101 Best Farmers Markets In America For 2017 Slideshow
Farmers markets are an incredible resource. Not only do to they provide locals with access to wonderful produce, they also offer the chance for people to come face to face with the farmers, artisans, and purveyors, allowing education to become a part of the equation.
Talking directly with the people who are growing and nurturing food gives people the chance to understand so much more about the food they are buying as well as the chance to learn how to use it to its fullest potential.
In this report listing the country's top 100 farmers markets, 41 states are represented, with California, New York, Minnesota, and Washington State having the highest market share (pun intended) in terms of coveted positions.
Take a look at the rankings to see how your own farmers market fared, and let us know if we missed any of your favorites! Also check out The Daily Meal's city pages for maps and other details on farmers markets in 23 cities around the U.S.
#101 Coppell Farmers Market, Coppell, Texas
All of the produce at the Coppell Farmers Market comes from farms fewer than 150 miles away, and the specific growing conditions at each farm are labeled on the market's website. Browsing the market is a great way to (as the site says) "get to know your farmer, rancher, producer, grower, baker, fisherman, dairyman, soap maker, and even your dog biscuit maker to learn many interesting stories behind your food!" The market is open Saturdays from April to November.
#100 Historic Downtown Hot Springs Farmers Market, Hot Springs, Ark.
This community-oriented market began in the mid-'70s at an old train-loading platform. There, farmers stationed themselves with their products until they sold out — or until their cows came home. Today, the market is a kind of "front porch," where locals visit with friends, sip coffee, and stay a while, listening to the sounds of live music while browsing locally grown produce and locally made crafts. Each week the market offers educational opportunities, including cooking demonstrations and farm tours. The Hot Springs Farmers Market is open year-round with both a summer and a winter season.
#99 Black Hills Farmers Market, Rapid City, S.D.
The Black Hills Farmers Market is open Saturdays from May to November, selling locally grown vegetables, herbs, house plants, baked goods, and granola. With more than 40 vendors attending the weekly market, there really is something for everyone.
#98 Sitka Farmers Market, Sitka, Alaska
Besides being a wonderful farmers market, the Sitka Market provides healthy eating education and entertainment for the community as a part of the Sitka Local Foods Network. The market is open Saturdays from July to September.
#97 South Kingston Farmers Market, Kingston, R.I.
"When you get to know your farmer, you get to know your food!" The motto of the South Kingston Farmers Market says it all. They even host year-round markets so the community has consistent access to fresh produce.
#96 Spa City Farmers’ Market, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
The Saratoga Springs community can enjoy the bounty of New York farmers every Sunday year round. The market managers have high standards for vendors, saying, "All participating vendors are premium local brands and the best of the best, including a bounty of the state's most sought-after farmers and producers." Dogs are welcome, and parking is free. Click here for more information.
#95 Bainbridge Island Farmers’ Market, Bainbridge Island, Wash.
You can find tons of fresh and tasty food items at the Bainbridge Island Farmers' Market. Beyond produce, this market invites local artisans to offer their unique goods like sculptures built from recycled metal, baby quilts, doll sculptures, blown glass, and designs made from recycled island wood. The market is open Saturdays from March to December.
#94 Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers’ Market, Pacific Beach, Calif.
Handmade bath products, flavored peanut butter spreads, made-to-order empanadas, vegan baked goods, aerial photography, fresh-caught salmon, and flavored garlic pastes and hummus — these unique finds are all available at the Pacific Beach Farmers' Market. It is a must for weekly grocery shopping. It's open every Tuesday, year-round.
#93 Old Oakland Farmers’ Market, Oakland, Calif.
Old Oakland Farmers' Market is one of nine Urban Villages markets serving urban communities in California and provides a large selection of organic produce. Urban Villages is dedicated to cultivating relationships between California growers and the community, and offers cooking demos in all of its markets. The Old Oakland market is open Fridays year-round.
#92 Cheverly Community Market, Cheverly, Md.
At the Cheverly Community Market you'll find some of the best local vegetables and fruits, meats, fish, bread, wine, and one-of-a-kind crafts, such as beaded jewelry and knitted clothing. A lineup of musicians plays at the market each week, so you'll be entertained as you shop. The market is open select Saturdays from May to December.
#91 Cape Ann Farmers’ Market, Gloucester, Massachusetts
In addition to local food and crafts, such as Trupiano's sausage, which some claim is the best in the area, and dog collars specially designed for the beach, there's plenty to see at the Cape Ann Farmers' Market. You can enjoy live music, educational booths, weekly activities for kids, cooking demonstrations, and seafood throw-down cooking contests.
