Top 10 Farmers’ Markets of the US
Fall for these farmers' markets: The best places to buy fresh and local produce
Buying local, organic food is becoming more and more important to the average American family. We are becoming more aware of what we eat and where it comes from. According to a survey of Stanford University, the demand for locally grown, fresh produce has soared since the pandemic, and where better to find high-quality products than your local farmers’ market?
Holidu, the search engine for vacation rentals, decided to find out which of the many farmers’ markets in the US are the highest rated. We evaluated more than 1500 farmers’ markets from all states (list sourced from the Department of Agriculture) on their average rating on Google, the amount of reviews, and the variety of products available to calculate a score out of 10. The final ranking was drawn up using the USDA database and Google data and revealed that:
- Pike Place Market Seattle, WA, is the best-rated farmers’ market overall!
- The West dominates the list, with 4 markets in the final top 10
- All top 10 markets are active year-round, showing that the demand for farm-fresh food is booming
Image: Pike Place Market by Zoi Palla via Unsplash
1. Pike Place Market – Seattle, WA | Score: 10/10
It’s official: Pike Place Market in Seattle can call itself the best market of the United States! With over 50 thousand reviews on Google it is by far the most reviewed market in the country, leaving other markets in the dust. The market is also one of the oldest in the US and has been bringing fresh produce and other locally made products to the community since 1907. Pike Place Market is a hybrid market with temporary and permanent stalls: during summer you can buy the freshest organic fruit and vegetables from Washington farmers, but a lot of booths in the covered area of the market are open year-round. Check out the fresh seafood, beautiful flowers and delicious snacks that local businesses have to offer. The best of Seattle’s artisans showcase their products at the crafts part of the market: from sustainable beauty products to instruments, you’ll find it all at Pike Place Market! And if you’re looking for entertainment, that’s also covered at the market. Comedy shows, improv theater, cooking demonstrations and much more, there is always something to do!
Seasonal events:
Pike Place Market welcomes the holiday season with open arms! Shop for fresh ingredients and one-of-a-kind gifts to the tunes of live Christmas music, and if you visit the market on a Sunday, you might even see Santa walking around! For the adults, the improv theater company organizes a special retelling of ‘A Christmas Carol’. Pike Place Market always has a unique vibe to it, but during the holiday season it becomes magical!
Location & hours:
85 Pike St, Seattle
Every day, 9 am – 6 pm
2. Yellow Green Farmers Market – Hollywood, FL | Score: 7.64/10
Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood, Florida is up next in second place. This market was renovated very recently to double the amount of available stalls and gives more local vendors the opportunity to bring their products to the community. Head over to discover everything local Hollywood farmers have to offer: fresh produce, seafood, delicious baked goods, and much more. The market also has several stalls selling organic and handmade products, as well as food booths serving international cuisine. Yellow Green Farmers Market has become a real hub of activity for the local community, and a beloved attraction for many tourists, with music performances, events and even yoga classes being organized on the regular. Don’t miss out on this unique market in downtown Hollywood!
Seasonal events:
Yellow Green Farmers Market is booming all year round, but during the holiday season it attracts more shoppers than ever. Check out the local, organic ingredients for your Thanksgiving dinner, or enjoy an afternoon of gift shopping at the crafts booths, accompanied by good food and great music.
Location & hours:
3080 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL
Every Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 7 pm
3. WNC Farmers Market – Asheville, NC | Score: 7.52/10
Closing the top 3 is the WNC Farmers Market in Asheville, NC. At its location overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, this market has been providing its community with local and fresh produce since 1977! High-quality fruit and vegetables, handmade jams and local cheeses are only a couple of the many products you’ll be able to sample and purchase here. Besides checking out the many produce stalls, you can also enjoy a meal at the deli or in the café on the market’s premises. Browse the indoor retail area where local artisans and small businesses sell their products), or explore the tropical greenhouse that’s located next to the market. A perfect place to spend the day with your family!
Seasonal events:
WNC Farmers Market welcomes the holiday season with a bang! Enjoy Christmas carols sung by local Asheville choirs, take your children to the craft tables for holiday crafting (or try to make your own greeting card yourself!). Spend the day soaking up the festive atmosphere at the market.
