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Agriculture is the backbone of America. The farming industry contributes so much to the economy, and the hardworking people behind it are literally feeding our families.
While we often see the results of their hard work in stocked grocery stores, farmers markets bridge the gap even further, connecting consumers directly to homegrown food. Across the country, there are some truly impressive farmers markets; here are 20 of the best around.
Location: San Diego, California
Open year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays, this market spans six city blocks and is bursting with booths of produce, meat, seafood, olive oil, baked goods, and more. Visitors recommend taking the trolley for a visit since parking can be a mess.
Location: New York, New York
Located in Union Square, this open-air farmers market is known for its specialty artisan goods. You can visit the market year-round on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. During its peak season, the market features goods from 140 regional farmers, fishers, and bakers.
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Wisconsin's Dane County Farmers' Market is legendary. It's the biggest producers-only farmers market in the country with around 220 vendors throughout the year. Visitors can get things like produce, eggs, maple syrup, plants, baked goods, and, of course, cheese. The market is open on Wednesdays from April through November.
Location: Seattle, Washington
When we think of Seattle, two things come to mind instantly: the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. The market is iconic. It features more than 200 artisan vendors, and the vibrant atmosphere is Seattle's mecca for small, independent businesses. From the smell of freshly roasted coffee to the fresh fish chilling on ice, Pike Place belongs on your bucket list.
Location: Santa Monica, California
The Santa Monica Farmers Market is robust and offered in iterations throughout the week; visitors rave the most about the Wednesday market. The market's reputation is so renowned that chefs from the best local restaurants visit it for all kinds of produce.
Location: Portland, Oregon
Portland's flagship farmers market is located on Portland State University's campus. Visitors will find a lot more than just produce: The market is bursting with tons of ready-to-eat food and drink, live music, and eclectic vibes.
Location: Boulder, Colorado
The Boulder Farmers Market is open April 6 through November 23 on Saturdays and May 1 through October 2 on Wednesdays. Alongside the regularly scheduled programming of farm-fresh produce, meats, and baked goods, the market also hosts local artisans on the second Saturday of each month, adding more opportunities for visitors to shop.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Touted as a sustainable farmers market, the Green City Market in Chicago comprises three locations: Lincoln Park, West Loop, and Avondale. The market promotes farmers whose practices are environmentally responsible, aiming to provide the community with high-quality, sustainable foods.
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
The Charleston Farmers Market runs from April through December and features the usual suspects of produce and artisan vendors. But the market is also known for its robust assortment of food and beverage options, from the DIY Thai food booth to decadent gelato.
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Detroit's Eastern Market is one of the oldest farmers markets in the country, dating back to the 1840s. The market boasts around 225 vendors and is open year-round. You can buy everything from fresh flowers to fresh produce, but the emphasis is, without a doubt, on local food.
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
If you want to fully embrace New Orleans culture, the Crescent City Farmers Market should be part of your NOLA experience. The market is run by an independent non-profit called Market Umbrella, which aims to benefit local fishers, farmers, and consumers. The year-round market also highlights rotating weekly specials to keep customers intrigued.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
You'll find everything from poke and boba tea to local fruits and fish at the Honolulu Farmers' Market. This must-visit market is one you'll definitely want to visit while hungry.
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Primarily a producers' farmers market, Pearl Farmers Market has an open-air format that's home to more than 30 farmers and ranchers. The market also supports sustainability through local food, only showcasing vendors that are located within 150 miles of San Antonio.
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
This waterfront market brings a European flair to the Sunshine State. The market was inspired by former mayor Nancy Graham, after she visited a number of markets during a trip to Europe. “In the greenmarkets I visited, people selling the produce knew their shoppers’ names, and the shoppers could ask questions about the products,” Graham said. Visitors can also enjoy the Palm Beach History Museum's walking history tour, which starts at the market.
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
With roots dating back to 1730, this farmers' market is the oldest continuously operated public market in the country. Open three days a week year-round, Lancaster Central Market is housed in a beautiful brick market house, built in 1889. Visitors can find everything from pastries and cheeses to produce and regional specialties like Pennsylvania Dutch sausage.
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
KC's historic City Market has been around for more than 160 years. With indoor and outdoor booths, the market is open seven days a week with free admission. Visitors say the market offers tons of diversity and a fun atmosphere, along with plenty of produce and groceries to choose from.
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
This year-round farmers market changes location depending on the time of year. More than 100 vendors set up shop outside May through October, moving inside the historic Mill City Museum during the winter months. The market isn't just for shopping, either; visitors can participate in free cooking classes with professional chefs, free outdoor yoga, and other activities.
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Produce, pastries, meat, honey, and food and beverage options abound at the Albuquerque Downtown Growers' Market. Plus, visitors can participate in activities like yoga, live music, and other events.
Location: Alexandria, Virginia
This Virginia market is the oldest farmers market in the country held continuously at the same location. It's apparently so old that George Washington would send his Mount Vernon produce there to sell. That, folks, is about as rooted in American history as farmers markets can be.
Location: Dallas, Texas
This 26,000-square-foot farmers market has been around since 1941, operating weekly on Saturdays and Sundays. Among the real estate the market covers are restaurants and gift shops, so visitors can make a day out of their visit.