#90 Oshkosh Saturday Farmers Market, Oshkosh, Wis.
The Oshkosh Saturday Farmers Market is open almost year-round (it's closed in May) and has fruits and vegetables for every season. You can get beets, spinach, and strawberries in June; beans, peppers, and potatoes in July; apples, carrots, and squash in August; and garlic, grapes, and pumpkins in September and October. Between all this and everything else that the market offers, you're unlikely to go home empty-handed.
#89 Saturday Farmer’s Market, Newport, Ore.
From colorful blueberries, cherries, and raspberries to made-to-order grilled cheese sandwiches, carved walking sticks, and jewelry made from beach glass and stones, the Saturday Farmer's Market is the place you want to be on Saturdays year-round in Newport.
#88 Fort Collins Farmers Market, Fort Collins, Colo.
The Fort Collins Farmers Market offers cooking demonstrations, games, and music for its patrons while they shop for local produce. From fruits and vegetables to flowers and organic body care products, Fort Collins covers all farmers market must-haves — and more. The Fort Collins Market is open Wednesdays from June to September and Sundays from May to November.
#87 Melrose Place Farmers Market, West Hollywood, Calif.
The Melrose Place Farmers Market is open every Sunday, rain or shine. It is one of 24 Raw Inspiration markets in California providing locals with fresh California produce, artisan goods, and prepared meals. The Melrose Place Farmers Market also puts on special events for the community, like restaurant tastings at the market.
#86 Jefferson County Farmers Market, Jefferson County, Wash.
At the Jefferson County Farmers Market, there are fruit and vegetables available for every season. Find artichokes and arugula in the spring; berries, flowers, and tomatoes in the summer; and apples, pumpkins, and wild mushrooms in the fall. Stop by for seasonal produce as well as artisan foods like hand-roasted coffee and sweet and savory hand pies, plus arts and crafts you won't find anywhere else, including jewelry made from paper and dolls made from sheep's wool.
#85 Farmers Market Annex, Minneapolis
This Minneapolis farmers market serves the Twin Cities in more ways than one. Every Saturday and Sunday from May through October, the market sells all things fresh from the farm including flowers, prepared foods, and produce. But the space does not go to waste for the rest of the year. The Market Annex operates as a Christmas tree farm, flower lot, and community event space during the winter and spring months.
#84 Fresh52 Farmers’ & Artisan Market, Las Vegas
At the Fresh52 Farmers' & Artisan Market, there are cherries, berries, apricots, sweet and savory hummus, Hawaiian shaved ice, macaroons and caramels, silver exotic stone jewelry, restored upcycled hardback books made into purses, and much more. On certain days, the market features live entertainment, including string ensembles, chef demonstrations, and crafting activities for kids. The market is open Saturdays and Sundays year-round.
#83 Fulton Farmers Market, Minneapolis
At Fulton Farmers Market you'll find all of your must-have meats and produce; specialty and ready-to-eat foods like roasted beans, chutney, and wood-fired pizza; and interesting crafts including garden art and beautifully made cutting boards. In an effort to promote sustainability and healthy diets, the market offers advice and tasty recipes for cooking and serving market-bought foods. And with weekly kid-friendly activities like book readings, lawn-sign decorating, and book swaps, plus additional entertainment like magic shows and puppet shows, there's always something to keep the little ones entertained. The Fulton Farmers Market is open every Saturday, May to October.
#82 Greene Street Market, Huntsville, Ala.
The Greene Street Market has become an essential part of every Huntsvillian's Thursday afternoon routine. Patrons come to purchase fresh-cut flowers, artisanal spreads and jams, grass-fed beef, and locally grown produce. The market runs Thursdays, May through October.
#81 Saratoga Farmers’ Market, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Though it's one of the pricier farmers markets on this list, the amount, diversity, and quality of products sold at the Saratoga Farmers' Market make it well worth the extra cost, and there are some great bargains to be found. Some of the market's fresh food — including Long Island-caught fish and mushrooms grown in Ghent, New York — is brought to visitors from surrounding counties.
#80 Delmar Farmers Market, Delmar, N.Y.
Just next door to Albany, the Delmar Farmers Market supplies locals with fresh food that is grown and made within a 35-mile radius. From vegetables and spices to vegan dip and fresh-baked items, the market is Delmar's go-to source for the freshest, most flavorful ingredients and ready-made food. The Delmar market is open Saturdays during the growing season.
#79 Chewelah Farmers Market, Chewelah, Wash.
Chewelah covers all the basics of a fabulous farmers market with its devotion to local produce and community service. But it's the weekly planned activities that make this market stand out: the cherry splat contest and zucchini regatta, to name a couple. The Chewelah market is open every Friday from May to October, rain or shine.
