The Locavore Bible: Best Farmers Markets & Farm Stands

We like to think of our Local Farmers Markets & Farm Stands Guide as The Locavore Bible. It lists four markets that support sustainable farming and offer organic and free range products, five weekday farm stands and storefronts, and U-Pic farm. We even tell you how to start an organic farm on your deck with the Tower Garden® – marketed locally by Armonk resident Lauren Bernard.

Chappaqua Farmer’s Market – Sat, 5/12- 11/17: 8:30am-1pm: With 54 weekly and monthly vendors this local fave offers all the locally grown produce to make any locavore smile. Plus everything you need for a weekend menu from Pure Vida Fisheries, Doc Pickle, FarmEats Grass Fed Beef, Joe Tomato Mozzarella, Kontoulis Olive Oil, Larchmont Charcuterie, McGrath Cheese, Wave Hill Bread and more. And prepared food vendors like Dacha Fermented Foods, a new player who uses a process of lactic acid fermentation, to create probiotic-rich sauerkrauts. (Chappaqua Train Station;  www.chappaquafarmersmarket.org)

John Jay Homestead, Sat, 5/12-10/27: 9am-1pm: For a real feel of the country drive up Rt. 22 to the John Jay Homestead where you go to market with grass under your feet, surrounded by historic buildings and great Americana style music that’s as vintage as the carriage barn. Best of all they have moved up their start date this year to May 12, a month earlier than in past years. (400 Jay St., Rt. 22, Katonah;  www.johnjayhomestead.org)

Muscoot Farm, Sun 5/14-11/19: 9:30am – 2:30pm: The Muscoot market is the only Sunday market in our area. The market’s 23 vendors offer everything you need for a backyard party from local produce to fresh fish from Conte’s Market, Berkshire pork and Black Angus beef from John Boy’s Farm, and pickled products from Pickle-Licious. Grab a cup from Bear Mountain Roasters and check out the animals and 11 historic buildings (we love the blacksmith shop) and the seven miles of forest trails. (Rt. 100, Somers;  www.muscootfarm.org)

Pleasantville Farmers Market – Sat, 4/7- 11/17: 8:30am-1pm: Westchester’s largest market, with up to 55 vendors in peak season, is unsurpassed in it’s variety of offerings. Their website’s vendor map features a scrolling list of each week’s vendors. Or throw caution to the wind and check out their regular offerings of fruits and vegetables; artisanal bread, bakery and dairy products; meats, fish and poultry; wine and gluten free products and prepared foods.  Their winter market operates from the Pleasantville Middle School, 40 Romer Ave. from December-March, Sat: 9am-1pm.(Memorial Plaza, next to the Pleasantville train station; www.pleasantvillefarmersmarket.org)

Gossett’s Farmers Market at Gossett Nurseries, South Salem – Open year round, Sat, 9am-2pm: This local nursery invites farmers in year round with fresh, organic food items from seafood to dairy, honey, baked goods and specialty foods. During the winter the market moves inside to the greenhouse. Brilliant! (1202 Old Post Rd., Rt. 35, S. Salem; www,gossettbrothers.com)

Fresh from the Farm Stand

Augustine’s Farm, Greenwich, CT – Open daily: 9am – 5pm. Fresh farm eggs, corn, asparagus, heirloom tomatoes, squash, cucumber, beets, carrots, onions, watermelon, cantaloupe, honey dew, orange flesh melon, strawberries, blueberries, avocado, grapes, cherries, honey, dressings and fresh cut flowers. (1332 King St., Greenwich, CT,;  augustinesfarmonfacebook)

De Maria’s Country Butcher Shop at Hemlock Hill Farm, Cortland Manor – Open year round: Mon-Sat: 9am-5:30pm & Sun: 9am-2pm; Open seven days a week, year-round for free-range poultry, custom pork, lamb, goat and beef, and country-fresh eggs. Plus produce from their 1-acre garden in season. (500 Croton Ave., Cortlandt Manor, 914.737.2810; www.hemlockhillfarm.com)

John Boys Outpost, Bedford – Open year round, Tues-Sun, 8am-6pm: At farmer John Ubaldo’s storefront market in Bedford Village you can pick up a selection of local produce plus Black Angus beef, Berkshire pork, bacon, sausage, duck, duck eggs, yogurt, honey, and cheese from 100% grass-fed cows from his Cambridge, NY farm. They also serve incredible baked goods, the best bacon and egg sandwich in Westchester County, Croissant French Toast, rotisserie chickens and whatever meat or poultry they’re cooking up – for dine in or take out. (1 Court Rd., Bedford, 914.205-3900)

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, North Salem – Open Daily: 8am-6pm: Famous for their apple picking festivals, Harvest Moon’s Farm Store is open year-round (mostly) offering their own fruits and veggies, free range eggs, grass fed beef and pasture raised pork. Plus dairy, honey, maple syrup, pasta and fine foods from NY State. You can even buy a whole (half or quarter) cow or pig and they have great apple cider donuts. Read our story.(130 Hardscrabble Rd., North Salem, 914.485.1210; www.harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com)

Hilltop Hanover Farm Stand & U-Pick, Yorktown Heights – Thurs – Sun 4/20 – 11/21: Offers fresh, farm-grown produce, seasonal vegetables, herbs and cut flowers. Each week’s vegetables available for purchase are listed on their website. Fri: 1-6pm & Sat: 10am-4pm: Also U-pick from their fields on Sat & Sun. (1271 Hanover Street
, Yorktown Heights,
914.962.2368;  www.hilltophanoverfarm.org)

Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture – Wed-Sun: 5/3- 10/29: 10am-6pm: Farm-fresh produce meat and eggs at their farm store. Admission to the farm is free from Wed-Fri and $20 on the weekends. (630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills, 914.366.6200; www.stonebarnscenter.org)

Rochambeau Farm, Mt. Kisco – Wed-Sun: 10am-4pm: Farm-fresh produce and flowers from their garden. Plus meats from Hemlock Hill Farm; dairy from Battenkill Valley Creamery, Adirondack Cheese Co. & Jeni’s Ice Cream; honey and syrup from Catskill Provisions and Bee’s Knees; artisanal breads and baked goods from Joe’s Dough, Julian Bakery, Healing Home Foods Baked Granola and their own cookies, pies, quiches and preserves. Plus friendly farm animals including potbelly pigs, boer goat, sheep and lots of chickens. (214 West Patent Rd., Mt. Kisco;  www.rochambeaufarmny.com)

Organic gardening in your own backyard 

If you need to have a farmer’s market in your own backyard to feel like you’ve earned your green stripes, the Tower Garden® promises an easy, eco-friendly, way to grow fruits and vegetables even if you have a brown thumb. The Tower Garden®, available from Armonk resident Lauren Bernard, is a vertical garden system for patios, that uses an advanced form of hydroponics, called aeroponics, to grow “more colorful, better tasting, better smelling, and nutritious fruits and vegetables.” Read more here.

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