22 Unique Farmers Markets Where You Can Still Get Fresh Produce Safely

Not everyone has access to fertile land or the skills, patience, or time to grow their own food. Still, the desire for freshly grown food is on the rise, especially as it has become harder for many people to pop into a grocery store because of the coronavirus pandemic. Farmers markets offer a great and often inexpensive way to get fresh food, fast. To whet your appetite, here are a few of the most unique farmers markets across the nation where you can stock up safely.

Related: These Grocery Stores Have Special Hours for Seniors and Other At-Risk Shoppers

Exotic goods from around the world along with souvenirs from Alaska vie for attention among the array of fresh produce and traditional goods at the Anchorage Market. In a central downtown location, this mega-market is billed as featuring some 300 vendors who offer their products over 2 acres. It opens May 6 through October.

Like any major city, Boston has dozens of farmers market that fill the appetite for the best of each season. While the indoor Boston Public Market is closed, a pop-up Outdoor Market is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to offer shoppers access to fresh, local food.

The Burlington Farmers Market is one of the oldest and largest in the state. A market with outdoor (since 1980) and indoor (since 2008) sites, each market features selections produced, grown, or crafted only in Vermont. And over the years that's included carrots and whoopee pies, maple syrup and knitwear, pottery and homemade root beer. While currently closed due to a statewide order, the market has plans to reopen June 6.

A bounty of farmers markets in this region offer a real taste of New England. Although the options are plenty, try the Sandwich Farmers Market, which fills the village green with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables along with meats, honey, spices, and flowers. It's slated to open June through October.

The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market is a draw, to say the least. Open twice a month June through September, the market features some 200 Iowa vendors in what’s become one of the largest open-air markets in the Midwest. Offerings include not only produce, meat and dairy products, and baked goods but also artisanal gifts, entertainment, children’s activities, and cooking demonstrations with assistance from local high school students.

Logan Square Farmers Market is one of countless farmers markets throughout the city, and though the in-person market is currently closed due to the pandemic, it's still possible to get fresh fruits and vegetables from the market's vendors by shopping online. Many offer delivery, a CSA sign-up, or are available at the Dill Pickle Food Co-op.

Everyone knows Cleveland rocks. It is, after all, the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But it’s also got a pretty rockin’ farmers market scene. Check out the North Union Farmers Market. Though there have been changes due to the pandemic, the market is still open, albeit with some changes. At Crocker Park and Shaker Square, the normally indoor markets have moved outdoors and only allow a limited number of people to shop at once. 

Want a bit of attitude with your veggies? Check out the Colorado Farm & Art Market, which encourages visitors to “Get fresh with a (Colorado) farmer.” At the two sites in Colorado Springs, find farm-fresh eggs from free range, organically fed chickens, grass-fed beef, and raw milk, along with unique jewelry, wearable art, and creations in glass. The market plans to open June 10 at Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum.

They do it big in Texas. For evidence, look no further than the Dallas Farmers Market, a 26,000-square-foot food hall and artisanal vendor market open daily and complete with anchor restaurants offering pick-up and delivery during the pandemic. The Shed at the Dallas Farmers Market, an open-air pavilion currently open weekends, puts the spotlight on farmers with seasonal produce; on ranchers who offer naturally raised meats; on cheeses, eggs, and honey; and on select artisans who make breads and canned goods. If you go, read the new rules on the website first. Good news — every vendor has hand sanitizer at their booth.

Detroit’s Eastern Market is a Saturday ritual where up to 225 vendors (at peak times) offer a bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables along with handcrafted food products. During the pandemic, the Saturday market is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with accommodations made to meet social distancing requirements and limit contact, but you can also order a market food box for pick-up or on Tuesday try the drive-thru market for bulk produce purchases.

If you’re thinking the farmers markets in Hawaii are all about pineapples, you’re wrong. The handful of markets promoted by the Hawaii Farm Bureau dash any clichéd thoughts. Local farmers and producers have featured everything from Italian parsley to Indian curry. During the pandemic, some markets are open for limited hours, while others offer pick-up and delivery.

