Red Bank, Metuchen, Denville and Boonton are providing shoppers and vendors the opportunity to come together once a week through November.
Yes, some of the open air farmers markets around the Garden State have closed up for the season. But who wants to wait until May for their market of choice to open back up again? The ride might be a little longer, but there are still plenty of other locations around that will continue operating a weekly basis for several more weeks. Here is a look at four of them.
Winding down its sixth year, the market currently features 22 vendors ranging from farmers to artisan products and food vendors. Shopping hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 22. Raw, minimally filtered local honey products from more than 100 bee colonies from Gooserock Farm; seasonal fruits and vegetables from Melick's Town Farm; pasture-raised beef, pork, chicken and eggs from Mini Mack Farm; and all-natural hydroponic greens from Denville's own Happy Harvest Hydroponic Farms provide just a small sampling of what's available. Bloomfield Avenue parking lot in downtown Denville.
Get your Saturday off to an early start as this market is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Nov. 25. It includes selections from several area farmers, including Heritage Valley Farm (all-natural grass fed beef, free-range eggs, pasture-raised pork and poultry) and Race Farm (heirloom fruits and vegetables, homemade cider). Schieferstein Farm has also been there all season, offering customers flowers, exotic fruits and vegetables and more. 620 Main St., Boonton
This one has been around since 1997, but business has really picked up over the last several years. Managed by community volunteers, the Metuchen Farmers Market, open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through November, hosts four Jersey Fresh farmers, along with a variety of other vendors. Cheese, pickles, olives, fresh-baked breads, mozzarella, dried fruits/nuts, and farmhouse baked pies are some of the products available for purchase. One other notable detail: Farmers at this market donate their excess produce to worthy causes such as Kiddie Keep Well Camp in Edison and the Metuchen First Presbyterian Church's food pantry. 15 Center St. (Senior Center parking lot between New and Center streets).
GALLERIA RED BANK FARMERS MARKET
Open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, through mid-November, this market is gathering spot for 30 vendors and approximately 1,000 people. This is a good spot to find fresh, locally-grown produce from some of the finest farmers in the state. Eateries and craft vendors also participate on a regular basis. Corner of Bridge Avenue and West Front Street in The Galleria Red Bank parking lot.
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