Location & hours:
570 Brevard Rd, Asheville
Every day, 8 am – 5 pm
4. Ballard Farmers Market – Seattle, WA | Score: 7.33/10
The Ballard Farmers Market takes fourth place! This year-round market is well known for its stalls selling fresh seafood and its vibrant atmosphere. Every Sunday you are welcome to peruse the market and buy the organic vegetables, fresh loaves of bread and handmade jams and jellies, all offered by Washington farmers and local businesses. Grab something to eat at one of the food booths and enjoy a wonderful breakfast or lunch at the market, with street musicians and performers providing great entertainment for your family. No time to check out the market, but you still want to buy some local food and produce? Ballard Farmers Market also has an online order system. Just place your order and pick it up the next Sunday!
Seasonal events:
The farmers and artisans at Ballard Farmers Market bring only the best products to you for the holiday season. From fresh produce for your Thanksgiving dinner to handmade gifts for your loved ones, you’ll be able to find it all at the market! You can also shop for your holiday decorations, with vendors offering beautiful plants and evergreen wreaths for your home. Put on your ugly sweater and visit the market for a Christmas shopping trip!
Location & hours:
5345 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle
Every Sunday, 9 am – 2 pm
5. Gilbert Farmers Market – Gilbert, AZ | Score: 7.25/10
Coming in at number 5 is the bustling Gilbert Farmers Market. This market in Arizona is open year-round, but its peak season is definitely fall, when the number of vendors doubles compared to other times of the year. Discover the local, organic and artisanal products of Gilbert right under the shadow of the iconic Water Tower! From homemade bagels and other baked goods to freshly smoked chilies, Gilbert’s local farms and businesses are ready to offer you the best of their products. Artisans are also welcome at the farmers’ market, with stalls dedicated to handsewn tote bags and beautiful pottery, among other things. And don’t forget to check out the food trucks for some delicious snacks while you walk around the market.
Seasonal events:
Get cozy at the Gilbert Farmers Market during the holiday season with a mug of hot cider or mulled wine while you shop! The Gilbert vendors bring Christmas to your table in the holiday months: not just with seasonal ingredients, but also with themed cookies, macarons and other baked goods. Head to the market this year to find the perfect gifts and support local businesses as well.
Location & hours:
222 N Ash St, Gilbert
Every Saturday, 8 am – 12 pm (Oct-April) and 7 am – 11 am (May-Sept)
6. Freight House Farmers’ Market – Davenport, IA | Score: 7.23/10
In sixth place is Davenport’s Freight House Farmers’ Market, which provides its community with fresh and local food products three days a week. Located on the Mississippi River, this market attracts locals and visitors with its lively atmosphere and many events! It is set up in an outdoor area for summer, but also has an indoor space where vendors set up their stalls during the Iowa winter. Head over to check out the local wares likes honey, meat and homegrown fruit & veg, or place your order online for pickup! Freight House Farmers’ Market regularly supports local artists by hosting art shows and sales, but also organizes other events like food competitions, music performances and much more. There’s never a dull moment at this Davenport market!
Seasonal events:
The Freight House Farmers’ Market joins forces with the local Front Street Brewery to organize a holiday extravaganza. At their Christkindlmarkt event in early December you’ll experience a true European Christmas market, with German music, glühwein, specialty beers and great food, while you shop for holiday gifts from local artisans and craftsmen.
Location & hours:
421 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52801
Wednesday: 4 pm – 8 pm
Saturday: 8 am – 2 pm
Sunday: 10 am – 2 pm
7. Kalamazoo Farmers Market – Kalamazoo, MI | Score: 7.21/10
Kalamazoo Farmers Market is next in the ranking! Local farms, small businesses and artisans come together at this market to offer their products to the community. Although the market is usually located on Bank Street, due to renovations it’s been moved to the Riverfront Park in 2021, where you can shop local with great views of the Kalamazoo river. The bustling market is home to more than 100 local farms and businesses: fresh, organic fruit, fair-trade coffee and handmade jewelry are only some of the products you’ll find here. Most weekends, you’ll also be able to enjoy one of the many events that are on at the market while you snack on the delicious food available at the food trucks.
Location & hours:
251 Mills St, Kalamazoo (temporary for 2021 season)*
Every Tuesday, 8 am – 1 pm (June-Oct.)
Every Thursday, 12 pm – 5 pm (June-Oct.)
