The 10 Best Urban Farmers Markets in the U.S.

July 18, 2014

Rows of gleaming fruits and vegetables. Friendly growers who can tell you exactly where your food comes from — and how to cook it. Infinite free samples. There’s nothing quite like a good farmers market.

But these days, there’s much more to farmers markets than a few rickety stalls. Now that “locavore” is everyone’s favorite buzzword, you’re as likely to see chef demos and pick up samples of yak cheese as you are to buy more typical produce (no offense, apples and potatoes). So grab your coolest tote bag and a stack of dollar bills: These are 10 of the best city-based farmers markets in the U.S.

1. Green City Market, Chicago: If you're a farmers market fan, you probably get bummed out every November when most close up shop for the winter. But if Chicago is your hometown, you're in luck: The Green City Market caters to locals all year long. Plus, you can nosh on everything from carnitas to maple candies. Just not at the same time, maybe.

Photo courtesy of Tom Campone/Flickr
2. The Copley Square Farmers Market, Boston: On Tuesdays and Fridays, Copley Square turns into a riot of rainbow-colored produce. It also becomes THE place to go if you want to buy a cookie the size of your face. Or load up on apple cider doughnuts. Or arm-length pistachio tarts. Hey, no one said all farmers market buys have to be healthy, right?

Photo courtesy of jennie-o/Flickr
3. Portland Farmers Market, Portland: Is anyone surprised that Portland, land of the organic-loving and food-truck flocking, has serious farmers markets to its name? Portland Farmers Market, with locations across the city, welcomes upwards of 200 vendors that'll leave your stomach bursting (and your wallet thinned out). But who could be expected to resist handmade chocolate truffles? Or local sourdough? Or breakfast burritos? Portland, here we come.

Photo courtesy of Matt Kowal/Flickr
4. Urban Harvest Farmers Market, Houston: Ever dreamt of eating a piping hot croque madame outside on a Saturday morning while you go shopping for emu eggs and listen to some live tunes? Sure, we've all been there. Luckily, Houston's Urban Harvest Farmers Market, one of the city's best and most bustling, can sort you right out.

Photo courtesy of Urban Harvest
5. Union Square Greenmarket, New York: One of those rare NYC institutions that's as popular with locals as it is with tourists, the Union Square Greenmarket descends on downtown Manhattan every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Alongside fresh produce and flowers, you can also score offbeat finds like ostrich eggs and elk steaks. Pro-tip: Put together a picnic basket and head to Central Park afterwards – it's almost like a trip to the country. Kind of.

Photo courtesy of John Joh/Flickr
6. Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, San Francisco: San Francisco is no ordinary city, and Ferry Plaza is no ordinary farmers market – "ultimate foodie Mecca" might be a more accurate description. Some markets sell bacon; this one sells bulgogi tacos. Some sell apple cider; this one's got rose and lemon verbena soda. Just sayin'.

Photo courtesy of Eric Heath/Flickr
1. Green City Market, Chicago: If you're a farmers market fan, you probably get bummed out every November when most close up shop for the winter. But if Chicago is your hometown, you're in luck: The Green City Market caters to locals all year long. Plus, you can nosh on everything from carnitas to maple candies. Just not at the same time, maybe.

Photo courtesy of Tom Campone/Flickr
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