Hudson Valley Farmers Markets

Dig into the region’s farmers markets, each with its own personality.

 

Back in the day, farmers markets were a collection of tables — and maybe a few tents — stocked with corn, tomatoes, squash, and other familiar produce. In the last two decades, they’ve morphed into something much more. “Nowadays, markets are community gathering spots. They’re doing composting education, cooking demonstrations, relaxation techniques, massage, acupuncture, and all sorts of entertainment,” says Galena Ojiem, an administrator with the Farmers Market Federation (FMFNY). “They’re an experience for the whole family — you can show your kids different fruits, and talk to the person who produced your food.”

The most recent numbers from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicate that New York State farmers markets have ballooned from 235 in the year 2000 to 637 in 2013. FMFNY puts those numbers even higher — in the 650 range — and there could be many more out there flying under the radar. Winter markets are also growing fast, with 161 listed in the USDA directory.

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“New York has the second largest amount of farmers markets in the nation behind California,” says Ojiem. “That means that, in terms of markets per capita, we are very likely the highest in the nation.”

Little wonder when you consider the benefits: fresh produce, superior taste, and eco-credibility, since you are reducing your carbon footprint by supporting local. And even the markets themselves are getting bigger and diversifying.

Here’s a sampling of the best local and worth-a-trip markets and what they’re known for:

 

kingston farmers market

 

Kingston Farmers Market

Summer: Saturdays, May to November, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., outside the Old Dutch Church, Wall St
Winter: Every other Saturday, December to April, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Old Dutch Church, 272 Wall St, Kingston

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About 40 vendors gather weekly on a shady block in the Stockade District against the backdrop of the Old Dutch Church courtyard. Some 1,500-2,000 patrons come to this regional market for its mix of conventional and organic produce, as well as its specialty fare: Hudson Valley wines (including dessert wines and rosés), tamales, and homemade kombucha, to name just a few. Notably, most of the food on offer travels no more than 30 miles to reach its destination, making the market an ideal choice for anyone who support the “think local” mission. “This market is all about community,” says Manager Lori Hylton. “We want everyone to know that we accept EBT cards — you can even use them to buy seedlings, so people can stretch their SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] money. Farmers accept WIC [Women With Infant Children] checks, too.”

 

Rhinebeck Farmers Market

Sundays, year-round, 10 a.m-2 p.m.
May to November: Municipal Parking Lot at 61 East Market St., Rhinebeck
​December to April: Rhinebeck Town Hall, 80 East Market St, Rhinebeck

Locals, weekenders, and CIA and Bard students form a lively mix each Sunday at the Rhinebeck Farmers Market. Professional chefs and savvy home cooks alike patrol the site for fresh fish harvested off Montauk, duck, organic vegetables, and delicacies. With more than 30 vendors, the market’s manageable size invites exploration. “We pay very close attention to creating a diverse and unique mix of products in the market that we feel showcases the very best of the Hudson Valley,” says Manager Cheryl Paff. Over its 20-plus years in operation, the market has consistently traded up vendors. “We’ve seen a big shift in support of local agriculture over the years,” says Paff. “For example, early on it was hard for the market to attract meat and cheese vendors because there wasn’t enough business to support them. Now, we have multiple cheese and meat vendors because the demand has grown. We’ve also seen farmers getting creative with the items that they grow or raise by turning them into products like tomato juice, capicola, smoked chicken. Also, we now have several farm wineries, breweries, and distilleries vending in the market.” Special events, like restaurant demonstrations and free strawberry shortcake on Father’s Day, bring in serious crowds.

 

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Warwick Valley Farmers Market

Sundays, May to November, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
South Street parking lot off Main St, Warwick

When the town of Warwick lost its Grand Union in 1999, the Warwick Valley Farmers Market — which had been operating for six years at the time — took on a new, and even urgent, importance. It became not just a bonus feature of the historic town, but also a lifesaver for the residents who relied on having a food source within walking distance. That set off a growth trend for the market that continues to this day, with 30-plus vendors offering a tantalizing mix of goods, including maple products, pesto, fruit tarts, and free-range chickens and eggs. Of course, the headline news that sets this market apart is its variety of just-picked produce grown in the fabled local Black Dirt — the dark, fertile soil of this Orange County region that Eastern European immigrants began to farm in earnest in the 19th century. “It’s just like when you talk about terroir with wine,” says market Manager Penny Steyer. “You can have that with vegetables, too. A yellow onion grown in Black Dirt has a unique level of acidity and heat.” Root vegetables, lettuces, arugula, kale, black currants, and corn also flourish in this soil, and they’re all available here. Add to that freshly baked quiches, natural soaps, and gluten free trail mix and you’ll never want to go supermarket shopping again.