#78 32nd Street Farmers Market, Baltimore
Visit the 32nd Street Farmers Market and you'll find a diverse assortment of fruits and vegetables, artisan-made foods like homemade pasta, cheese pies, and ice pops made with fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Come with an appetite and a desire to taste international foods like Thai curries and Ethiopian wraps. The 32nd Street Farmers Market is open every Saturday year-round.
#77 Boyne City Farmers Market, Boyne, Mich.
Take a trip to the Boyne City Farmers Market to support the long list of farmers, vendors, and artisans that fill the stalls. Boyne also has food assistance programs helping low-income and elderly community members. The market is open every Wednesday and Saturday, May through Labor Day, before moving indoors for November through April.
#76 Oregon City Farmers Market, Oregon City, Ore.
The Oregon City Farmers Market is not only dedicated to the local growers, but also to the overall health and well-being of Oregon City's citizens. Healthy eating education programs are a high priority among the market managers. The market runs year-round, but the main summer market is held Wednesdays and Saturdays, May to October.
#75 Prescott Farmers Market, Prescott, Ariz.
Since its debut in 1991, the Prescott Farmers Market has expanded from a few farmers to more than 90 vendors selling everything from locally produced food and artisan products to plants and prepared food. They also emphasize educating the community about the importance of local agriculture. The Prescott market is open every Saturday during the summer.
#74 Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market, Statesboro, Ga.
Sweet corn, grits, cheese sticks, herbal salves, leather jewelry, and bird feeders are a few of the original items available at the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market. Though the market closes during the winter months, fresh market food is available year-round through the Market2Go service, which allows shoppers to browse seasonal products online, place an order, and pick up it up from a nearby location. The summer market is open every Saturday from April to November.
#73 Schenectady Greenmarket, Schenectady, N.Y.
Schenectady residents enjoy the fruits of their community year-round at the Schenectady indoor winter market and outdoor summer market. Farmers from all over the area come to sell their much-appreciated honey, fruit, vegetables, and prepared foods.
#72 Homer Farmers Market, Homer, Alaska
An abundance of fruits and vegetables, gourmet kettle corn, habanero-jalapeño apple jam made with wild and local fruits, halibut tacos, gemstone and wire-wrapped jewelry, pencil drawings of scenic sites in Alaska, and vegetable- and herb-based soaps are just some of the diverse items sold at the Homer Farmers Market. The market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, May through September.
#71 Olympia Farmers Market, Olympia, Wash.
Now celebrating 41 years serving the Olympia community, the Olympia Farmers Market sees more than 400,000 visitors each year. They are committed to fostering strong bonds between community members, consumers, and farmers and advocate for small businesses. The Olympia Farmers Market runs April through October, Thursday through Saturday.
#70 Minneapolis Farmers Market, Minneapolis
Since 1937, the Minneapolis Famers Market has provided the Twin Cities with fresh, local produce and goods. A rotating cast of 230 vendors fills the stalls all year round.
Click here for more information about the market.
#69 Kaka’ako Farmers’ Market, Honolulu
The Kaka'ako Farmers' Market is located in one of Honolulu's hippest neighborhoods and offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as other eats, accompanied by live music. They are open Saturdays, "rain or shine...tsunami, maybe not."
#68 Capital City Public Market, Boise, Idaho
Covering half a dozen blocks, the Capital City Public Market is filled with local farmers, bakers, winemakers, and artisans. The market is open Saturdays, April through December.
#67 Morgantown Farmers Market, Morgantown, W.Va.
All of the produce sold at the Morgantown Farmers Market is grown within a 50-mile radius. During the peak season there are more than 30 farmers offering the freshest produce, meats, eggs, breads, flowers, and more to the community. Everything from eggs and goat cheese to pork, lamb, fruits, and vegetables can be found. The summer market runs every Saturday, May through November.
#66 Haleiwa Farmers Market, Waimea, Hawaii
The best part of this Big Island farmers market is the atmosphere. Locals and visitors alike happily enjoy local produce, live music, prepared treats, and eats with a backdrop of one of the world's most famous big-wave-surfing destinations. Open Thursdays year-round.
#65 Woodland Park Farmers Market, Woodland Park, Colo.
The Woodland Park Farmers Market is celebrating more than 26 years supporting the community providing locally grown produce with many options to purchase pesticide-free or organic food. The Woodland Park market is open Fridays from June through September.
#64 Redmond Saturday Market, Redmond, Wash.
