The Best Farmers' Markets in New Jersey

What’s the best way to get fresh food while supporting local businesses? Going to a local farmers’ market, of course! While many think of this as a summer activity, many farmers’ markets are still open well into the fall, some even year-round.  

Here are a few of my favorite farmers' markets in New Jersey:

Trenton Farmers Market

While this market is relatively small, the selection of high-quality food more than makes up for it. Many local farms sell fresh produce at the market. There’s also a butcher on site that you can buy fresh meat and poultry from. The market also has a wide selection of hot food in case hunger strikes while shopping. There are a few specialty shops as well. If you want a market that has more than just produce and baked goods, this one is a good place to stop by.

Highland Park Farmers Market

While this market is a bit smaller than others, it has a very close-knit community. People just hang out at the market for the fun of it. The market is very easy to access by foot since it’s right on Main Street. There’s also a book truck (my personal favorite), a taco stand, and many food trucks. If you want to go to a market where you get to know people, I recommend this one.

 

The book truck, Rac-On-Tour. 

West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market

In addition to the usual produce and baked goods, the market has some cool booths that I haven’t seen elsewhere. Some of my favorites are Nutty Novelties (nut butters), Nomad Pizza (wood-fired pizza), and Un-Waste (organic recycling and eco-friendly products). Some vendors only show up for certain weeks, so it incentivizes people to visit often. There is always something at this market.

Columbus Farmers' Market

This is one of the biggest farmers' markets I have ever been to. Sometimes it feels more like a shopping mall rather than a farm market. They have everything, and I mean everything, here. They have booths for food, clothes, toiletries, collectibles, hunting gear, electronics, and even a pet store! There is also an outdoor flea market section where people can sell their own items. Special mention to the Amish market, which is very popular for its donuts and other hot food items. This market is unique compared to other ones in the state, and that’s worth a visit alone.

 

While these are just a few of my favorite farmers' markets, there are many more in the state. No matter where you go in New Jersey, there's a farm, farm stand, or farmers' market somewhere nearby. So try to support your local farms when you can because without farmers, there's no food.