Tap into the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition with the year-round Lancaster Central Market at Penn Square — believed to be America’s oldest farmers market building, with local farmers bringing meats and vegetables to the site since the 1730s. In fact, many of today’s farmers trace their own market roots back more than a century. And the shopper benefits from this grand tradition with a pick of locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked goods, cheeses, flowers, and crafts. During this time, the market will continue to operate Tuesdays and Fridays with the first hour open to seniors and other at-risk shoppers, but will be closed on Saturdays. All employees and customers are required to wear a face mask, and they're encouraging all shoppers to maintain a safe social distance, send only one shopper per household, and follow other best practices recommended by health experts.

The Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market has attracted a national following with its commitment to organic fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and seeds and raw vegan foods. But that’s not to say this Saturday market presented by Glaser Organic Farms is a dour affair — as a glance at the extensive salad bar, dairy-free ice cream, and vegan burgers will attest.

Usually anchored by two farm sheds and a middle market area that together can host more than 150 farmers and merchants, the Nashville Farmers Market is currently closed to foot traffic. But that doesn't mean it's not possible to shop. During the pandemic, visitors can only get pick-up, drive-thru, or delivery. Check the website to be sure your favorite vendors are participating.

Farm-fresh vegetables, artisanal breads, and piquant pickles aren’t necessarily what spring to mind when someone mentions New York City. But thanks to Greenmarket Farmers Markets, the City That Never Sleeps is also a city in search of what’s new, fresh, and health from nearby farms. Founded in 1976, Greenmarket now offers some 50-plus markets throughout the five boroughs. Some are closed during the pandemic, but most are open with limited hours. Check the website before heading over.

The Crescent City Farmers Market has handpicked producers and fishers, and while the market locations are currently for shopping, you can still get a box of products from the market delivered to your home if you're local. When you’ve a craving for Gulf shrimp, pralines, heirloom Southern vegetables, or, sometimes, alligator, these markets have you covered.

This Jersey Shore city is one of the top beach towns on the East Coast, and it puts a unique spin on the farmers market genre, offering a Farmers & Crafters Market weekly in season. Its lineup, which puts fresh fruits, vegetables, and food products on offer along with artistic handcrafted goods, has prompted at least one visitor to comment that she wished she could shop for veggies and tchotchkes there every day. The market opens in late June. 

Ever hear of a farmers market with its own cookbook? Well, the Portland Farmers Market produced one in celebration of its 25th season. A nonprofit operating at seven sites, the Portland Farmers Market features the best of Oregon and southwest Washington not only from farms and bakeries but also meat and seafood providers, cheese makers, and creators of specialty food products. The year-round operation is open every Saturday, but also has early hours for vulnerable shoppers as well as pre-order, pick-up, and delivery during the pandemic. The market has also established additional safety protocols to help protect the health of shoppers and vendors.

The St. Michaels Farmers Market has a decidedly small-town appeal, and it has long been a place to find everything from duck eggs to fresh greens to artisan goods. Like other farmers markets in Maryland, it is. remaining open during the pandemic with vendors taking extra precautions to keep customers safe.

Farm-to-table is a way of life in the City by the Bay, and San Francisco's numerous farmers markets reflect the diversity found on every street. Perhaps the most famous is the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, which runs three days a week throughout the year and provides goods to more than 300 area chefs through its Market to Chef program. Open during the pandemic, the market continues to have varied options including dried pasta, olive oil, avocados, sprouts, smoked salmon, quail, mushrooms, tofu, figs, and granola. However, some merchants have elected to close, so be sure to check the website before visiting.

Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets operates seven locations throughout the city. The choices vary and might include everything from sustainable seafood to artisanal cheeses to tulips. The market has instituted additional safety protocols during the COVID-19 outbreak, and also offers pick-up and delivery.

This market may be down during the pandemic, but it's not out. While the Williamsburg Farmers Market is closed for now customers in Williamsburg and James City counties can get free delivery, while customers outside those areas can pick up their orders. Homemade jams, coffee, and fresh breads are just a few of the items available.