Fresh Picks: The Best Urban Farmers Markets for Late-Summer Shopping

Looking to add local flavors to end-of-summer picnics or cookouts, or shop locally when it comes to flowers, ciders, and small gifts? These urban farmers markets make it simple to support small-but-mighty vendors without ever having to leave your city.

New York City: Union Square Greenmarket

Head to the north and west sides of Union Square Park on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays year-round to experience the renowned Union Square Greenmarket. The market runs from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and brings up to 140 regional farmers, fishers, and bakers to about 60,000 market shoppers. Vendors vary per week but recent stalls have spotlighted Andrew’s Honey with honey from Fairfield County, CT, Lavender by the Bay for fresh-cut, dried, and potted lavender from Suffolk County, NY, and Phillips Farms, featuring vegetables and small fruits from Hunterdon County, NJ. Other wares include heritage meats, cheeses, breads, jams, pickles, ciders, maple syrups, and more. Weekly events and activities, such as cooking demos, interactive displays, and tastings are yet another reason to visit. 1 Union Sq. W., New York, NY 10003 

Chicago: Green City Market (Lincoln Park)

Green City Market Lincoln Park offers two chances per week to shop local sustainable farmers and producers in the height of its season (May 7-October 29, with Saturday-only markets in April and November during the pre- and post-season). Visit 7 a.m.-1 p.m., rain or shine, and discover organic vegetables, fruits, and flowers from Flatwater Farms, baked goods, pastries, and lunch items from Verzênay Chicago, and pork, chicken, beef, and fish from Jake’s Country Meats. In addition to stalls filled with favorite Midwest vendors, market-goers will enjoy live music and performance acts, as well as community programs for all ages. 1817 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614

Boston: Copley Square Farmers Market

The Copley Square Farmers Market bills itself as “Boston's biggest and busiest farmers market.” Located in the iconic Copley Square, this farmers market runs Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., May 16-November 25. Shop everything from fresh flowers from Stoneside Flower Farm in Dartmouth and baked goods from Hi-Rise Bread Co. in Cambridge, to savory melted cheese sandwiches from Ben’s Raclette in Maynard and daily-caught, local fish from Red’s Best Fish. It all happens in the heart of Boston’s beloved Back Bay neighborhood. 227-230 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 02116

Los Angeles: Hollywood Farmers Market

The Hollywood Farmers’ Market started in 1991 and is now LA’s largest farmers market with over 160 vendors. Attracting everyone from local shoppers to respected chefs, the market starts each Sunday at 8 a.m. with its signature bugle call and runs through 1 p.m. Market-goers can expect everything from producers like Nuvo Olive Oil and food vendors like Bao Bao House dumplings, to rotating artisans like People’s Pottery Project and the “Community on Cosmo” Taste of Europe Food Residency, featuring vendors like Franzl’s Franks Austrian street food. Live music, children’s activities, and book signings from famous food authors round out the list of reasons to stop by this iconic market. 1600 Ivar Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028

San Francisco: Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

Produced alongside Foodwise, a nonprofit for farmers markets and food education, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market offers markets on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays year-round outside San Francisco’s storied Ferry Building. At smaller markets on Tuesdays and Thursdays (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), expect fresh fruits, vegetables, and lunch options. Thursday’s markets feature street food selections like tacos, sandwiches, and more. Larger markets on Saturdays (8 a.m.-2 p.m.) comprise over 100 vendors selling fresh local produce, food products, and brunch and lunch options. Free cooking demos from Foodwise Classroom also happen on Saturdays. Come for California-centric vendors like Canteen Meats, Lucero Organic Farms, and Three Babes Bakeshop. 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111

Washington, D.C.: Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market

Open almost year-round (January 5-December 28), FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Market is heralded as one of the top farmers markets not just in the area—but in the country. During peak season, expect over 50 farmers and producers offering organic fruits and vegetables, poultry and eggs, baked goods, local spirits and beers, and much more. Shop from stalls featuring Deep Roots Farm, Four Seasons Nursery, Patisserie Poupon, and Smith Meadows Meats. Seasonal produce includes tomatoes, stone fruit, summer squash, eggplants, and green beans, which feature well in recipes like ratatouille, stone fruit cobbler, and fresh tomatillo salsa. The market runs Sundays, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 1600 20th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

West Palm Beach: Palm Beach Gardens GreenMarket

West Palm Beach’s GreenMarket runs October-April, but in its off-season, visit nearby Palm Beach Gardens GreenMarket. There, you’ll find food, music, shopping, and more every Sunday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Browse and buy from vendors selling produce, pastries, prepared foods, spices, handmade crafts, and much more. Listen to live music and check back each week for highlights like GreenMarket shark week and a free yoga class. 10500 N. Military Trl., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

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