Redmond's farmers market serves its community every Saturday from May through October. It comprises local farmers, gardeners, artists, craftspeople, and food specialists, and everything is made, grown, or produced in the state of Washington. The market takes into account every member of the community, large, small, and furry. There are always activities planned for kids and the local pet adoption center often brings cats and dogs looking for their forever homes.
#63 Saint Paul Farmers’ Market, Saint Paul, Minn.
The Saint Paul Farmers' Market is not only the largest market in Minnesota, but may be one of the largest in the nation. Operating near a spot that housed one of the very first farmers markets in the state in 1853, it has everything from fruits and vegetables to flowers, herbs, and plants to artisan-made foods, and everything is grown or produced locally. Saint Paul Farmers' Markets are held from April through October.
#62 Amherst Farmers’ Market, Amherst, Mass.
Rain or shine from April to November, the Amherst Farmers' Market is a great resource for locally produced food. As a 40-year-old institution, the market only offers produce and prepared goods made in Massachusetts. They also have a great program that makes purchasing fresh and local produce more affordable.
#61 Market Square Farmers' Market, Knoxville, Tenn.
In the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Market Square Farmers' Market offers all of your standard farmers market herbs, plants, produce, dairy, and meats. But look out for the more unusual finds like mushroom logs and mushroom-growing kits, Tennessee moonshine cookies, rabbit and lamb meats, handmade socks, and jewelry made from dried flowers. In addition to the regular season, Wednesdays and Saturdays from May to November, vendors return in December to sell special holiday items.
#60 Tacoma Farmers Market, Tacoma, Wash.
With a goal of "creating healthy communities," the market also offers a Double Your Dollar Matching Programs to help make buying healthy food easier and cheaper. The Tacoma Farmers Market is open May through September every Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday.
#59 Portland Farmers’ Market, Portland, Maine
The Portland Farmers' Market has roots going all the way back to 1768! Now in their 248th year, this outdoor market operates on Saturdays, April through November, and they also have a winter market that runs December through April.
#58 Milwaukie Sunday Farmers Market, Milwaukie, Ore.
Given its central location in downtown Milwaukie, the Milwaukie Sunday Farmers Market feels like half produce market, half street fair. The market's unique touch is especially evident in its music performances, in styles from bluegrass to jazz to Hawaiian. Don't miss the cooking demonstrations — with fresh fruits and vegetables like huckleberries and mushrooms — from Nature's Wild Harvest, fresh salmon from Columbia River Fish Company, and lamb from SuDan Farm. The market season spans from May to October.
#57 Northeast Farmers Market, Minneapolis
Minneapolis locals say the Northeast Farmers Market is "nailing it" with their selection of locally grown and ready-made food. The market focuses on providing quality food and educational experiences that are "local, flavorful, and magical" for all ages and classes of people.
Click here for more information about the market.
#56 Downtown Topeka Farmers Market, Topeka, Kan.
Since the '30s, Topeka residents and visitors alike have spent Saturday mornings from April through November catching up with friends, listening to live music, and browsing locally produced food and craftwork.
#55 Midtown Farmers Market, Minneapolis
Along with its many vendors, every week the market features live music, kid-friendly activities, cooking and composting demonstrations, and gardening advice from Master Gardeners, a horticulture educational program. The Midtown Farmers Market is open Tuesdays and Saturdays, May through October.
#54 Mississippi Farmers Market, Jackson, Miss.
This year-round market is the largest of its kind in the state of Mississippi. While it's always fun to simply take a stroll and see what's on offer, the market also has an app for patrons to check in on what they can find each day at the market.
#53 Colorado Farm and Art Market, Colorado Springs, Colo.
This market wants you to "get fresh with a Colorado farmer." The Colorado Farm and Art Market was founded with a mission to support local farmers, food producers, and artists in Colorado. No matter the time of year, all of your seasonal produce can be found here.
#52 KCC Farmers’ Market, Honolulu
The KCC Saturday and Tuesday Farmers' Markets are two of several markets put on by the Hawaii Farm Bureau, whose mission is to "enhance and strengthen the lives of rural Americans and to build strong, prosperous agricultural communities." Patrons enjoy local coffee, sea asparagus, ginger, and locally caught fish, among many other Hawaiian treats. The KCC Market is held every Saturday year-round.
#51 Capital City Farmers Market, Montpelier, Vt.
The Capital City Farmers Market has provided fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat, and more to the local community for more than 37 years. Visit the market for delicious fresh vegetables including beets, Swiss chard, and parsnips; less common meats like duck and pheasant; and handmade crafts including drums, dried flower arrangements, and hammered silver jewelry. The Capital City Farmers Summer Market is held every Saturday from May to October, and the Indoor Market is held several Saturdays in the winter.
