The Best Farmers' Markets In America

If you’re in New England and looking for a farmers' market that captures the heart of the region, the Burlington, VT market would be it. In the summer, the Burlington Farmers Market is held every Saturday from late spring through autumn in downtown Burlington’s City Hall Park. (In the winter, it migrates inside to the University of Vermont.) The market offers seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as meat, dairy, and eggs. It also has artisan wares, granola, jams, jellies and ciders, offers local flower bouquets and even prepared foods.

While New York State is home its fair share of farmers' markets–containing several wine regions and countless orchards and farms–the most surprising farmers' market can be found in the city’s Union Square area. Founded in 1976, and with more than 140 vendors ranging from artisan soaps to fresh fish, the market has been a summer staple in the city for years. Local chefs, too, frequent the stalls and even do cooking demonstrations.

Emerging as one of the most food-centric cities in the U.S., Portland’s Farmers Market is helping to bring the farm-to-table movement both to the local restaurant scene and to home entertaining. Hosting several small batch food manufacturers, like Jacobsen Salt Co., there’s no doubt that Portland’s farmers' market is one of the top in the country. Held at the state university, it has both regional delights, such as bison and boar, and more eclectic items like Italian chestnuts. 

No list is complete without Seattle’s own Pike Place Market. Founded in 1907, and one of the most authentic farmers' markets in the nation, Pike Place is now open seven days a week for most of the year (it closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas). The market includes handmade treasures, fresh fruits, vegetables, fishes, cheese, flowers, artisanal products, and one-of-a-kind crafts. It even has several restaurants and food vendors throughout the area. 

If you’re looking for a farmers' market in Chicago, Green City Market is the one to head to. Beloved by area foodies and chefs alike, the Green City Market connects local producers and farmers to chefs, restaurateurs, food organizations and the public. It has a selection of dairy products, gourmet popcorn, garlic, meats, baked goods, poultry, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, with vendors coming from states over, including Michigan and Wisconsin, to take part. In fact, the market has gotten so popular, it’s found itself an indoor home from November to April.

In a section of Cincinnati called Over-the-Rhine is the farmers market to envy all farmers markets, dubbed Findlay Market. This part of the city recently underwent a revival, with a number of restaurants and businesses coming in to flank the market and use its bounty to create better dishes for both dining-out and home entertaining. Fresh fruits, vegetables and handcrafted items are sold at Findlay, and it owns several curated farm stands throughout the city. In addition to allowing local vendors to sell produce and other goods, the market has a staunch stance on sustainability and local economic development.

A city with a vastly underrated foodie scene–brimming with new flavors, techniques and a dining culture that has quietly been upgraded in the last few years–the St. Paul Farmers Market, first opened 1854, is becoming increasingly popular. Under strict mandate, no produce can come from more than 50 miles away, making it a great way keep the local economy thriving. Additionally, the market features a new pop-up restaurant every week.

No list would be complete without a farmers' market from California. The state, which is responsible for most of the country's avocados, oranges, fresh fish and more, has several booming markets throughout the state. However, according to locals, the Davis Farmers Market is the one that food lovers should not miss. Why? It is the closest one to California’s agricultural center, meaning that the food is the freshest in this location. Attending the market include boutique, family-owned and -run farms growing diverse crops in innovative, eco-conscious new ways.

Music city is fast becoming food city and its farmers' market is no exception. Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year, and moving indoors when it’s cold, its lineup of products include herbs, plants, flowers, pottery, seasonings and spices (perfect for bringing home an authentic taste of Nashville). Meanwhile, fruits and vegetables grown sustainably and organically from around the city are some of its most popular items, leading it to quickly become a market that can’t be missed.

The SFC Farmers Market in downtown Austin has seemingly taken over as the top farmers' market in the state. Started in 2003, the market features dozens of farmers and award-winning food artisans. There is also a café under the Auction Oak, live music, and plenty of room to picnic.

Colorado, one of the most progressive states when it comes to health and wellness, has a gem in its Louisville Farmers Market. The Louisville Farmers Market seeks to support Colorado farms and businesses by providing Louisville and surrounding communities with a dynamic and inviting market that is beneficial to both its vendors and customers by emphasizing the importance of buying local products. The market brings locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, wines, artisan breads, honey, coffee, baked goods, fresh salsas, pastas, and natural body care. Additionally, many of the products are grown organically and sustainably.