The Buffalo Niagara area is a treasure trove for veggie lovers. Now that it’s summer, there are so many options to choose from when sourcing your food from local growers and suppliers. Farmers markets allow you to get the freshest produce around and meet the people who grow it. Check out these six essential farmer’s markets to visit in the Buffalo Niagara area.
Gorgeous Weiss Farm strawberries at Elmwood Village Farmers Market
Elmwood Village Farmers Market
Located right off Elmwood Avenue and Bidwell Parkway stands this smaller farmer’s market in Buffalo. You’ll find a wide selection of meats, produce, honey, fresh farm eggs, and artisans every Saturday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. This market has been around for over 20 years, making the vendors here a large part of the community. The Elmwood Village Farmers Market is a producer-only market meaning that vendors can only sell what they grow or produce. The product selections are always changing thanks to the seasonal produce in the Northern New York region. Both kids and animals are welcome to tag along at this market in the historic Elmwood Village.
North Tonawanda Farmers Market
Reviews are high for the North Tonawanda Farmers Market located at the corner of Robinson and Payne. This market features plenty of variety and local producers ready to sell some of the freshest ingredients around. It’s open three days a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. This schedule allows the farmers to bring their goods to the market within a day of picking. Prices are great, and you’ll find a smaller crowd if you come during the week. You’ll find more vendors here on Saturdays, but you’ll need to arrive early to find a parking spot.
Enjoy the bounty of Summer produce at Clinton-Bailey Farmers & Flea Market
Clinton-Bailey Farmers & Flea Market
You’ll find plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables at this hidden gem on Clinton Street. The Clinton-Bailey Farmers & Flea Market has a rich history dating back to the 1930s when local vendors would assemble to sell their goods. The market is open every day during the summer (May 1-Nov. 1) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a 6 a.m. start time on Saturdays. Visit the market during the winter (Nov. 1-April 30) on Saturdays only from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. You’ll find a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, and plants to add to your home garden. Since all the farmers are local, they know which veggies grow best in our area. Other treats include raw honey, maple syrup, and plenty of ready-to-eat goodies and drinks. Many customers like the large selection and say the pricing is a bit lower than other markets in town.
Kenmore Farmers Market
Known for yoga on the green at 9 o’clock every Sunday morning, the Kenmore Farmers Market features many options to aid a healthy lifestyle. You’ll find fresh veggies and fruits as well as coffee, baked goods, and local honey. Fresh cut flower and maple syrup are also available at this popular market. Find the Kenmore Farmers Market at 2919 Delaware Avenue between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. It’s open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is usually quite busy on a warm sunny summer weekend. The market is also known for its excellent programming, including story times for the kiddos as well as plant swaps and knitting circles. Keep up with the latest events and weekly programs by going to their Facebook page.
Downtown Country Market
Open in the City of Buffalo, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., you’ll find the Downtown Country Market ready for customers, rain or shine. The market is easy to find on Main Street between Court and Church Street. Vendors have been supplying locals with fresh produce and baked goods for more than 37 years now. You’ll also see a number of nonprofit groups sharing space underneath a community tent. Market vendors take part in the SNAP program and Double Up Food Bucks, which helps get fresh food into all homes within the area. The market is also involved in other community programs that support the life and livelihood of many people in the Buffalo area. Drop by on your lunch break for fresh produce twice a week.
You’re plum lucky if you get a chance to visit the Lewiston Artisan Market
Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market
This small market has been gaining steam in the community for a few years now. Located in Academy Park, the market has space for a number of outdoor vendors. It’s open on Saturday mornings June 1 – October 12. The market has a great variety of fresh produce as well as maple syrup, wildflower honey, and fresh baked goods. You’ll also find beer and wine. This market does attract tourists, so it can get crowded at times.
Support Your Local Agribusiness
No matter what kind of fresh food you’re searching for, there are plenty of farmers markets in the region to keep you stocked up. You’ll find a variety of seasonal vegetables as well as beautiful plants and cut flowers to freshen up your office or home. By shopping locally, you eliminate the middle man (grocery store) and save money. You also support the local economy and keep our local farmers in business. Make sure to check out these six essential farmer’s markets to visit in Buffalo Niagara this summer. As always, let Welcome 716 be your guide to the Summer season!