#50 Lexington Farmers' Market, Lexington, Ky.
The Lexington Farmers' Market is a five-day-a-week, year-round operation. The market runs only Saturday in winter, but it runs Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during all other seasons. During the regular growing season (April to November) the market operates outdoors, and it migrates indoors during the winter months. Sweet corn and tomatoes are some of the favorite items snatched up during the season.
#49 Kingfield Farmers Market, Kingfield, Minn.
Described by locals as "hip, local, green, and gourmet," the Kingfield Farmers Market hosts about 30 vendors each week and welcomes thousands of visitors. It is a produce-focused market offering a wide variety of fruits and vegetables along with prepared foods, coffee, handmade crafts, music, kids' activities, and more. The Kingfield Farmers Market is one of three markets run by Neighborhood Roots and is open Sundays from May through October.
#48 Ithaca Farmers Market, Ithaca, N.Y.
Located next to the waterfront at the historical Steamboat Landing, the Ithaca Farmers Market is as a place for visitors and locals alike. The market and vendors are all about promoting "joyous commerce," and make it fun to shop and to connect with the community. The Ithaca Farmers Market is open Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at three different locations. All vendors make or grow their food within 30 miles of the market.
#47 Alabama Farmers Market, Birmingham, Ala.
Indoor. Open Air. Daily. Year-round. The Alabama Farmers Market's 49 acres is an outpost for 207 Alabama growers who sell both wholesale and to ordinary consumers.
#46 Alemany Farmers' Market, San Francisco
Affectionately regarded as "the people's market" by San Franciscans, the Alemany Farmers' Market is all about affordable prices, fresh and quality ingredients, and a friendly community. The community market is open every Saturday from dawn 'til dusk.
#45 Peachtree Road Farmers Market, Atlanta
This market is all about the farmers. It is the largest producer-only farmers market in the state, meaning that everything at the Peachtree Road market has been grown, raised, or made by the seller, ensuring fair prices for both the vendors and the consumers. Open Saturdays and Wednesdays, each day is packed with fun with everything from live music to chef demos and dinners, and, of course, their 50 local vendors.
#44 Fayetteville Farmers’ Market, Fayetteville, Ark.
Often called the "Crown Jewel of Fayetteville," the Fayetteville Farmers' Market has provided fresh and local products to the community for more than 40 years. From the early morning, the market is busy with shoppers, farmers, crafters, musicians, and even a juggler. The Fayetteville Farmers' Market is open year-round, and the outdoor summer market is open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from April to November.
#43 Atlanta Farmers Market, Atlanta
The Atlanta State Farmers Market sits on 150 acres along with a garden market, restaurants, and other wholesale produce markets. The farmers market is open seven days a week year-round, selling Georgia's prized produce, meats, and dairy products.
#42 Boulder County Farmers Market, Boulder
The Boulder County Farmers' Market is an iconic gathering place in the community and a produce-only market. All 120 vendors set up shop Saturdays and some Wednesdays between April and November. The market features everything from locally sourced crafts, potted seedlings for the home gardener, prepared foods from local bakeries, gourmet cheese, small-batch honey, and artisan salsas.
#41 Lancaster Central Market, Lancaster, Pa.
Not only is the Lancaster Central Market one of the country's best farmers markets, it also claims to be the country's oldest continuously operating farmers' market, doing business for more than 275 years. In the heart of Amish country and occupying a 120-year-old brick building, the market oozes history and character. You'll get a taste of the local life with regional foods like Pennsylvania Dutch sausage, scrapple, and headcheese.
#40 Downtown Farmers’ Market, Des Moines
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Marketbegan in 1975 with 15 vendors, likely only selling fruits and vegetables. Since then, it's grown to host nearly 300 stands, offering everything from fruits and vegetables to meat, dairy, bread, sweets, and even artisanal food and craftwork across nine city blocks. The market also helps out the community by encouraging vendors to donate some of their fresh food to local homeless shelters in the area. This market is open every Saturday (including holidays) from May to October.
#39 Cherry St. Farmers Market, Tulsa, Okla.
Every Saturday from April through October, the Cherry Street Market comes to life. The market boasts more than 80 vendors, more than 75 percent of which are Oklahoma farmers selling produce. Visitors can enjoy live music and free health screenings, too. At the end of the season, Cherry Street hosts a special Farm to Table Dinner fundraiser with top local chefs and local growers.
#38 Hilo Farmers Market, Hilo, Hawaii
Noted for its fresh fruit and diverse plant selection, the Hilo Farmers Market offers native fruits for every season. Found back in 1988, this market has collected a number of awards throughout the years including Best Farmers Market from Hawaii Magazine. It was also the first market to be federally approved to accept food stamps by way of a unique electronic system and EBT cards. The Hilo market is open seven days a week, with the largest number of vendors attending the Wednesday and Saturday markets. Some items from the market are even available for purchase online.
