By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
The freshest produce, homemade goodies, artisan crafts and live entertainment: what’s not to love about farmers markets? Even most small towns have farmers markets, which are comprised of tables and tents from a variety of farms (not to be confused with a farmstand, which sells primarily its own goods from one spot, typically on the farm). Farmers markets are usually temporary sales points of farm goods operating from spring through fall. They promote a sense of community, where neighbors meet and strangers become friends. So, grab a few shopping totes and head out to a farmers market near you.
Here are some of the most popular markets in Upstate New York:
• Oswego-Fulton Farmers Market — What better way to shop local than to enjoy farm fresh, local seasonal product, meat and eggs or sumptuous baked goods? The Oswego-Fulton Farmers Markets has something for everyone. Stroll through the Oswego Market from 4 to 7:45 p.m. on Thursday evenings, June 11 through Oct. 8. West First Street between Bridge Street and Oneida Street, Oswego
Visit the Fulton Market from 8 a.m. to Noon on Saturdays, June 13 through Oct. 10. Canalview Parking Lot, state Route 481, Fulton.
• Canandaigua Farmers Market hosts about 30 vendors and is farmer-run. Shop for produce, flowers, meats, eggs and goods from artisan food producers, including baked goods, jarred products, maple products and honey.
https://canandaiguafarmersmarket.com
• Ithaca Farmers Market operates summertime and wintertime markets. Shop among 150 vendors for ready-to-eat and takeaway food, baked goods, beverages, produce, free-range eggs, meat and cheese, specialty foods, and art and crafts. Picnic tables are available onsite, so plan to make a day of it.
• East Aurora Farmers Market has been in business for nearly 50 years selling produce, flowers, dairy products, maple syrup, baked goods, beverages and value-added products like pasta and jarred goods.
https://eastaurorafarmersmarket.com
• Seneca Falls Farmers Market — Offers a variety of vendors including ones selling produce, baked goods, honey, syrup, ready-to-eat foods, and value-added products. Check the Facebook page for the live entertainment line-up.
www.facebook.com/SenecaFallsFarmersMarket
• CNY Regional Market in Syracuse sprawls across 50 acres as a year-round, indoor market. With more than 400 vendors, it’s one of the region’s largest farmers markets. Look for produce, artisanal goods, handmade crafts, and specialty foods from local sources. The market also hosts a variety of local food trucks selling ready-to-eat foods, so plan to spend the day.
• Downtown Farmers Market is a seasonal market in Syracuse that includes produce, seasonal vegetables, fruits, baked goods, flowers, plants, and more from local vendors. Check the website for the entertainment line-up.
www.downtownsyracuse.com/signature-events/downtown-farmers-market
• Rochester Public Market has operated more than 120 years. A year-round market, expect food trucks, produce, local baked goods, jarred foods, meat, seafood, eggs, dairy products, and ready-to-eat foods. Check the Facebook page for special events.
www.facebook.com/cityofrochesterpublicmarket
• Cooperstown Farmers Market offers year-round sales. Everything sold is produced within 50 miles of the venue, including produce, pasture-raised meat, bread, farmstead cheese, and free-range eggs. You can also find honey, flowers, plants, spirits, maple syrup, sweet treats, artisan crafts, ready-to-eat food and more. Check the Facebook page for the live music schedule.
www.facebook.com/CooperstownFarmersMarket
• Glens Falls Farmers Market sellers offer produce, grocery goods, wine & spirits, ready-to-eat foods, meat, seafood, baked goods, flowers, plants and produce. Stick around for family activities. Check the website for the live music schedule.
https://glensfallsfarmersmarket.com
• Oneonta Farmers’ Market is a smaller market, but has a good variety of goods including produce, meat, baked goods, candy, plants, cut flowers and ready-to-eat food.
https://oneontafarmersmarket.org
• Newark Farmers Marketsellers offer produce, value-added goods, baked items, dog items, crafts, and beverages. Stick around to enjoy the food trucks and live entertainment, all adjacent to a park with picnic tables and mature trees. Check the Facebook page for the entertainment schedule.
www.facebook.com/NewarkFarmersMarket
Before going to a farmers market, check the social media page for any updates and to check the rules of the market, such as whether dogs are allowed. Some vendors accept only cash. Some accept EBT and WIC and offer to seniors vouchers for fresh produce purchases. Ask before you go. To find more farmers markets, visit www.iloveny.com/search/?q=farmers%20market.