Farmers Markets in NJ: Where to Find the Fall Harvest

8/30/12 - By Sasha Muzzarelli

My family and I moved to NJ last summer from sweltering Florida, where it’s tough to grow anything that isn’t a palm tree or an orange. One of our first experiences was visiting the farmers market at the local park and strolling among rows of golden apples, juicy pears and late summer strawberries & tomatoes made me realize why Jersey is called the “Garden State.” As we get ready to welcome the cozy sweaters and cool evenings that autumn brings, a tasty new season of fruits and vegetables awaits. Check out some of our state’s awesome farmers markets where New Jersey kids and their families (and maybe even the dog too!) can sample the fall harvest:

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Collingswood Farmers Market (Collingswood, NJ)

Collingswood Farmers Market is often named as a favorite when southwestern New Jersey-ites are asked where they shop and it’s no wonder. This impressive market (located about 10 minutes outside Philadelphia), is so much more than just a place to buy seasonal fruits & veggies. On any given Saturday (8am-noon) you’ll find live music, a café serving up hot breakfast sandwiches and vendors selling everything from homemade poultry pot pies to organic dog treats to an entire greenhouse selling NJ-grown plants and flowers. Local beekeepers even come to sell fresh honey and beeswax products. Collingswood is open well into the fall, holding a special farmers market the weekend before Thanksgiving to close out the season. Please call 856-559-0234 for more information.

Ramsey Farmers Market  (Ramsey, NJ)

This festive market in northern Bergen County is on a mission to provide Ramsey residents with locally grown, organic produce. The market also supports vendors that practice sustainable agriculture and recycle their packaging and products. Most of their fall produce comes from the 150 acre, organic Blooming Hill Farm. The goods go way beyond that though – you’ll find culinary delights such as homemade chili, hot sauces & freshly made pastas and gnocchi in addition to some interesting booths like a knife sharpening expert and Woods Edge Wool Farm that sells Alpaca and Llama wear. Ramsey Farmers Market is open on Sunday mornings through the fall and closes before the Thanksgiving holiday. Please visit the Ramsey Farmers Market website for more information.

Toms River Farmers Market (Toms River, NJ)

The Toms River Farmers Market may not be as big or fancy as some of its Jersey counterparts but it has quite a lot to offer - this “down the shore” community market ranked # 15 for ‘Best Boutique Farmers Market’ in the country by American Farmland Trust in 2011. Held every Wednesday afternoon through late October, you can stop by after school with the kids in tow and stock up on produce, plants, fresh herbs, homemade pickles and spiced nuts. The market offers some yummy seaside favorites such as homemade chowder and crab cakes for easy weeknight dinners. Please call 732-341-8738 for more information.

Princeton Farmers Market (Princeton, NJ)

The Princeton Farmers Market is a jovial community meeting place where families with young children, college kids and even well-groomed pups with their owners mingle and shop every Thursday afternoon through November 15th. Autumn brings organic apples, pears and butternut squash from nearby New Jersey farms. Other vendor highlights include homemade yogurt (both Greek & regular), homemade ricotta cheese, ketchup and relish made with local, organic ingredients and fall favorites like apple cider and pumpkins come September and October. Before you head home with your goodies, stop and enjoy a vegetarian wrap, salad or even a freshly made crepe at one of the market’s many prepared food booths. Please call 551-655-8095 for more information.

Hamilton Park Farmers Market (Jersey City, NJ)

Hamilton Park Farmers Market is a popular Wednesday evening produce pit stop for Hudson County residents. Located in a picturesque brownstone neighborhood in downtown Jersey City, the market sells both organic and conventional produce along with organic breads (in delicious flavors such as Asiago cheese & black olive), herbs and fresh mozzarella. The whole family will find plenty to do in the Hamilton Square park while you shop – check out the huge playground, basketball court and two dog runs. Before you leave, be sure and grab a slice of pizza from the coal burning oven right inside a food truck! Hamilton Park Farmers Market is open until mid-December, making this a great outing through the fall and early winter. Please call 201-547-6921 for more information.

Millburn Farmers Market (Millburn, NJ)

The Millburn Farmers Market is celebrating its 20th anniversary of selling fresh produce to residents of Millburn and the surrounding suburbs. The family favorite Alstede Farms will once again sell dozens of apple varieties come September along with several other certified organic growers. Throw in homemade pickles, freshly baked goods and Hoboken Farms’ selection of handmade ravioli and marinara sauce and you’ve got a perfect place to do the weekly shopping. Guest chefs from nearby restaurants will also be on hand for tastings and culinary demonstrations until the market closes for the season on October 19th. Please call 973-379-2341 for more information.

For a complete listing of New Jersey Farmers Markets, please visit the Jersey Fresh website.

 

photo credit: dalefarwalker via photo pin cc

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