#37 The Market at Pepper Place, Birmingham, Ala.
The Market at Pepper Place was founded in 2000 to connect Alabama farmers to the community. With more than 100 vendors, including both farmers and craftspeople, the market is a lively place to visit every Saturday from May until December. During peak season, more than 10,000 people come for the fresh produce live music, kids' activities, and chef demos.
#36 Santa Fe Farmers Market, Santa Fe
The Santa Fe Famers Market, New Mexico's largest market, is open every Saturday year-round with additional market times on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the peak season. The managers pride themselves on the market's well-curated selection of goods — only food grown in northern New Mexico is permitted. They also advocate for farmers, ranchers, and other land-based producers to provide equitable access to fresh, local food directly to the community.
#35 SFC Farmers' Market, Austin
Farmers' Market has everything from seasonal produce and dairy products to green juice and cold kombucha drinks on tap and in bottles. Whichever market location you go to, the variety is wide and the people are friendly. Plus there are always kids' activities, live music, and ready-to-eat foods.
#34 Heart of the City, San Francisco
Located in the heart of San Francisco at the United Nations Plaza, Heart of the City Farmers Marketis a uniquely independent, farmer-operated, nonprofit farmers market hosted year-round on Sundays and Wednesdays. They are an advocate for food education and they target food-desert areas in San Francisco. Notably, with the Market Match Program, Heart of the City matches up to $7 of each EBT purchase, effectively generating $225,000 for low-income customers and farmers.
#33 Durham Farmers’ Market, Durham, N.C
The Durham Farmers' Market brings people together to celebrate the unique food and culture of downtown Durham and the farms that sustain it." All 77 vendors at the Durham Farmers' Market grow their produce within 70 miles of the market, and the year-round market's loyal following is mirrored by its more than 15,000 Twitter followers.
#32 Clarksville Downtown Market, Clarksville, Tenn.
The Clarksville Downtown Market is open every Saturday from May through October. Here you can not only enjoy fresh produce from local farmers, but you can also dance along to the live music and hang with mascot "Corny the Cob."
#31 Gresham Farmers' Market, Gresham, Ore.
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, marionberries, and more are what you'll find at the Gresham Farmers Market. Rooted in agriculture and known for its bounty of berries grown by local farms, Gresham opened its market in 1986 and still offers a wide selection of locally grown berries. The Gresham market is open each Saturday from May until the last weekend in October.
#30 Hope Farmers Market, Austin
Described by some as "dripping with Austin attitude," the Hope Farmers Market is a gathering place for everyone. Visitors come to shop for fresh food and one-of-a-kind crafts, and to listen and dance to music performed by local musicians. With market food like wheatgrass, lavender, and mix-and-match ice cream cookie sandwiches, as well as handmade crafts like wooden rocking chairs and beaded jewelry, there's something here for every free-spirited hipster of Austin.
#29 Baltimore Farmers’ Market, Baltimore
Every Sunday year-round, Baltimore Farmers' Market, Maryland's largest producer-only market, sells fruits, vegetables, and an extensive array of meats, including bison, goat, rabbit, lamb, and seafood. They also offer weekly chef cooking demos. Craft artisans and flea merchants sometimes sell alongside the Sunday market.
#28 University District Farmers Market, Seattle
The first of seven Seattle neighborhood farmers markets, the University District Farmers Market supports more than 100 local family farms, and even offers gift certificates. Their Fresh Buck incentive program provides up to a $10 fresh fruit and vegetable bonus match making good food more accessible. This market runs on Saturdays all year round.
#27 Downtown Farmers Market, Salt Lake City
The Downtown Farmers Market was founded in 1992, and has since expanded to four markets: the Downtown Farmers Market (Saturdays, June to October), the Downtown Art and Craft Market (Saturdays, June through October), the Downtown Harvest Market (Tuesdays, August to October) and the Winter Market at Rio Grande (Saturdays, November to April). The produce from the market comes from 16 counties in Utah. Some of Utah's most iconic vendors have become so popular that they've traded in their tents for brick-and-mortar locations.
#26 Farmers’ and Crafts Market of Las Cruces, Las Cruces, N.M.
The Farmers' and Crafts Market of Las Cruces has been serving the Las Cruces community for more than 40 years. With more than 300 farmer and artisan vendors, it was voted the Nation's Best Large Farmers Market in a poll conducted by America's Farmland Trust in 2011. The market is open year-round every Wednesday and Saturday.
