Can’t Miss Farmers Markets in the Finger Lakes

While the Finger Lakes region of New York is known best for its wines, did you know that it’s also bursting with tons of fabulous local produce? Restaurants throughout the FLX use so many great local products to produce farm-to-table menus but if you’re looking to cook for yourself while you’re on your Finger Lakes getaway, or even grab some things to take home with you, we definitely recommend stopping in to one of the region’s farmers markets. 

Here are some of our favorites to check out: 

farmer's market

Ithaca Farmers Market: This famous farmers market operates year round with a number of days and hours (and locations!) for you to plan your visit: 

  • Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from mid-April until October and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in November and December at their Steamboat Landing location at 545 Third St., Ithaca, NY.

  • Sundays in May through October through 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the month of November  at their Steamboat Landing location at 545 Third St., Ithaca, NY.

  • Wednesdays May through October from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at their East Hill location at 330 Pine Tree Rd., Ithaca, NY.

  • Triphammer Marketplace at 2255 North Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, NY also hosts their winter market, usually on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. January through April.

As for what you’ll find at the market, there’s farm-raised meat, eggs, and dairy, fresh vegetables and fruit, locally-gathered honey and locally-prepared staples like jelly and sauces, bread, pastries, and other baked goods, wine, hard apple cider and mushroom spirits. You’ll also find live plants for potting or planting, local food (great for a picnic or lunch at the market!) and art created within 30 miles of Ithaca. It’s a magical market at Steamboat Landing and we highly recommend checking it out! 

Trumansburg Farmers Market: Located just a short drive away from our properties, the Trumansburg Farmer’s Market operates in a summer and winter season on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and includes a wide variety of vendors as well as live music. Browse through the market to find meats, mushrooms, honey, coffee, wine, fresh produce, cheese and dairy items, baked goods and more. 

Mangus Farm: This pick your own farm in Burdett is typically open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. during the summer season and offers an array of seasonal fruits to choose from that you can pick or just pick-up. They also have incredible jams and jellies and some of the best baked goods in the region. We recommend you check out their Facebook page for current hours and fruit availability. Don’t miss their pies, breads and muffins!

Muddy Fingers: Definitely stop by this local farm in Hector for a diverse array of vegetables grown with ecological and sustainable farming practices in mind! Think baby leeks, plump bulbs of fennel, purslane, celeriac, tatsoi, vibrant greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, and more. They have a small farm stand open on Friday afternoons in season but you can also find them at farmer’s markets in Corning and Elmira. 

The Burdett Exchange: While not technically a farmer’s market, this local mercantile is a must-visit when you’re staying at one of our Finger Lakes vacation rentals. Not only do they stock beautiful local produce, but they also carry meats, cheeses, and baked goods. It’s a great option to still get local items if you’re visiting the FLX on a day when the markets aren’t traditionally open. 

As for what to do with the amazing local products you find, we suggest checking out some local recipes like those found at Home in the Finger Lakes or on the Ithaca Farmers Market blog!