As the warm weather comes to Syracuse, so does the excitement surrounding the fruits and vegetables found at the local farmers’ markets. The scent of fresh produce and allure of homemade trinkets brings Central New Yorkers out of hiding, as they seek out wholesale prices and deals on seasonal goods.
Some of the biggest advantages of visiting a Syracuse farmers’ market is that residents can go green, purchase organic and pesticide-free items, and support local vendors – an act that provides produce with an enhanced taste, texture, and aroma; boosts the regional economy; and helps the environment by saving energy and fuel usually spent on commercial transportation.
Where: 2100 Park Street, I-81 exit 23 When: Tuesdays, 4pm to 8pm; Thursdays, 10am to 5pm (May through mid-November)
Open year-round: Saturdays, 7am to 2pm and Sundays, Flea Market, 7am to 3pm Contact: Eugene Elemos, Market Manager at (315) 422-8647
An array of farm products, jewelry, cooking utensils and equipment, and crafts is found at the Central New York Regional Market. Cucumbers, zucchinis, and herbs are especially well priced here. For example, a bundle of cilantro sells for $1, whereas local stores sell small packages for close to $4. Expect deals on strawberries as well. Special events are also known to take place here, such as the oldies car shows on Tuesdays, offered June through September, where proud owners show off their vintage autos.
Where: Parking lot at South Salina & Washington Sts When: Tuesdays, 7 am to 4 pm (June 10th to October 14th) Contact: Charles McFadden at (315) 422-8284.
Sponsored by the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc, the open-air Syracuse Farmers Market offers access to more than 50 vendors that come to sell their fruits, vegetables, plants, cheeses, baked goods, and handicrafts. Jam, honey, candies, and Amish breads and cookies are also a welcomed feature. During some weeks, live entertainment fills the air with the sounds of jazz and other musical talent. When looking for a deal that challenges local grocery store prices, expect varied results, as it is the appeal of freshness and convenience that attracts many shoppers. The market often lures downtown employees, which is known to create a thick lunchtime crowd. So, if you’d like a less intense experience, come a bit earlier.
Fresh produce and delicious ice cream served right outside the market has been a draw for many years at Chuck Hafner’s Farmers Market, where flowers, trees, gardening must-haves, bales of straw, and plenty of home décor accessories entice customers. Since March 19th, 2009, the new Market & Garden Center is now open seven days a week.
Syracuse Mobile Market
Where: Brighton Towers on 821 East Brighton Avenue and Almus Olver Towers on 300 Burt Street When: Year-round; 10 am to 12pm on Tuesdays at Brighton Towers and 10 am to 12pm on Wednesdays at Almus Olver Towers
The Camillus Town Clerk’s Office presents Where: Municipal Building, 4600 West Genesee Street When: Fridays, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm (June through October) Contact: Krista Kenna at (315) 488-1234
Farmers from near and wide come to sell flowers, tantalizing honey, and fresh produce bursting with bright colors and flavor. All the products offered at the Camillus Farmers Market are homemade or homegrown. Other items of interest include baked goods, crafts, and herbs. WIC coupons are also accepted.
Batberry Farmers’ Market
Where: Bayberry Plaza, Kinney Lot, 7608 Oswego Road When: Wednesdays, Noon to 6 pm (early July through early November) Contact: Kathy Perrotta at (315) 652-1463
Manlius Farmers’ Market
Where: Behind Sno-Top, off Arkie Albanese Avenue When: Wednesdays 10 am to 4 pm; Sundays Noon to 4 pm (end of May through early October) Contact: Dept. of Parks and Recreation at (315) 682-7887
Skaneateles Farmers’ Market
Where: Community Center Parking Lot, 97 State Street When: Thursday, 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm (June through mid-October) Contact: David Laxton at (315) 685-3473
Sources:
Becky Hand, “Farmers Market Food Finds.” SparkPeople.
Debby Groom, “Farmer Markets Still Open.” Post Standard.
Farmers Market Federation of New York