#25 Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market, Washington, D.C.
FreshFarm Market's Dupont Circle location is open every Sunday year round in the city's most diverse and vibrant neighborhood. During the peak season, more than 50 farmers come to sell their produce. Also, this market was dubbed one of the top farmers markets in the country by The Wall Street Journal as well as the Financial Times. Importantly, the market raises money to match dollars for families using SNAP, WIC, and SFMNP in order to get more fresh produce into community kitchens.
#24 Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market, San Diego
Every Saturday year round, the Little Italy Mercato welcomes San Diego locals and visitors. From produce and baked items to prepared food, clothing, and crafts, the Little Italy Farmers' Market has everything you need, including a breathtaking view of the San Diego coast.
#23 City Market, Kansas City, Mo.
The City Market is a year-round shopping center filled with dining, stores, and entertainment. In addition to the permanent fixtures, the market hosts the region's largest farmers market every Saturday and Sunday. The City Market even offers a free valet service called the Tomato Taxi to help customers carry their purchases after they've finished shopping.
#22 Memphis Farmers Market, Memphis
With more than 50 varieties of produce, the collection of fruits and vegetables available at the Memphis Farmers Market "puts Whole Foods' selection to shame," one shopper says. In addition to the tried-and-true produce and meats of most markets, the Memphis market also shines in its assortment of herbs, plants, and fresh-cut flowers.
#21 West Side Market, Cleveland
Cleveland's oldest public market (dating back to 1840), West Side Market is quite culturally diverse. The market is home to 100 vendors offering meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, dairy, flowers, ready-to-eat foods, spices, and nuts.
#20 Nashville Farmers’ Market, Nashville
The Nashville Farmers' Market has been around since the early nineteenth century and now covers 16 acres of urban landscape. The Market House is a permanent complex of 16 restaurants and local shops. Open 362 days a year, the daily market in the center of the Market House hosts up to 100 farmers selling seasonal produce, meats, and dairy items.
#19 Rittenhouse Farmers Market, Philadelphia
One of the largest farmers markets in Philadelphia, Rittenhouse welcomes over 30 local farmers and food artisans every Saturday and Tuesday during the food growing season.
#18 Boston Copley Square Farmers Market, Boston
Right smack in the middle of downtown Boston, in the famous Copley Square, sits this market. Open Tuesday and Friday, the Copley Square marketis operated by Mass Farmers Markets, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting area farmers and providing residents nutritious, locally grown and produced food.
#17 Farmers Market of the Ozarks, Springfield, Mo.
This farmers market provides a home for diverse vendors from within a 150 mile radius. It is housed year round in a pavilion which is open air in the summer with roll-down doors to keep the heat in during the winter months. Vegetables, fruits, and plants are available to buy, as well as handspun yarn, stained glass vases, handmade clothing, skin care products, and other artisanal wares.
#16 Hollywood Farmers’ Market, Hollywood, Calif.
Families and renowned Southern California chefs alike use the Hollywood Farmers' Market for fresh, California-grown produce. This weekly market features farmers, artisans, chefs, and musicians every Sunday, rain or shine. The market hosts 160 farmers, producers, and food artisans who specialize in locally grown, sourced, and made products.
#15 Burlington Farmers’ Market, Burlington, Vt.
The Burlington Farmers' Market takes advantage of the many goodies produced in Vermont year-round by moving to an indoor facility during the brutal winters. From wine, mead, honey, and hummus to vegetables, flowers, breads, and meats, Burlington's market sources producer-only goods for locals and tourists alike.
#14 Charleston Farmers Market, Charleston, S.C.
In historic downtown Charleston's Marion Square, the Charleston Farmers Market thrives with food, art, and entertainment. There are fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, as well as artisan foods like flavored pecans and prepared foods, from authentic French crêpes to shrimp and grits, from more than 100 vendors. The market is open every Saturday, April to November, and every Saturday and Sunday in December.
#13 Omaha Farmers Market, Omaha, Neb.
Locals say the Omaha Farmers Market is one of the best parts of summer in Omaha. They love it because while produce changes with the seasons, the vendors, atmosphere, and people stay the same. At the market, you'll find fresh-picked celery, German sausage, and ready-made habanero lime pasta.
#12 Eastern Market, Washington, D.C.
This farmers market is open every weekend, offering local fare. But from Tuesday through Sunday, the Eastern Market building is used to display local art, hold community meetings, and sell artisanal foods and wares. With more than 27,000 Twitter followers, Eastern Market is an integral part of the Capitol Hill community.