 

Hudson Farmers Market

Saturdays, May to November, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
Municipal lot at Sixth & Columbia St, Hudson

In the summer of 1997, five vendors set up tables in a Hudson parking lot, offered a few vegetables for sale, and dubbed themselves the Hudson Farmers Market. Today, tables at this rain-or-shine, 30-plus vendor market groan with such sought-after fare as micro-greens, Asian vegetables, apricots, lamb and pork, live plants, and wool products. A snack-as-you-shop market (“You can’t get through it without eating a chocolate croissant or something,” says Amy Brown of Red Oak Farm, which specializes in organic veggies, dried herbs, and herbal teas), it offers an international array of prepared foods, including empanadas, kimchi, and sourdough bread. (One of our favorite bread-makers, Bonfiglio and Bread, originally was launched at the market.) You can even make a day of it with your kids and not worry that they’ll get bored. “We make a point of having activities for children, including a children’s tent with toys and books — and seats for parents — every week,” says Brown, the market’s web wiz and social media guru. The market also hosts musical guests and community outreach throughout the season.

 

Pleasantville Farmers Market

Saturdays, year-round, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Summer: April to November, 
Memorial Plaza, next to the Metro-North train station, Pleasantville
Winter: December to March, Pleasantville Middle School, 40 Romer Ave, Pleasantville

Voted the number one farmers market in Westchester Magazine‘s Best of Westchester awards from 2014 to 2017, this foodie powerhouse takes a juried approach to its ensemble of over 50 vendors, ensuring that each one brings something unique to the table. “The mantra is diversity, quality, and balance,” says Steven Bates, executive director of market operations. Located in the land of Whole Foods markets and high-end shops, this market competes with upscale artisan and specialty prepared foods — such as falafel, wines, breads, and cheeses made from locally grown produce — or artisans who source local foods. Chalkboards throughout the market list the events of the day: perhaps a nutritionist talk, a magician, Spanish classical guitar music, or a chef’s demo. Foot traffic swells to as many as 3,000 on a summer’s day. “About 60 percent are coming from neighboring Westchester communities and treat the market as a destination for special visits,” says Bates.

 

Troy Waterfront Farmers Market

Saturdays, year-round, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Summer: May to October, Monument Square, 
River St., Troy
Winter: November to April, The Troy Atrium, 49 4th St, Troy

Here in the “Collar City” (so nicknamed because of the once-thriving shirt and textile industry), River Street comes alive each Saturday with a festival atmosphere of up to 18,000 shoppers on peak season days. The waterfront market encompasses an entire city block, and most vendors are headquartered within 50 miles of it. The mix of items for sale is about 60 percent fresh produce and 40 percent producer-only vendors (which means they make their own products). The variety is tremendous: organic pasta, yogurt in returnable glass containers, gelato, French-style artisanal goat cheese — not to mention yarn, skin-care products, and even unlikely but wildly popular items like bee pollen and antlers. Because the market takes place in front of the shops on River Street, shoppers can double-dip, visiting both the stores and the stalls. Some River Street restaurants even add extra workers to accommodate shoppers looking for a sit-down meal.


The Complete Farmers Market Guide

Albany

Empire State Plaza Market
Summer: Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Madison St at Eagle St, May to October
Winter: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Empire State Plaza Indoor Concourse, November to April

 

Harriman State Office Market
1220 Washington Ave, Albany
Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
May to October

 

South End Healthy Market
Green St and 4th Ave, Albany
Sundays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
May to October

 

Columbia

Chatham Real Food Market Co-op
15 Church St, Chatham
Open daily, 10 a.m., year-round

 

Copake Hillsdale Farmers Market
9140 State Route 22, Hillsdale
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
May to October

 

Kinderhook Farmers Market
Village Green, Route 9 and Albany Ave, Kinderhook
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
May to October

 

New Lebanon Farmers Market
516 State Route 20/22, New Lebanon
Sundays,10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June to October

 

Dutchess

Amenia Farmers Market
4988 State Route 22, Amenia
Summer: Fridays, 3-7:30 p.m., May to October
Winter: every other Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. November to April

 

Arlington Farmers Market
Vassar Alumnae Flats Lawn, Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie
Thursdays, 3-7 p.m.
June to October

 

Beacon Farmers Market
Veterans Place, Main and Henry St, Beacon
Sundays, year-round, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

Big Rock Community Farms Market
Campbell House, 6031, Route 82, Stanfordville
Sat-Thurs 8 am. – 7 p.m., Fri 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., year-round

 

Dover Farmer’s Market
9 School St, Dover Plains
Sundays, 12-4 p.m.
June to September

 

Fishkill Farmers Market
Main St Plaza, Fishkill
Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
May to October

 

Hudson Valley Farmers Market
Greig Farm, 223 Pitcher Ln, Red Hook
Saturdays, year-round, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

Hyde Park Farmers Market
4390 Route 9, Hyde Park
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June to October

 

Millbrook Farmers Market
3263 Franklin Ave, Millbrook
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
May to October

