New York's Best: Farmers' Markets

As summer winds to a close, it’s getting closer to harvest time. Check out what’s been growing around New York-area farms by heading to your local farmers’ market here in NYC. Although you may feel far away from the barn, getting farm-fresh produce and other goods is easy. Check out this list, or read about our particular favorites:

Union Square Greenmarket

One of New York’s flagship farmers’ markets and its biggest, with nearly 150 vendors passing through each week, the Union Square Greenmarket is a haven to those who want farm-fresh food. Watch street artists performing or visiting chefs providing cooking demonstrations as you browse the two acres worth of booths. You can find everything from flowers to pheasant to maple candy and homemade jams—but check the market schedule before you go, as vendors rotate daily.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8am-6pm.
14th St at Broadway, Manhattan.

Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket

Brooklyn’s answer to Union Square, the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket was founded by the same team but features many different visiting vendors. Favorites include Rick’s Picks (all different kinds of pickled vegetables, not just pickles themselves) and Ronnybrook Farm, which still gives you milk in those fabulous glass bottles (you can return them for a $1 refund the next week). Family events like pumpkin carving and cider pressing make this farmers’ market a true community celebration of food.

Saturdays, 8am-4pm
Prospect Park West at Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn.

New Amsterdam Market

One of the newest farmers’ markets in the city, the New Amsterdam Market has moved into the old Fulton Fish Market space to recreate the thriving covered market that used to reside there. Although smaller than the Union Square behemoth, New Amsterdam makes it mark in specialty goods, including artisan cheeses, ice creams and honeys. If you’re hungry, prepared food is available from restaurant favorites like Porchetta and Luke’s Lobster.

Schedule varies; visit newamsterdammarket.org
902 Peck Slip, Manhattan.

Stiles Farmers Market

Although fans of the Stiles Market admit that you might find the most seasonal goods over at Union Square of New Amsterdam, they’re not complaining. Why? The fruits and vegetables here are still fresh, from the farm, and above all, some of the cheapest in the city! Stiles focuses on produce (with a few bread vendors in the mix) and the selection is smaller than at many other markets, but the prices are unbeatable (Try peaches at $1 a pound!) and it’s open six days a week.

Mondays-Saturdays, 9am-6:30pm
8th Ave at 42nd St, Manhattan.

Inwood Greenmarket

This rapidly-growing farmers’ market is a favorite of those who live north of 150th St., but it’s becoming known to those in the southern boroughs as well, especially for its wine and fresh seafood. Don’t eat breakfast before you visit, since you’re going to be tempted by the wealth of fresh baked goods here. Get some organic berries as a follow-up snack while you browse the rest of the offerings.

Saturdays, 7am-4pm
Isham St, between Seaman Ave and Cooper St, Manhattan.