There are so many places we love going in summer. Beach. Pool. Outdoor parties. But one of our favorites is definitely the fabulous farmers markets in Bergen County where we can get local and seasonal fruit, veggies and artisan goodies that make us want to cook up a storm- oh and did we mention it's harvest season?!
Not sure where to start? We ate our way through all the farmers markets in Bergen County and have the scoop on the best booths to shop now.
Sundays, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Possibly the biggest market in Bergen County, the Ramsey Farmers Market offers everything from kids clothing to freshly made guacamole. Over 50 vendors stake their tents here every Sunday and offer free samples of their finest products. In addition to the popular Farmers Market finds like Homespun Chili and Dr. Pickle, the Ramsey Farmers Market is home to these unique sellers: Bien Cuit, Asian Farmer, Super Juice Nation and Anita’s Guacamole. Our best find was Lizzmonade, serving all different types of fruit-infused lemonades (definitely the longest line at the market!). There was not one, not two, but four full stands of fresh fruits and vegetables from New Jersey farms such as Blooming Hill Farm, Southtown Farms, Madura Farms and Matarazzo Farms. With live music and a fun environment, the Ramsey Farmers Market is another thing to put on your summer bucket list.
Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Hidden in a parking lot on Fairview Avenue, the Paramus Farmers Market has many of New Jersey’s most popular farmers market finds. Damn Good Chicken, coming all the way from Blairstown, N.J., is famous for their mouth-watering “Damnwich!” Grab dinner to go from Spoon Me Soups or Empanada Mania and quench your thirst with a healthy juice from Squeeze’d Juices and Smoothies (we recommend the Berry Squeezed Smoothie). If you’re looking for something a little more cheesey, try Porto Wood Burning Pizza & Pasta—their traditional Margarita pizza is great. The Paramus Farmers Market is the best way to get over hump day!
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
On Saturdays, bring your kids to the Westwood Farmers Market for a family-filled afternoon of chili, cookies and pies. Before doing dessert, try Homespun Chili’s All-Star Turkey and Cowboy Beef Chili—you can buy two containers for just $24. Pick the freshest fruits and vegetables from Anderson Farms. Have food allergies? No problem! Deliciously Alicia’s desserts are gluten-free and organic (her blueberry crumb cake is the best in town), and we would also recommend her dairy-free cinnamon buns. If you aren’t allergic to gluten, try Baked with Jake’s blueberry white chocolate stix for the perfect snack on the ride home, or Joe’s Craft Pies, which you can heat up in your own oven and serve at a summer BBQ.
Thursdays, 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Stop by River Vale’s Farmers Market to pick up dinner from Paolo’s Kitchen, a caterer that’s been in business for 14 years cooking mini frozen dinners for families in Bergen County. Pie Eyed Pies and Empanada Lady are also great stops to pick up a meal to go. And Empanada Lady has more than just savory empanadas—if you have a sweet tooth, try the strawberry or banana Nutella variety. Do Re Me Farms is an all-organic farm located in Orange County, and they park their tent at the River Vale Farmers Market every Thursday—so don’t forget to pick up your local veggies and fruit! Before leaving the market, stop by Paul’s Pickles to try some pickles from more than 25 different flavors. The River Vale Farmers Market is perfect for the kids to spend their Thursday afternoon and is great for moms to pick up organic produce and cooked dinners.
Sundays, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Right in downtown Ridgewood, the Ridgewood Farmers Market can be found on the west side of the train station. The vendors of this market emphasize the importance of fresh produce and lean toward traditional offerings. Caradonna Farms has great selection of cherries, peaches and strawberries that are all hand picked. Beyond the fruit and veggies, the top vendor at the market is B & B Jams, offering a variety of flavored jams from grape to strawberry-pineapple. There’s also a pickle guy, fresh mozzarella, yummy baked goods and beautiful flowers. The restaurants in Ridgewood are buzzing on Sundays, so don't forget to walk around town too.
Sundays, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Whether you’re picking up a cold soup from Grab and Go or trying a vegetarian option from Serrano Empanada, the Glen Rock Farmers Market has something for everyone. Corbett’s Cookie Bar Kitchen from Warwick, N.Y., contains all-natural, local ingredients, which is always hard to find. Their key lime pie shortbread is a great summer dessert. The atmosphere of the market was inclusive and festive, and we could not stop taking samples from all of the vendors. Don’t forget to try Paleo Trail Mix, which has vegan and paleo options. Their products range from granola bars to almond butter. We loved the Glen Rock Market and are sure you will too!
