Shopping at a farmer's market comes with many benefits. Access to freshly harvested, locally grown foods is one of the best perks, and there are many more. So when you need to stock your fridge with fruits, vegetables, and other goodies, use our guide. Here are five Hudson Valley farmers' markets where you can peak with the growing season.
The Hudson Valley Regional Farmers Market
Find the best fresh local produce at the Hudson Valley Regional Farmers Market. It's Brewster's only year-round option. The Putnam Daily Voice voted this location the Best Farmers Market in the Hudson Valley, and we agree. Its mission is to strengthen community connections through local economic opportunities while showcasing sustainability and bringing the best quality food to local families.
Check out its long list of regular vendors. This spot also adds new ones daily, thanks to its commitment to constantly expand its offers with growers and artisans from around the region. You can pick up a bottle of vino from South Salem Winery or start your day off right with a hearty breakfast featuring Crown Maple Syrup.
Sign up for the weekly newsletter. It's the best way to stay in touch. You'll find out which vendors will be onsite, any scheduled events, and the booths offering special deals that weekend. The bulletin also features sample menus, nutritious recipes, and tips for healthy living, so remember to sign up online.
- Location: 15 Mount Ebo Rd. South, Brewster.
- Hours: Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (weather permitting).
Brewster Historical Farmer's Market
Many of us would love to grow a backyard garden. However, if your schedule is too busy to water and weed, don't fret. You can find loads of fresh produce at the Brewster Historical Farmer's Market. Some of the expert farmers here have generations of experience growing goodies, so you don't have to.
Hosted by the Brewster Historical Society, you can get your shopping done all season long. Sellers offer baskets full of fresh produce, eggs, handcrafted bread, seafood, meat, and flowers. If you're looking for a unique gift, consider shirts, hoodies, and baseball caps printed with the market's charming windmill and lobster logo.
This site also offers weekly CSA programs. Pick up your produce curbside at the historic Windmill Village near Drummer Boy Park for added convenience. Orders placed between Thursday morning through Tuesday afternoon can be picked up on Wednesday. Consider purchasing a box and donating it back to the community.
- Location: 51 Drummer Boy Rd., Brewster.
- Hours: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
East Side Farmers Market
The East Side Farmers Market is a member of the Bridgeport Farmers Market Collaborative. The Bridgeport Health Department started the event six years ago to help improve community access to healthy foods. It hosts the occasion from the parking lot of the City's Social Services building.
This pick also strives to make food more affordable for our low-income neighbors while supporting the economy. Your SNAP/EBT credits go further here too. For every dollar you spend with your SNAP card, you'll get a matching dollar to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Stop by the welcome table to ensure you get your benefits.
This market also accepts WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks. Hudson Valley seniors who meet financial criteria can purchase certain items from farmers' markets, roadside produce stands, and community-supported agricultural (CSA) box programs. Eligible residents 60 years and older can pick up their checks at this location, often by the end of July. Bridgeport is only an hour from Brewster, and its East Side Market is well worth the trip. Make it a fun day trip and stop by the Beardsley Zoo before heading home.
- Location: 752 E. Main St., Bridgeport.
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday.
Cold Spring Farmer's Market
One of the best things about a farmer's market is the sense of community that merchants and shoppers create around wholesome food. This feeling is something you can't experience at the grocery store. That's why meeting the people who grow your fruits and vegetables and raise your meat and eggs is so important. This close connection with farming also helps strengthen your local economy while revitalizing your health.
The Boscobel House and Gardens host the Cold Spring Farmer's Market. This weekly event touts a variety of special guests, including a rotating schedule of live musical performances by artist Steve Kelman and tips by master gardeners. You'll enjoy browsing dozens of stalls by groups like Northwinds Lavendar Farm, Hummingbird Ranch, Tony's Pickles, Breezy Hill Orchard, Krazy for Kazu, and Pura Vida Fisheries.
- Location: 1601 Route 9D, Garrison.
- Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
Putnam Valley Farmer's Market
Stock up on fall and summer's bounty at the Putnam Valley Farmer's Market at the Tompkins Corners Cultural Center. The town's resident's coalition hosts this outdoor event starting in June. Strolling musicians add to its festive vibe, making this market a terrific entertainment destination of its own, and pets are also welcome to attend.
Discover everything this center has to offer. You'll find all the customary goods, like fruits, vegetables, and baked goods, plus a few uncommon finds such as coffees and handmade crafts. You can also stock up on soups, appetizers, bread, and cheese. Grab a pastry to devour as you stroll around and a floral display to bring home.
This 2022 growing season marks Putnam Valley Farmer's Market's 17 years. Help support this outstanding community event and consider selling your own goods here. Whether you're an artist, baker, or gardener, our community wants the fruit of your labors, and you can even add a few dollars to your wallet each week.
- Location: 729 Peekskill Hollow Rd., Putnam Valley.
- Hours: 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
Well, there you go. The friendly folks at Brewster Ford put together this guide to Hudson Valley's best farmer's markets. What do you think of our five choices? Let us know if we missed your favorite spot to shop for fresh produce and other goodies. We want to share your recommendations with other New Yorkers.
