The Top 10 Farmers Markets in the U.S. To Visit This Summer

Most people really like the opportunity to visit various farmers markets across the United States each year. It’s easy to understand why this is such a popular activity. First and foremost, you get the chance to visit some locations that you might not otherwise come into contact with. Often, these are destinations that become favorites and you return to them year after year. It also gives you an opportunity to buy produce and other items that are much fresher than you typically find at a normal supermarket. In some cases, it even gives you a chance to buy things that you can’t get in your supermarket.

A lot of people that start shopping at farmers markets discover that they love it so much that they really don’t want to go back to the way they used to do things, shopping almost exclusively at the supermarket. When it comes to the food, it’s usually of a much higher quality than you’re likely to find in any grocery store. Farmers markets also have a special atmosphere that you can’t find anywhere else. As such, they give you the chance to get to know local individuals on a more intimate level and most of the time, you can even find things like lotions and soaps that are homemade, usually side by side with local produce. It really is an experience that you’ll never forget and after your first trip to the farmers market, you’re probably going to think differently about the way you purchase food.

Fortunately, farmers markets of various sizes can be found in locations throughout the United States, and big cities and small towns. A lot of rural areas also feature them. You might be surprised at that fact initially, but it makes sense if you really stop and think about it. More often than not, it is the same rural areas that are producing food that is being sold at these venues. Therefore, it only makes sense that you would find some farmers markets in locations where there really isn’t much else to be found.

Below is a list of 10 of the most popular farmers markets in the United States. If you happen to be close enough to visit one of them, great. If you’re not, check out the local newspaper and try visiting one that’s close enough for you to drive to on a regular basis. You’ll probably never think of fresh food in the same way again.

1. Los Angeles

This farmers market has been open since 1934. It sells practically anything you could ever hope to find and it’s open year-round.

2. Pike Place, Seattle

In addition to fresh produce, this market is open 7 days a week also sells handmade crafts.

3. Union Square, New York

Here, you can find fresh produce, meat, baked goods and preserves.

4. Chicago

This is a year-round market that offers plenty to choose from, and even has lots of educational options to help people learn about nutrition.

5. San Francisco

The market here is open three days each week, and every day that it’s open, it has a different theme.

6. Copley Square, Boston

This is a great market that has all kinds of different produce available for sale. It’s open from May through November.

7. Charleston

If you want fresh produce, handmade jewelry, and even homemade pasta, this is the place to be.

8. Eastern Market, Washington, D.C.

The market is open all year long, and it’s open every day of the week except for Mondays. You can even buy fresh flowers here.

9. Atlanta

Open since 1918, this market features restaurants and everything you could ever imagine.

10. Portland State University

The market is open on Saturdays, March through December. You can get produce, snacks and sandwiches.

If you’re able to get to one of these, don’t hesitate to stop and see what they have. If you really love fresh produce and all things handmade, there simply isn’t a better place to get what you need than by visiting one of these markets. Even if you can’t make it to one of these venues, you can still find a lot of great deals at a market that’s easy for you to travel to.