Best Farmers Market (2022)

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.
Photo courtesy of City of West Palm Beach

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 David Kotsonas

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 M_a_y_a // Getty Images

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 SolStock// Getty Images

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 JP Garrigues

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 Santa Fe Farmers' Market

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 Anna Gorbacheva // Getty Images

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 Green Dragon Farmer's Market

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 Fletcher McKinney with City of Foley

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 Santa Monica Farmers' Markets