As of National Farmers Market Week, which took place in early August this year, there were more than 8,100 farmers markets listed in the Farmers Market Directory maintained by the USDA. That number represents a 3.6% increase from the year before. In fact, going to public markets is one of the most fun things to do in Rochester NY, and there are many to choose from. With options both right in the city and all over the surrounding area – which is dotted with farms of all sorts – Rochester NY public markets are a great place to find fresh produce, tasty foods, and spend a fun afternoon away from the grocery store.
The autumn might be the best time of year to visit a public market Rochester NY hosts. The fresh air on clear fall days is always fun and, of course, it is apple season. Upstate NY is one of the best apple-growing regions in the U.S., and fresh, juicy apples are a great alternative to other sugary snacks. But, if you have a sweet tooth or just don’t care about sticking to your diet, every good public market Rochester NY residents can visit will feature apple pies and cider to satisfy any sugar craving.
On top of that, with Halloween right around the corner, visiting a public market Rochester NY hosts is a great way to pick up pumpkins with the kids, and have a bit of fun doing it. Though it might be tempting, and perhaps even a little more convenient, to grab a pumpkin from a big display at the super market, picking one up at a farmers market is undoubtedly more fun. Plus, that is the best place to get a delicious pumpkin pie or any of the other pumpkin-flavored treats that are only available in the fall.
When people think of cities, fresh produce is probably not what comes to mind. However, it is not hard to find a public market Rochester NY residents can get to quickly. The South Wedge Farmers Market is located on the corner of S. Clinton and Alexander, the Monroe Village Farmers Market can be found on Monroe Ave., and the City of Rochester Public Market, which has been around for more than a century, is held on N. Union Street, just three blocks away from Main. On top of that, towns like Canandaigua, Fairport, and Pittsford all have their own markets, and are just a short drive from the city. They provide a great way to get outdoors and enjoy a beautiful fall afternoon.