I love farmers markets. They’re just my thing. There’s something about the atmosphere, the friendly buzz, the colorful displays of fruits and veggies that screams “fresh!” and “exciting!” Plus, there’s no better place to upgrade your Instagram game than at a farmers market. Here are the best of the best of East Coast farmers markets, all across the coast, so you can have no excuse but to check one out. You’ll love it, I promise.
1. Copley Square Farmers Market in Boston, MA
Photo courtesy of @wholesomelyhannah on Instagram
Located in the heart of Boston’s tourist central, Copley Square Farmers Market is one of Massachusetts’ most recognized farmers markets, as well as the biggest and busiest farmers market in the Boston area. The market is most known for its vibrant selection of local meats and fish, but also features a huge assortment of local produce, cheeses, and fresh baked goods. Visa and MasterCard are accepted here, which makes shopping a breeze.
The market is also home to numerous local chefs who create fresh-made goodies upon request, so even if shopping is not your thing, you can always grab an apple cider donut or a flaky Danish pastry and soak up the sun in the gorgeous Copley Square.
2. Union Square Greenmarket in New York, NY
Photo courtesy of @omart21 on Instagram
Union Square Greenmarket is one of the most famous farmers markets in the US, and rightfully so. It has become a staple in New York culture, bringing fresh smells and colorful sights to the urban jungle every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday since 1976. It boasts the products of 140 regional farmers, fishers, and bakers in peak season, and you can find hundreds of varieties of whatever fresh goodies you may be looking for.
This market has everything, from fresh-picked fruits and veggies, to artisanal breads, cheeses, jams, wines, or ciders. Once you’re all stocked up on the brightest, freshest produce, put it to good use at home with these awesome healthy dishes.
3. Rittenhouse Farmers Market in Philadelphia, PA
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As part of the Farm to City initiative, Rittenhouse Farmers Market brings fresh local fruits and veggies, herbs, mushrooms, honey, baked goods, artisanal breads, and a whole slew of other incredible goodies to the heart of Philadelphia. Here, you can find anything from sustainably raised meats, to Lancaster-style canned goods, to handmade natural soaps and beauty products.
The sheer selection of goods available is staggering, right down to several different types of fresh mint available based on your preference. Fresh-made soups, sandwiches, and baked goods are available upon request, as well, just in case you’d rather grab something delicious and relax in Rittenhouse square.
4. Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar in Baltimore, MD
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The Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar is Maryland’s largest producers-only market, which means you can always be sure that the person selling their product to you is the person who produced it. A huge selection of organic dairy products is always available, but the main stars in the place are the countless local food vendors, offering an array of multicultural cuisine. Vegetarian options are present in abundance, as well, so there’s something here for every foodie’s palate.
5. Eastern Market – Washington, DC
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Hailed as one of the most authentic “Washingtonian” places, Eastern Market will really make you feel like a local. Although somewhat smaller than other farmers markets you may be used to, it’s a real community meeting place.
The place consists of two sections, an indoor and an outdoor market, so there is always something to do here regardless of the weather. In addition to the finest meats, seafood, cheeses, and produce in Washington, you can also find some amazing hand-crafted products from local artists, designers, woodworkers, jewelers, and more.
6. Durham Farmers Market in Durham, NC
Photo courtesy of @snackluvr on Instagram
Durham Farmers Market really emphasizes sustainable, locally-grown and locally-produced goods, as anything featured in the market must be produced by the person selling it and grown less than 70 miles away.
Currently, 78 local vendors present their goods here, from fresh meats to organic soy products, and the number is always growing. Cooking demonstrations and live chef challenges are a constant presence at Durham Farmers Market, so there is always something to see or do. Already planning your trip? Check out this guide to Durham Farmers Market’s must-try eats.
7. Charleston Farmers Market in Charleston, SC
Photo courtesy of @roaming_state on Instagram
In 2008, Travel + Leisure Magazine ranked Charleston Farmers Market as one of the top 10 farmers markets in the US, which is no small deal. It’s a major hub for local farmers, artisans, and chefs, and is gaining a reputation as more of a food festival than your typical farmers market.
There are hundreds of vendors vying for your attention in peak season, so there’s plenty to see, eat, and stock up on. It’s best to come hungry, as there’s plenty of freshly prepared foods you simply must try while here — traditional Greek food, New Orleans fare, craft drinks, authentic french desserts, artisanal pastries, and much more — all with their own unique spins.
8. Peachtree Road Farmers Market in Atlanta, GA
Photo courtesy of @littletartbakeshop on Instagram
Peachtree Road Farmers Market is still pretty young (only in its tenth year of operation), but it has already created quite a buzz in the local community. Open on Saturday mornings, rain or shine, the market features a variety of sustainable, locally-grown products, from produce to baked goods. A morning at Peachtree Road is really an event in and of itself, with plenty to be seen and done, from live music, to games, to live demonstrations. It can be a bit pricey, though, so study up with this handy guide to make the best of what Peachtree Road has to offer.
9. West Palm Beach Green Market in West Palm Beach, FL
Photo courtesy of @shebelievedshecould_ on Instagram
Cooking Light Magazine pronounced West Palm Beach Green Market as the best farmers market in Florida in 2015, so you know this place is legit. Not only is this one of the most colorful and most exciting farmers markets you’ll ever see, but it’s located right on the gorgeous West Palm Beach Waterfront. You can shop all manner of unique goodies here, from fresh tropical fruits to exotic flowers, all to the tune of live entertainment. And of course, don’t forget to grab a cocktail and head to the beach when you’re done.