These markets are great ways to explore like a true insider!
Farmers’ markets are a great way to get a (literal) taste for a community. These weekend go-tos are packed with local families, ready to snap up their seasonal faves from local vendors and farmers — and that makes these low-key events a perfect place to get in the mix, ask questions, and sample the best area eats. If you’re exploring Westchester, you’ll have no trouble finding amazing farmers markets — start here, and don’t be afraid to hit a few in a weekend, in between touring towns and neighborhoods.
#1. Hastings Farmers Market Currently held in the Zinsser Commuter Lot on Southside Avenue, the Hastings Farmers Market is open year-round. The market is usually held outdoors in the summer and indoors in the winter but is an entirely outdoor affair this year. The winter market takes place on the first and third Saturday of every month from December through May, from 9:30am to 1:00pm. If you live in Hastings, the farmers’ market is the place to be on Saturdays. Stroll dozens of outdoor tables while listening to live music or drop in on an activity with the kids. There’s always something different to see or do at the market, from free yoga and storytimes to music, craft sessions, and more. Then, of course, there’s the food which is always the star of the farmers market show. During the winter, you’ll find an impressive selection of locally-harvested mushrooms, homemade kimchi, chutneys, jams, coffee, tea, fresh fish, breads, cheese, and more.
#2. Ossining Winter Down to Earth Farmers Market Head to the corner of Spring and Main Streets on Saturdays between the hours of 9:00am and 1:00pm to check out the Ossining Winter Down to Earth Farmers Market. Essential Earth Farm, Pickle Licious, and Pura-Vida Fisheries are among the vendors you’ll see every Saturday, but there’s also a rotating list of smaller farms and makers offering everything from coffee and homemade bread to vegan products and fresh pastries. The market is also a great opportunity to see Ossining in action. Sustainability is a big deal in town, so locals show up every week to drop off compost and recycle textiles. Interested in composting? Here’s your chance to learn more. Visitors are encouraged to swing by the compost drop-off area to see what this eco-friendly process is all about. Afterward, take in more of the Hudson Valley by visiting the Teatown Lake Reservation, a 1,000-acre nature preserve that includes beautiful hiking trails and an educational center. If it’s warm enough, make a picnic of it with all your farmers’ market finds — and be sure to check out the reservation’s daily activities for kids.
#3. Irvington Farmer’s Market Held in the Main Street School Lot from December to May, the Irvington Farmers Market is a centerpiece of the community and continues to grow every year, drawing families (and vendors) from across Westchester. One trip to the market and it’s easy to see farm-to-table is a way of life in Irvington. Every item at the market comes from 200 miles or less of Irvington, making this a go-to spot for many local restaurants focused on farm-to-table and sustainable eats. There’s nothing you can’t get here — expect fresh bread and baked goods, cheese, organic meats and produce, and more.
Another perk? If you’re visiting from the city, you can get there by train very easily — just hop off the Metro-North Railroad at Irvington station and walk straight down Main Street. During your walk, check out the shops and restaurants along the way — and maybe grab a cold-pressed juice or a bite from a local bakery before hitting the farmers market.
#4. TaSH Farmers Market The Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow Farmers Market – The TaSH – is a true destination for Westchester families. The market is held on Prospect Park lawn in Tarrytown when it’s warm, then shifts to the Tarrytown Rec Center Lot during the winter, always from 9:30am-12:30pm.
At TaSH you’ll have your pick of organic produce, artisanal breads and pastries, homemade teas, and Kombucha drinks. You can also expect tons of fun activities including chef demos, charitable initiatives, on-site artists and musicians, and plenty of kid-friendly things to do, see, and taste.
#5. Pleasantville Farmers Market Voted the Best of Westchester by Westchester Magazine, Pleasantville Farmers Market is an amazing destination. Held year-round, the farmers market stays outdoors as long as possible, then moves in for the winter. No matter the season, though, the market happens every Saturday Saturday from 9:00am to 11:30am. Unlike other markets, the Pleasantville Farmers Market is massive — more than 30 vendors show up every weekend, so expect a huge, diverse selection from bread and baked goods to farm-fresh cheese, root crops, prepared foods, organic fruit, meats, and more. Food, though, is just a piece — different musicians play live music every week, plus there are tons of kids events, cooking demos, and three certified-organic growers. For locals, the market even offers online ordering and quick pick up.
#6. Chappaqua Farmers Market Located at the Chappaqua Train Station, this popular farmers’ market is a great spot to snag some local eats. Saturdays from 8:30am to 1:00pm, expect fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits plus tons of artisanal products from area vendors. Prepared foods are also a go-to for shoppers — Ms. D’s Mediterranean Delights is a particularly popular onsite vendor, offering 10 unique items each week, from spanakopita and moussaka to dips, sweets, and more.
Beyond the Greek eats, expect lines for some of the more popular prepared foods — sandwiches, soups and chilis, artisanal pizzas, and pastries, for starters. After hitting the food trucks settle in and take in the live music while your kids run and play.
#7. New Rochelle Farmers Market Located at Ruby Dee Park, the New Rochelle Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm, from spring into late October. Here, you’ll find tons of local, organic veggies, fresh fruit from Wright’s Apple Farm, and European-style bread from Wave Hill Breads, voted the #1 Bakery in Connecticut. After stocking up on essentials, be sure and swing by and grab a few indulgences — we love the Penny Lick Ice Cream cart and the incredible local cheeses from Dobbs & Bishop. From there, snag some flowers (and an Instagram-worthy pic) at The Sprig Flower truck, which sells local flowers out of a vintage Chevy truck that’s been retrofitted into a mobile flower station. The New Rochelle Farmers Market also hosts live music every weekend, as does the local public library. In recent years the library has offered fun, free events onsite including Touch a Truck Day, Jazz Day, and African drum performances.
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