Most of the food we eat is grown on an industrial scale nowadays, but there’s something special about locally-grown produce bought from the local farmer’s market. This is certainly true for the people in and around West Islip, Long Island, as they have a wide variety of charming and well-stocked farmers markets to choose from.
“Historic Lewes Farmers Market-onions radish” by Michele Dorsey Walfred, used under CC BY 2.0
Babylon Village Farmers’ Market
Located in Babylon Village, right next to West Islip, this market is open every Sunday from June to November, come rain or shine. The main appeal of this place is the incredible variety of products sold by locals, from organic vegetables to cheese, pasta, bread, jams, baked goods, and much more. On most Sundays they also have live music performance, making it a great place to spend a weekend afternoon.
Farmers Market at Tanger Outlets
A location that’s usually only reserved for outlet stores is far from being a classic farmers market location, but the Tanger outlets farmers market certainly makes it work. Open every Saturday from June to October in The Tanger Outlets Deer Park, it gathers many Long Island farmers and bakers that compete for your attention by offering their best fruits, vegetables, flowers, and more. It’s a unique opportunity to buy some fresh food while also finding amazing deals on your favorite clothing brands.
Greenport Farmers’ Market
Given the fact that warm days are pretty much behind us this year, an indoor market is an ideal venue to keep buying local produce well into the winter. Greenport Farmers’ Market was established in 2011 by a group of local residents with the purpose of assisting the local community. It’s open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 p.m. to 1 p.m. and features produce, flowers, herbs, eggs, wine, baked goods, and many more products all produced in Long Island.
Farmingdale Farmer’s Market
This farmers market opens in May and stays open until late November, delighting shoppers with a wide variety of fresh products. Although it may seem smaller than others at first sight, it’s very well stocked with all the groceries you need from fruits and vegetables to soups, jams, honey, and many more locally produced goods.
Schmitt’s Family Farm
If you’re looking for a place where you can buy fresh produce and where you and your family can have a fun day, you need to look no further than Schmitt’s Family Farm. Established back in 1950, it’s a great place for kids, as they get to pick their own pumpkins, enjoy different rides and slides, experience the haunted mansion, go through the 7-acre corn maze, go on a pony ride, and much more. They’re usually open seven days a week and host many field trips throughout the year.
No matter how advanced modern technology gets, people will always feel a strong connection with nature. A trip to any of these farmers markets will get you reacquainted with nature, offer you some delicious, fresh, and locally-grown foods while providing the perfect setting for a relaxing weekend afternoon.
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