10 of the Best Fresh Food Markets in the U.S.
When traveling, a huge part of experiencing a culture is to try their local cuisine. “Find out how other people love and eat and cook. Learn from them, wherever you go,” is often used by Anthony Bourdain who makes his living traveling the world and shares his culinary experiences on his TV show. There is no better place to do that than Food Markets that will give you the opportunity to try fresh food with a variety of options. You don’t have to travel far. Start right here in the U.S.
Here are 10 of the Best Fresh Food Markets in the U.S. – we listed these in no particular order.
- Union Square Green Market In NYC
You don’t have to go very far to find fresh produce in the Big Apple. This farmer’s market features produce that’s right from the farm. There’s also fresh fish and meat as well as baked goods on hand. With more than 140 stands, it would be hard not to find something that interests you.
2. Oxbow Public Market In Napa, CA
Located in Napa, this 40,000 square foot market features local organic produce. There are artisan cafes and many different vendors located here. Of course, there’s also a lot of wine to purchase and there’s even an outdoor deck where you can relax and view the Napa River. The Oxbow Public Market is known for it’s high quality food items.
3. Reading Terminal Market In Philadelphia
What really sets this food market apart is the amount of Amish specialties that can be found here. There’s a lot of handmade creations and if you arrive at the market early enough, you will find that some of the baked goods are still warm as they come to the market right out of the oven. In addition to the abundance of food, there’s kitchenware, flowers and meat available to purchase.
4. Pike Place Market In Seattle
This is one of the main attractions in Seattle. The food offerings here range from traditional to unique. It’s not uncommon to find both meat and produce as well as huckleberries and other foraged food. Over 80 different farmers are represented here and many of them are on hand to talk to the curious shopper. The Pike Place Market is open 7 days a week.
5. Market Square In San Antonio
Generation after generation of locals have come to this Mexican themed market. There are more than 100 different stalls that feature authentic Mexican cuisine and crafts. While many do come to shop, others just visit the market to kick back and relax and enjoy a margarita.
6. Ferry Plaza Farmers Market In San Francisco
As part of the famous Ferry Building, this market has both indoor and outdoor vendors. It’s open only 3 days a week and features different items on each day. On Tuesdays there’s organic produce. On Thursdays visitors can purchase street food. On Saturdays local restaurants offer some of their most popular dishes.
7. Lancaster Central Market In Lancaster, PA
This fresh food market has earned the title of the oldest farmer’s market in the country. It’s located in a red brick building that’s 120 years old. This adds to the charm of the market. Visitors can find a lot of regional foods like scrapple and Pennsylvania Dutch sausage. The market’s also known for it’s bread and butter pickles.
8. West Side Market In Cleveland, OH
With origins back to 1840, there are over 100 different vendors located here. There’s a lot of diversity with the food options. Herbs and ready to eat foods are a big hit with both the locals and tourists. This market has been featured on a few televisions shows because of not only the amount of time that it’s been opened, but the quality foods it offers. It’s estimated that around one million people visit this market each year.
9. Eastern Market In Washington D.C.
This market is massive with not only one indoor market, but two outdoor markets as well. Visitors can purchase everything from fresh seafood to fresh flowers. It’s open year round and only closed on Mondays. Eastern Market is the oldest market in Washington D.C.
10. French Market In New Orleans
Being the country’s oldest open air market that’s been continuously operated, it has become a favorite place for many of the locals, as well as tourists who want to shop for fresh foods as well as specialty items. There are a variety of prepared food items here, such as salads and sandwiches, which makes it a popular place to stop for lunch.
We’d love to hear from you if you have a suggestion on fresh food markets in your area. Keep an eye out for our upcoming post, for the 10 Best Fresh Food Markets in Europe.
