Must-Visit Northeast Farmers Markets

It always feels good to shop local – and it usually tastes good, too. While some farmers markets are open year-round, the best time of year to visit is often in the fall. It is harvest season, after all. Nothing will get you in the fall spirit like visiting a local farmers market. Northeast farmers markets are among the best in the country, and they’re full of autumn treats.

Here are seven Northeast farmers markets you can’t miss.

Union Square Greenmarket

New York City

This farmers market is nestled in Union Square Park, in the middle of bustling Manhattan. The Union Square Greenmarket is open year-round, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, giving you plenty of opportunities to visit. The market began in 1976, and it hosts up to 140 farmers, fishers, bakers and artisans during its peak season. Stop by the Union Square Greenmarket for fruits and veggies, heritage meats, farmstead cheeses, artisan breads, local wines and more.

Haymarket

Boston

Set on Blackstone Street in Boston’s historic downtown, Haymarket is one of America’s oldest farmers markets. It originally opened for business in 1820! This open-air market is open year-round, through rain or shine, every Friday and Saturday from dawn until dusk. Stop by to visit over 40 independent vendors providing fruits, vegetables, seafood, flowers and more. Haymarket is especially proud of its multicultural makeup, with over 20 nationalities featured among the vendors.

Portland Farmers Market

Portland, Maine

The Portland Farmers Market is even older than Haymarket, and it claims to trace back all the way to 1768! Northeast farmers markets are old! The location of the Portland Farmers Market bounces around the city depending on the day of the week or the time of year. On Wednesdays and Saturdays from late April to November, it can be found in Deering Oaks Park. On Saturdays from December to mid-April, it becomes the Winter Farmers Market, at 631 Stevens Avenue.

Plymouth Farmers Market

Plymouth, Mass.

The Plymouth Farmers Market takes place at Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum about Plymouth Rock. It’s the perfect backdrop for a farmers market! While you’re there, take the opportunity to visit the Wampanoag Homesite and the 17th-century English village. The Plymouth Farmers Market is open every Thursday, outdoors through October and indoors from November through May.

Hope Street Farmers Market

Providence, R.I.

The Hope Street Farmers Market is a farmer-run co-op created and managed by local farmers and artisans. The market runs from May through October on Saturdays in Lippitt Park on the East Side of Providence. At the Hope Street Farmers Market, you can find fruits, vegetables, flowers, cheeses, pastries, seafood and more. Along with being one of the best Northeast farmers markets, it was named one of the 10 best farmers markets in America by USA Today.

Burlington Farmers Market

Burlington, Vt.

Located on Pine Street in Burlington’s South End, the Burlington Farmers Market has been running since 1980. Visit the market every Saturday through the middle of October to shop from over 90 stands of local vendors, selling seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisan goods, flowers, prepared foods and more. You can also catch some live music and entertainment while you’re shopping. In winter, the Burlington Farmers Market moves indoors – most recently to the Dudley Davis Center. That way, the locally-grown fun never has to stop!

Coventry Farmers Market

Coventry, Conn.

Coventry Farmers Market is relatively young for Northeast farmers markets, at around 16 years old. Still, it’s quickly become one of the largest farmers markets in Connecticut. The market takes place every Sunday from June through October on the Nathan Hale Homestead, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Coventry Farmers Market is usually chock-full of special events, like chef demonstrations, recipe and microbrew sampling, guest lecturers, visiting farm animals and even a pumpkin harvest in late October. It’s definitely not to be missed!

If you like to eat healthy, farmers markets are an excellent way to get inspired.

What are your favorite Northeast farmers markets? Tell us about it in the comments below!