Savor seasonal flavors at the 10 best farmers markets. Plan your next foodie adventure with these 10 must-visit farmers markets across the United States.
The explosion of the farm-to-table movement in the United States has led to a steadily growing number of farmers markets, with more than 8,600 registered in the USDA Farmers Market Directory. With so many markets offering fresh, local items — produce, meats, and baked goods — from a diverse mix of vendors, how do you find the best? To narrow the field, an expert panel nominated their top picks for farmers markets across the country. Then, UsaToday readers voted to determine the winners.
No. 10: Historic Lewes Farmers Market
Lewes, Delaware
Delaware’s Historic Lewes Farmers Market draws good food lovers from the nearby beach communities of Rehoboth, Dewey, and Bethany, and even Ocean City in Maryland. With summer markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays and a fall market that runs until late November, this big nonprofit operation is known for its producer-only vendors offering locally grown vegetables, fruits, meats, and seafood. This longstanding market is also dedicated to aiding new farmers, supporting the local community, and ending food insecurity.
No. 9: Maple Valley Farmers’ Market
Maple Valley, Washington
This place has the woods around it and a walking trail. A little under 30 miles away from one of the nation’s most famous public markets, Pike Place in Seattle, this seasonal market hosts vendors selling seafood, meat, organic produce, wine, glassworks — you name it. Locals anxiously await its annual reopening and gorgeous forested setting, where it operates on Saturdays each May through October.
No. 8: Bellevue Farmers Market
Bellevue, Pennsylvania
The Bellevue Farmers Market in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, knows how to turn grocery shopping into a good time. This summer market is open on Wednesday afternoons from June to October, and features a convivial atmosphere with live music, food trucks, and plenty of booths offering fresh local produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, chocolates, and cheese. You’ll also find handcrafted toys, clothing, and even spirits, as Bellevue has a rotating collection of local purveyors who offer quaffs ranging from hard cider to mead, wine, vodka, and gin.
No. 7: The Farmers Market at Pepper Place
Birmingham, Alabama
The Farmers Market at Pepper Place opened in 2000 in Birmingham, Alabama, and it’s been a fixture ever since. Always focused on small, local, family farms and the highest quality products, the market has grown into a destination that’s open every Saturday morning from late January to early December. Find peanuts and peaches, cookies and brownies, and a variety of other products grown or made in Alabama. This market also has artisans who make hats, jewelry, folk art, and other interesting works.
