USA TODAY 10Best
Best farmers market? These are our readers' top picks
Best Farmers Market (2022)
The fast-growing farm-to-table movement has led to a surge of farmer's markets popping up all over the country, with over 8,600 markets registered in the US! Many have become a weekly highlight for regulars, with food stalls and produce quality that can't be found anywhere else.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Farmers Market are as follows:
Photo courtesy of Santa Monica Farmers' Markets
No. 10: Santa Monica Farmers Market - Santa Monica, California
When California Certified Farmers' Markets (CFM) were first established in 1978, they became an overnight success. On any given Wednesday, some of Los Angeles' top chefs and restaurateurs can be found poring over the fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods at the Santa Monica Wednesday Market. Open year round, it is considered southern California's largest and most diverse grower-only farmers' market and draws some 9,000 shoppers to its bountiful stalls every week.
Photo courtesy of Fletcher McKinney with City of Foley
No. 9: Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermens Market - Foley, Alabama
At the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen's Market, shoppers will find locally-grown fruits and vegetables, as well as fresh seafood from the Gulf Coast. The market takes place in a covered pavilion each Saturday throughout the year, as well as Tuesday mornings in winter and Tuesday afternoons in summer.
Photo courtesy of Green Dragon Farmer's Market
No. 8: Green Dragon Farmer's Market - Ephrata, Pennsylvania
The Green Dragon Farmers Market & Auction takes place each Friday throughout the year – a local tradition since 1932. The indoor/outdoor market in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country features seven market buildings with vendors selling a huge variety of produce, baked goods, crafts and furniture.
Photo courtesy of Anna Gorbacheva // Getty Images
No. 7: Kaka'ako Farmer's Market - Honolulu, HI
This Hawaiian farmers market offers over 110 booths filled with Oahu’s finest local produce, unique quality gifts, and locally-inspired artisan foods. Sample fried mochi balls or sugarcane juice; shop for grass-fed beef, fresh-caught fish, and seasonal produce; or find gifts for every occasion, including handcrafted jewelry and textiles. 10Best Contributor Marla Cimini remarks, “One of my favorite Hawaiian markets, as it’s located in a hip neighborhood with lots of innovative restaurants, bars, food vendors, and there’s plenty of produce (including tropical fruit) from local farms, too.”
Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Farmers' Market
No. 6: Santa Fe Farmers' Market - Santa Fe, New Mexico
What began with a handful of farmers selling produce in the 1960s has blossomed into New Mexico's largest market - and one of the most widely recognized in the US. More than 150 vendors offer fresh local produce, while a collection of shops sell wine, tea, coffee, chocolate and gifts. "If you're lucky, you'll be there when they're roasting fresh chiles, filling the market with an intoxicating aroma," says 10Best contributor Eric Grossman.
Photo courtesy of JP Garrigues
No. 5: Pearl Farmers Market - San Antonio
The Pearl Farmers Market in San Antonio bills itself as “an open-air grocery store, held rain or shine.” The market takes place each Saturday and Sunday. While you’re shopping for local produce, meats and cheeses, you can listen to the sounds of live music or watch a cooking demo for ideas on how to use your fresh ingredients.
Photo courtesy of SolStock// Getty Images
No. 4: Missoula Farmers Market - Missoula, MT
Celebrating its fiftieth season in 2022, this “gathering of food and friends” is located in downtown Missoula, Montana. Open from May through September, shoppers can find fresh, locally-grown, and produced food from local farmers and small businesses and taste the best of Western Montana offers. Can’t make it to the live market? Shop online for cheeses, baked goods, jams, coffee, and spiced almonds and cashews.
Photo courtesy of M_a_y_a // Getty Images
No. 3: Palisade Farmers Market - Palisade, CO
10Best Contributor Kristen Lummis tells us, “In the heart of Colorado’s wine country and fruit orchards, Palisade is a charming town with a vibrant Sunday market. A great mix of family farmers and sophisticated wineries and bakeries.” This market, sponsored by the town, is open from June through October. It features chef demonstrations plus items from local artisans and crafters, as well as local produce and wines. Be sure to check out the live music and spend some downtime on a shaded, comfortable bench nearby.
Photo courtesy of David Kotsonas
No. 2: St Paul Farmers Market - St. Paul, MN
In addition to the weekend downtown location, the St. Paul Farmers’ Market operates nineteen neighborhood markets throughout the area. Run by the St. Paul Growers Association, these farmers’ markets sell only fresh, locally-grown produce directly from the grower to the consumer. Open year-round, vendors also offer bakery goods, meats and cheeses, eggs, honey and maple syrup, and many other locally produced products.
Photo courtesy of City of West Palm Beach
No. 1: West Palm Beach GreenMarket - West Palm Beach, Florida
Inspired by visits to the public markets of Europe, former West Palm Beach Mayor Nancy Graham helped establish the first weekly public farmers market in Palm Beach County in 1995. These days, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket takes place every Saturday from October through May with more than 90 vendors along the Intracoastal waterfront.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning farmers markets!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Dynie Sanderson
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has... Read More
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has been a food, wine and travel journalist and digital influencer living and indulging in life in the Napa Valley and around the world for over 25 years. She was founder, publisher and editor of GuestWest Magazine, Napa Valley’s first luxury lifestyle magazine; Food and Flavor Editor for Napa Valley Life Magazine and contributor to a variety of food and wine publications. Always seeking out the next wine region or food and wine festival to experience around the US and around the world to add to “Dynie’s Delicious Destinations.” Follow NapaFoodGal on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Dynie Sanderson
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has been a food, wine and travel journalist and digital influencer living and indulging in life in the Napa Valley and around the world for over 25 years. She was founder, publisher and editor of GuestWest Magazine, Napa Valley’s first luxury lifestyle magazine; Food and Flavor Editor for Napa Valley Life Magazine and contributor to a variety of food and wine publications. Always seeking out the next wine region or food and wine festival to experience around the US and around the world to add to “Dynie’s Delicious Destinations.” Follow NapaFoodGal on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in... Read More
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family – pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family – pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of... Read More
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.