Newtown CT, and we have nothing so far.
I've been hitting the Daly Plaza farmer's market in Chicago on Thursdays. It's on my bus route on the way to work and Thursday is close enough to the weekend that it's a good day to stock up on produce.
Last week I stopped at Hannah's Bretzel just down the street for a breakfast sandwich and coffee before the market and spent a nice hour before heading to work.
I just discovered the Eastern Market in SE D.C. I've known of it for a long time but just got around to checking it out this weekend. I love it! Farmer's Market/Flea Market -- it rocks! :)
Laura
http://www.grafxnerd.net
There's a small market on Sundays at Carroll Park in Brooklyn. Its not as big as the one at Borough Hall (which is not as big as Union Sq. or Grand Army), which runs all year round, but its nice to pick up a few things if I can't get to any of the Sat. markets.
Wow, just last night I was looking up farmers market in the LA metro area. And there are so many. http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-farmersmarketlist,1,5715921.htmlstory
My local Arlington MA market opens in 2 days! Can hardly wait.... Not much produce will be ready for sale, but I will be getting fish from the fish ladies (that is caught that morning).
in orlando we have one downtown at lake eola, a newer one at the whole foods on sand lake, and one in celebration, but i'd say the best one is in winter park off of park ave next to the old train station.
We used to live in Des Moines, WA so I have a soft spot in my heart for its tiny Saturday morning waterfront marina market with its live music, Blue Rose Dairy Black Jewel cheese and gorgeous flowers.
Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm (June 6-Oct 31)
Wednesdays 4 pm - 7 pm (July 22-Aug 19)
www.dmfm.org
Happily, our current town of Tacoma, WA already has three neighborhood farmers markets up and running this year. They are small but vibrant with vendors bringing in local produce, poultry, meat, wine, cider, dairy, eggs, crafts, flowers, baked goods and more. We are swimming in strawberries, radishes and spring greens now.
Proctor Farmers Market Tuesdays 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm (April 4-Nov 12)
Broadway Farmers Market Thursdays 9 am -2 pm (May 21-October 15)
6th Ave Farmers Market Saturdays 9 am - 2 pm (June 2-Sept 29)
www.tacomafarmersmarket.com
www.proctorfarmersmarket.com
Of course, our neighbor to the north, Seattle, has many more markets...the big ones--Pike Place, West Seattle, Ballard and U-District--are year-round but others are opening every week.
(Full Disclosure: My husband and I work for a local family farm, Tiny's Organic. He gets to help out at some of the markets in the area and gets the inside perspective. We have always enjoyed Farmers Markets but are now receiving a real education about farming, harvesting, and seasonal living/eating. We have nothing but the deepest respect for anyone who makes their living producing food for others. Thank you to everyone who supports local producers.)
i live in portland, or and we have many neighborhood markets! i mainly to go the largest one which is at PSU on saturday mornings, but there are also markets on sunday, wednesday, and thursday around the city. it is fantastic!!
http://portlandfarmersmarket.org/
Don't forget the new market at the South Street Seaport at the old fish stalls. It's only open on Fridays and Saturdays but I'm so thankful that it's in my 'hood. Definitely a nice treat for the residents.
There are literally dozens of green markets in NYC. I don't know if this list is complete but it is the one put out by The Council on the Environment of NYC.
http://www.cenyc.org/files/gmkt/map.pdf
Sorry. I also meant to say that I have always enjoyed the one at 77th.
FYI another year round one in Manhattan is located in Inwood at Isham St. on Saturdays. Our honey guy recently left when a spot at Union Square opened up, but he was replaced with a winery!
Milk, seafood, turkeys and beef, cheese, loads of veggies including one stall with a ton of hot peppers in the summer, plus the new wine folks means we've got some great options up North.
In Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA we have one right outside of my office building door and it started last week. Great stuff right from the start. http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farmersmarkets_details.php?market=168
I usually go to the Greenmarket in Abingdon Square. It's less of a contact sport than heading to the one in Union Square and is open year-round. It has a few produce stands (including Yuma's -- love), cheese, fish, chicken, pork, turkey, bread and outdoor plants. Recently they added a winery and honey too.
In NYC - My favorite was the small one at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza right by the UN. It was easy to conqour in a short lunch break, and had everything I wanted. (And also had a Yuma's stall...I think everyone loves Yuma's!!!)
Now I work downtown and have been trying to get to the market on Greenwich & Chambers, but haven't made it yet.
I love the variety of Union Square, but it is way too hectic and crowded for me.
We've got two in Ottawa, Canada that are for local produce only (Main Street and Lansdowne Park) and at least two that have more relaxed regulations (Byward Market and Parkdale Market).
All four are open.
Our nieghborhood farmer's market at 110th and Manhattan Avenue reopened last Saturday. It is small but has a wonderful selection of greens, some good breads, and later on in the summer loads of fruit and corn.
I can't believe I forgot to mention Central Market in Lancaster, PA, my home county! Housed in an 18th-century red brick building, the market is a real treat to visit. In my younger, romantic days I moved from farm country into central downtown so I could live a block away from market. Every week, I would walk over to check out the fresh produce, eat some Middle Eastern food from Saife's and buy one miniature rose for my little apartment. I hear it is still thriving, crowded and open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
I second the Carroll Gardens Sunday market on Smith and Carroll Street. What it lacks in size it makes up for in quality, Chris of Consider Bardwell Farm makes awesome cheese and the lettuce from Rogowski Farm is out of this world. Seatuck is also there selling amazing fish and the trip isn't complete without chocolate milk from Milk Thistle and a scone from Bread Alone.
In Madison, WI we have at least two farmers markets. One of them is the largest producer only farmers market in the country and is year round (inside in the winter). I'm moving to Cincinnati in the fall and am really going to miss it :(
Reading Terminal Market, Center City Philadelphia. Very old, very wonderful.