For the freshest food money can buy, look no further than the fantastic farmers’ markets in New York City, home to family-run farms in the tri-state area and packed with hand-picked fruits, vegetables, freshly made bread, and other artisanal products.

 

When strolling around a New York City farmers market, you’ll be happy to see hand-crafted picnic baskets or seasonal fruits for your next house party. There are also amazing fresh takeaway foods that you can eat while walking around, along with coffee, smoothies, and wine that can be sipped. Support local farmers and eat locally every time you visit one of the below local farmers market. Ahead is a compiled list of the 6 best farmers’ markets in Manhattan.

 

Tompkins Square Park Greenmarket

 

Operating on a Sunday from 8AM to 3PM, between Avenue A and Tompkins Square, Tompkins Square Park Greenmarket is located inside the heart of the East Village. Offering a selection of baked goods, flowers, cheese, wild-caught seafood from Pura Vida, dairy free products from Ole Mother Hubbert, and so much more.

 

This is a much more relaxed farmers market, as its situated inside a neighborhood and barley has outside foot traffic. When you visit, make sure you capitalize on the warm, buttery croissants, and enjoy it on a bench nearby. Hey, you might even find your Sunday people-watching adventure.

 

 

Union Square Farmers Market

 

Since its inception in 1976, Union Square Farmers Market is one of the biggest and boldest farmers market in the whole of New York City. You can shop it year round on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8AM to 6PM. There are what seems like 100s of vendors (140 in peak season, to be exact), taking over Union Square for fresh-cut flowers, wine, artisanal bread, raw honey, farmstead cheeses, small batch whiskey, mulled wine and hot apple cider in the winter, seasonal fruits and vegetables.

 

The market is also well known for the cooking demonstrations and other weekly events and activities. And who knows? If you arrive early enough, you might even see some of New York City’s big-name chefs doing their shopping of the highest-quality produce.

 

Chelsea Down to Earth Farmers Market (Temporarily Closed)

 

Although Chelsea Down to Earth Farmers Market is only open from mid-May to mid-December on Saturdays, it is one you should not miss. With a delightful assortment of local farmers and locally sourced food makers, this is a quiet and neighborhood-feel market. Some of our favorite items here are the Indian chutneys, locally distilled spirits from Current Spirits, red pepper jam, and the olive oil.

 

Abingdon Square Greenmarket 

 

The Abingdon Square Greenmarket is a beloved market in the West Village, serving the community since 1994. They’ve got wild ocean fish, shellfish, artisan bread, fresh farm eggs, and more. It is opened year round on Saturdays from 8AM to 2PM.

 

Tucker Square Greenmarket

 

Tucked away in Lincoln Center, Tucker Square Greenmarket is home to produce like eggplant, pumpkin, squash, cheese, syrups and everything else you can imagine. The best bit though is your location to Central Park. Stock up on groceries and then have a picnic in the biggest park in NYC.

 

If you’re in Manhattan and looking for fresh, local finds, now you know where to go. Here’s the spots to hit up in Brooklyn. If you can’t get out for fresh produce, these 3 organic meal delivery services may be what you need.

 

Photo via Project for Public Spaces