Food enthusiasts around the world have made a Saturday morning tradition of browsing the colorful stalls of their local farmers markets. Perhaps they do it because the food is fresher than any supermarket could hope for, or perhaps it’s because eating locally and seasonally is a major way to help the planet.
For most, the best farmers market in the world is the one they return to every Saturday morning. However, some markets stand out because of their size, diversity, or the overall quality of their products.
Here are nine farmers markets around the U.S. that every true aficionado should visit.
On its website, the market clearly defines what it means by broadly used and sometimes-murky terms like “artisanal,” “biodynamic,” “closed herd,” “dry-farmed,” “grass-fed,” “humane,” and more.
Portland has one of the most organized and well-attended collections of farmers markets in the U.S. At least one of them is up and running most days of the week. The Saturday market at Portland State University is the main event. Samples and cooking information are available and provide visitors with a hands-on experience.
Union Square Greenmarket (New York)
The Union Square Greenmarket proves that farmers markets can thrive anywhere, even in a big concrete jungle like New York City. As many as 60,000 people come to Union Square on market days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of each week) to shop, enjoy cooking demonstrations, and learn about gardening.
The Greenmarket is put on by GrowNYC, the same group that runs the citywide composting program, holds Stop ‘N’ Swap clothing exchanges, and is helping NYC schools go zero waste by 2030.
Green City Market (Illinois)
Chicago’s Green City Market is another prime example of a farmers market thriving in a big-city setting. It was the first farmers market in the country to require all participating farmers to be certified by a nationally-recognized third party such as Certified Naturally Grown, USDA Certified Organic, and/or Animal Welfare Approved.
An indoor farmers market is open year-round two or three days a week, and the three outdoor markets are open Wednesday through Saturday during the summer and fall. In addition to a huge array of food and locally made products, this market has cooking demonstrations by some of the most famous chefs in the city and other cooking and gardening classes taught by local experts and enthusiasts.
Located in the city of Hilo on Hawaii’s Big Island, the market runs all day on Wednesday and Saturday, with more than 200 vendors taking part on the busiest days. In addition to the produce, vendors also offer Hawaii-inspired art like jewelry made from locally grown ferns. Since the Big Island gets fewer tourists than Oahu or Maui, the Hilo market is a good place to enjoy an authentic, non-touristy taste of Hawaii.