#11 Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market, San Francisco
Renowned chefs and the most well-known farmers in the Bay Area can be seen at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, where vendors offer a diverse selection of produce, herbs and flowers, fresh meats, regional artisan products, and much more. The Ferry Plaza market is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (the Saturday market is by far the largest).
#10 Vancouver Farmers Market, Vancouver, Washington
The Vancouver Farmers Market is a pet friendly place where you can chat with people who have grown or created your purchase, grab a bite to eat, listen to music, stroll through the park, watch the kids play, and enjoy a wonderful, relaxing day. The market runs March through October on Saturdays and Sundays.
#9 Davis Farmers Market, Davis, Calif.
The Davis Farmers Market is open year-round on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Every Wednesday evening during the summer, patrons are encouraged to shop for groceries, stay for dinner, and enjoy live entertainment at the Picnic in the Park. As one market-goer recently said, "Great weekly farmers market every Saturday morning. Excellent produce and other prepared foods. Crafts, wine, entertainment (often) as well as an area for prepared foods ready to eat. The large permanent shade structures generally overflow with vendors."
#8 Jack London Square Farmers Market, Oakland, Calif.
Open every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m., year round, rain or shine, this market was founded in 1989 and has deep roots in Oakland, providing a vibrant waterfront marketplace for Bay Area families. More than 40 vendors can be found at this market and every Sunday they also offer free education programs like cooking, demos, and tastings and kid-friendly activities.
#7 Crescent City Farmers Market, New Orleans
On their website, Crescent City Farmers Market lists 20 reasons they're more than a market — No. 1 being, "We handpick local farmers and fishers for shoppers and chefs." CCFM also pioneered SNAP acceptance at farmers markets in the South, they have implemented programs to inspire healthy eating, and their farmers share NOLA culture with their ingredients, tips, and stories— namely, you can buy alligator meat from one of CCFM's many vendors and learn how to cook it! CCFM offers cultural enrichment while also providing the community with fresh eats.
#6 Dane County Farmers’ Market, Madison, Wis.
The Dane County Farmers' Market is America's largest producers-only farmers' market. Their primary mission is to unite the urban and the rural cultures seeking to foster a community and provide an opportunity for farmers and consumers to deal directly with each other rather than through third parties. They have also created educational programs and scholarships that provide grants to promising students interested in agriculture. Stock up on Saturdays and Wednesdays with "the tastiest selection in Madison." Reviews highlight the quality of produce and reasonable prices.
#5 St Louis Metro Market Downtown Farmers Market, Des Moines, Iowa
From 7 a.m. to noon, this farmers market, spans nine city blocks and hosts nearly 300 vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to meat, dairy, bread, sweets, and even artisanal food and craftwork. The market also helps out the community by encouraging vendors to donate some of their fresh food to local homeless shelters in the area.
#4 Green City Market, Chicago
The farmers of the Green City Market go through a rigorous application process, ensuring that they yield humanely raised meats and pesticide-free produce. The year-round market offers sustainable, local groceries and free resources for maintaining a sustainable future. In addition to all this, they sponsor a multitude of community programs like a compost and recycling program, an "Heirloom and Heritage" preservation program, as well as a double value program that benefits consumers and farmers alike. The Green City Market is open every Saturday year round.
#3 Union Square Greenmarket, New York City
Serving more than 60,000 bustling city residents and tourists on any given day, GrowNYC's Union Square Greenmarket caters to shoppers with an ever-changing treasury of fresh produce, baked goods, meats and fish, and even wine and beer. Along with its extensive list of vendors from the Tri-State area, the Greenmarket goes above and beyond to accommodate the needs of its community. The Greenmarket is open four days a week — Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday — year-round, and offers cooking demonstrations, a compost pile, and seasonal bounty galore. It is also very common to spot top NYC chefs picking up produce for their restaurants here!
#2 Portland State University Farmers Market, Portland, Ore.
Portland State University Farmers Market is the flagship market of the Portland Farmers Market. With 200 rotating vendors, the market features local, seasonal produce with music to match every Saturday year-round. The market managers really have taken every detail into consideration, even offering a "veggie valet" service to hold on to your heavy produce while you shop. During the peak season, nearly 20,000 customers shop at this market each Saturday. The market also hosts chef demonstrations, kids' cooking classes, and a lineup of food education events that make this bustling market a special destination.
#1 Santa Monica Wednesday Market, Santa Monica, Calif.
The Santa Monica Wednesday Market is the largest grower-only certified market in Southern California and is a favorite of top Los Angeles chefs and locals alike. They also offer a number of healthy-eating education outreach programs for both children and adults. The quantity and quality of the produce, along with a host of other reasons, make our No. 1 pick for Best Farmers Market in America!