Fun at the Farmers Markets

 One of my favorite things to do in the summer and early fall is head to local farmers markets! I know that whenever my family goes on vacation outside the city the first thing we do is find the farmers market to stock up on goodies, but there are actually a lot of good markets right here in the city! Some of these are pretty well known, like the Union Square Greenmarket, while others are a bit lower key and secret, such as the Marcus Garvey Park HERBan Farmers’ Market in Harlem (bonus points for the punny name).

Since the Union Square Greenmarket is probably the most famous, we’ll start there. I remember going to this market when I was in elementary school because we used to live close by downtown. Even if we didn’t but anything I loved to look at all the colors of the fresh flowers in the summer, the smell of the local strawberries and the look of those big homemade pretzels (every kids dream). Located on E 17^th Street &Union Square W the market is open Friday, Saturday, Monday and Wednesday generally from 8am-5pm (although for special days and times I recommends checking out their website)

Just going by the name of this next farmers market, The Tucker Square Thursday Greenmarket, I wouldn’t recognize it. However it seems so obvious when you mention its located on 66^th & Columbus Avenue right by Lincoln Center! I cant even count how many times I’ve passed this market, admiring the veggies, stopping to look at handmade clothes, and even picking up some fruit for an on the go snack. You know how there are certain things that are a constant in your life, when you see it there it is just normal and reassuring, well when I walk in this neighborhood and see this market, that’s how I feel.

Moving on to the Grand Central Market, on 42^nd between Lexington and Park, we are now inside. While I consider this a market since there is always a fresh flower stand and fresh fruits and veggies, it really looks more like a grocery store. This is a great place to go for fresh food when in midtown, a place you probably wouldn’t think to look!

Lastly, the Marcus Garvey Park HERBan Farmers’ Market in Harlem, located on West 124^th and 5^th Avenue and open Saturdays 9-5, is another one of my favorites and definitely the farthest one up town! I think this is a great location for a farmers market because it brings fresh and local produce to the neighborhood where it is scarce otherwise, brings the community together, and livens up the park! I remember a couple of years ago when we had just gotten back from London and we jet lagged I walked over there with my parents to get some peaches!

I can’t wait to start going to the one up by my school again!

What’s you favorite thing to get at farmers markets? Do you have a favorite farmers market?

~ Monique ~