Every Saturday, 7 am – 2 pm (May-Nov.)**
* after renovations are completed, the market will be back at its regular location: 1204 Bank Street, Kalamazoo
** due to the renovations, there will not be a holiday market during the winter months in 2021
8. Temescal Urban Village Farmers’ Market – Oakland, CA | Score: 7.17/10
The Temescal Urban Village Farmers’ Market is one of the markets with most variety in vendors in Oakland and the surrounding area. From homemade pastries and kombucha to delicious heirloom vegetables, you’ll find it all here! The Temescal market also offers a lot of artisan products like sustainable clothes and blankets, skincare products and beautiful jewelry, all made locally by Oakland artists and makers. And don’t forget to check out the food stalls during your shopping: the almond croissants and cinnamon rolls from the local bakery booth are to die for! Enjoy some delicious food while you discover the different stalls, with live music played by local artists on the background.
Seasonal events:
The artisans of Temescal Urban Village Farmers’ Market spend extra time and care preparing their handmade products, with Christmas and holiday-themed gifts for you to discover everywhere! Luxurious soaps with wintry scents (vanilla-peppermint anyone?), cozy woolen blankets and even handmade earrings and rings are just some of the gifts you can shop at the market. And don’t forget to check out the wide variety of fresh mushrooms, heirloom grains and many other fresh ingredients you won’t find anywhere else for your holiday dinner!
Location & hours:
5300 Claremont Ave, Oakland
Every Sunday, 9 am- 1 pm
9. Texas Farmers’ Market at Lakeline – Cedar Park, TX | Score: 7.15/10
Whether it’s raining or the sun is out, every Saturday you can find the local farmers and artisans of Cedar Park at the Texas Farmers Market at Lakeline, offering their high-quality products to shoppers. From the best seasonal vegetables to humanely raised meats, you’ll find only the very best ingredients at the market. If you’re not a fan of cooking, a lot of market vendors offer homemade snacks and food to go or to enjoy while you explore the rest of the market! Texas Farmers Market at Lakeline also connects with the local community, organizing virtual tours of their vendors’ installations to teach about agriculture and hosting initiatives like a bike repair day. And don’t forget about their seasonal events celebrating in-season produce like their Peach and Lavender festivals. No matter what time of year it is, there is always something on at the market!
Seasonal events:
During the holiday season, the vendors and farms of the Texas Farmers’ Market at Lakeline bring the freshest produce and meats right to your table! Catch a chef demonstration and learn some new tricks and techniques to impress your guests this Christmas, and check out the artisan booths for handmade gifts (or treat yourself!). Enjoy live music while you do your holiday shopping and get ready for Christmas.
Location & hours:
11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park
Every Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm
10. Downtown Beloit Farmer’s Market – Beloit, WI | Score: 7.14/10
The Beloit Farmer’s Market is a year-round market bringing the best of Wisconsin’s local farm products to shoppers! You can find seasonal produce and other wonderful products like locally produced honey, the finest cheese and cheese spreads, and wild-caught seafood. While you explore the market, treat yourself to delicious food from the many food stalls. The taco truck especially is a favorite of the regular shoppers! Artisans and crafters are also welcome at the Beloit Farmer’s Market: handmade hair accessories, natural soaps and glass and wooden garden decorations are only a few of the many artisan products you can discover!
Seasonal events:
In November, the Beloit Farmer’s Market moves indoors to welcome the winter and holiday season! Beloit artisans go all out to bring you beautiful and unique Christmas gifts and make your holiday shopping easier. Shop for specialty foods and high-quality Thanksgiving dinner ingredients to the tune of Christmas music and admire the lights and decorations inside the market and on the main street!
Location & hours:
557 E Grand Ave, Beloit
Every Saturday, 9 am – 12 pm
Discover the rest of the ranking in the table below:
Methodology:
Starting from the official farmers’ market directory provided by the USDA website, we calculated a custom score for each market based on the following data points: 1) their review score out of 5 on Google Maps, 2) the amount of reviews left on Google Maps, and 3) the variety of produce available at each market. The first two data points were given more weight in the final calculation (a total of 85%), because they are more important indicators of popularity and quality, while the final data point attributed the last 15% to the scores. The final scores of the markets were then normalized to a score out of 10.