 

Millerton Farmers Market
Main St and Dutchess Ave, Millerton
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
May to October

 

Pawling Farmers Market
Charles Coleman Blvd, Pawling
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June to September

 

Poughkeepsie Waterfront Market
The Pavilion at Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, Poughkeepsie
Mondays, 3-6:30 p.m.
June to September

 

Taste NY Market at Todd Hill
Todd Hill Service Station, Taconic State Parkway, Lagrangeville
Friday afternoons
June to October

 

Greene

Coxsackie Farmers Market
Coxsackie Riverfront Park, 1 Betke Blvd, Coxsackie
Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m.
May to October

 

Lexington Farmers Market
Lexington Municipal Building, Route 42, Lexington
Every other Saturday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
May to October

 

Orange

Angry Orchard Farmers Market
2241 Albany Post Rd, Walden
Last Saturday of the month, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
June to October

 

Florida Farmers Market
17A and 94 across from Quick Chek, Florida
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
June to October

 

Goshen Farmers Market
Church Park, intersection of Main and South Church St, Goshen
Fridays, 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
May to October

 

Middletown Farmers Market
Cottage St at Railroad Ave, Middletown
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June to October

 

Monroe – Museum Village
1010 Rte 17M, Monroe
Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
June to October

 

Monroe – Park and Ride
Commuter parking lot, Millpond Parkway, Monroe
Sundays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June to November

 

Newburgh – Downing Park
Downing Park, corner of Carpenter and 3rd St, Newburgh
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
July to October

 

Newburgh – Healthy Orange
Broadway between Landers and Johnston St, Newburgh
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
July to October

 

Newburgh Mall Farmers Market
Newburgh Mall parking lot, Newburgh
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
July to October

 

Pine Bush Farmers Market
Main and New St, behind the Crawford Cultural Center, Pine Bush
Saturdays, 9 a.m – 2 p.m.
May to October

 

Port Jervis Farmers Market
Farmers Market Square, corner of Hammond and Pike St, Port Jervis
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June to October

 

Town of Cornwall Farmers Market
Summer: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., May to October, 183 Main St, Cornwall
Winter: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., November to April, Munger Cottage Community Center, Cornwall

 

Tuxedo Farmers Market
240 Rte 17 at the Tuxedo Train Station, Tuxedo
Saturdays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June to October

 

Washingtonville Farmers Market
29 West Main St, Washingtonville
Sundays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June to October

 

West Point Town of Highlands Farmers Market
Municipal parking lot, Main St, Highland Falls
Sundays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June to October

 

Woodbury Farmers Market
30 Valley Ave, Woodbury
Sundays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
June to November

 

Putnam

Brewster Farmers Market
Sundays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., year-round
15 Mt. Ebo Rd South, Brewster

 

Cold Spring Farmers Market
Summer: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., May to October, Boscobel, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison
Winter: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., November to April, Parish Hall, Episcopal Church of St. Mary-in-the-Highlands, Main and Chestnut St, Cold Spring

 

Putnam Valley Farmers Market
Tompkins Corners Cultural Center, 729 Peekskill Hollow Rd, Putnam Valley
Fridays, 3-6:30 p.m.
June to August

 

Rockland

Haverstraw Farmers Market
40 New Main St, Haverstraw
Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June to October

 

Nyack Farmers Market
Thursdays, year-round, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Summer: April to November, Main St Parking Lot, Nyack
Winter: December to March, Nyack Center, 58 Depew Avenue, Nyack

 

Piermont’s Down to Earth Farmers Market
M&T Bank Parking Lot, Ash St and Piermont Ave
Sundays, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
April to November

 

The Souk Farm Market & Artisan Bazaar
249 Ferdon Ave, Piermont
Sundays, year-round
Summer: April to December, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Winter: January to March, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

Ulster

Barthel’s Farm Market
8057 Route 209, Ellenville
Open daily, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
April to December

 

Kingston YMCA Farm Stand
YMCA of Kingston, 507 Broadway, Kingston
Thursdays, 3:30-6 p.m.
June to November

 

Heart of the Hudson Valley Farmers Market
1801-1805 Route 9W, Milton
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June to October

 

New Paltz Farmers Market
Church St, between Main and Academy
Sundays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
June to October

 

Rosendale Farmers Market
10 a.m. – 2 p.m., year-round
Summer: Sundays, behind the Rosendale Theater on Main St, June to October
Winter: second and fourth Sundays, Rosendale Recreation Center, Route 32, December to April

 

Saugerties Farmers Market
115 Main St, Saugerties
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
May to October

 

Saunderskill Farms Market
5100 Route 209, Accord
Tues to Sat 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
April to December

 

Woodstock Farm Festival
Maple Lane next to Bread Alone
Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. to dusk
May to October


Related: These Modern Farmers Are Sowing the Seeds for the Future

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