In our new, flat world, where technology and mass media have brought us all closer together, some positive trends have emerged. Being green for one, has become cool, if not exceedingly crucial to our long-term survival. We’re more knowledgeable than ever about the impact we have on the environment and how actions that take place on the other side of the planet affect what happens in our own backyard.
Combine all of this with the “foodie” movement of the past decade or so and one propitious consequence has been extreme interest in the physical origins of what we eat. Farmers markets all over the world, as a result, have become de facto tourist attractions and superb points of interest.
Although easy to decry the fast food culture and shameful obesity rates in America, the country has a wonderful food culture underneath the flabby surface. These twelve terrific farmers markets prove that you don’t have to depend on McDonald’s for sustenance in the U.S.A.
Chicago’s superb Green City Market is at the south edge of Linclon Park, a perfect location for food hunters. The large market is on the route of a free trolley service that takes visitors to the most notable landmarks in the Windy City.
St. Paul Farmers Market, St. Paul, Minnesota
St. Paul’s main farmers market has around for over 150 years. The capital city of Minnesota has some great restaurants and without a doubt, the market plays a major role in the culinary scene, with bakery products, cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables and much, much more.
Atlanta is not known in mainstream circles as a great food destination but Morningside Market is well worth a look in the former Olympic host city. The myriad farmers and producers who populate the market with their wares all reside within a two-hour drive of downtown Atlanta.
Crescent City Farmers Market, New Orleans
New Orleans has been hit with tough times in recent years but tourism is slowly on the rise. From Mardi Gras to the Jazz & Heritage Festival, the city is terrific. The culinary heritage of New Orleans however, has to rank as one of the top reasons to visit and Crescent City Farmers Market plays a big role in the scene.
Portland Farmers Market, Portland
Oregon has become a primetime foodie destination in the United States, with fabulous wine regions, produce and restaurants, with none of the hustle bustle of nearby California. The state’s main hub of Portland is a wonderful city with loads of charm and a farmers market which proves that “buy local” works.
Boulder Farmers Market, Boulder, Colorado
With a diverse landscape and population, Colorado is a terrific state to visit. For recreation, natural beauty and yes, food, the state is key. Boulder is one of the better destinations in Colorado for all of that and features a market that ranks as one of the top in the country.
Union Square Greenmarket, New York City
With such a massive food scene in scope and breadth, it makes sense to see the Big Apple make our list. But which market do you target in Manhattan, or any of the boroughs for that matter? Try Union Square, where the choice of produce from all over New York state and New England is endless and where on busy days, tens of thousands gather to peruse and taste.
Santa Monica Farmers Market, Santa Monica, California
The people of California can truly practice the “100 mile diet” with apparent ease and a plethora of choice, despite the fact that so much of the state’s bounty is exported all over the world. There are many good markets in the state, from Sacramento on down to San Diego. The one in Santa Monica is special however, with a solid emphasis on sustainability.
Santa Fe Farmers Market, Santa Fe
New Mexico’s cuisine is truly fusion, with strong Pueblo and Mexican influences. As a result, the state’s a lot of fun to explore and restaurants from Albuquerque to Santa Fe serve up some sumptuous fare. For a peerless peek into the ingredients that make New Mexican dishes so potent, head to the main farmers market in the state capital.
Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market, Miami
If specialty organic products is your bag, the farmers market in the posh Coconut Grove district of Miami is a must.
Dane County Farmers Market, Madison, Wisconsin
Wisconsin grows and produces some of the best food in America and the capital city of Madison is a great place to discover why. The producers-only market is the biggest in the country and is set up around the perimeter of the State Capitol in the summer months.
Marin Farmers Markets, San Rafael, California
Most people familiar with markets in the San Francisco Bay Area cite the one in the terrific Ferry Building. While indeed spectacular, check out the panoply of more affordable delights at Marin Farmers Markets in nearby San Rafael.
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