Stop by the Ithaca Farmer’s Market and you’ll be greeted with a promise: all produce is “locally produced within 30 miles” of this iconic upstate New York market. The Ithaca Farmers’ Market has been a destination for travelers through the decades and a longtime fixture on many rankings of America’s Best Farmers’ Markets.
Founded in 1973, the market, just a mile from Cornell University and Ithaca College, offers New York’s finest and freshest agricultural, food and artisan products.
On Saturdays and Sundays between April and December, vendors and customers gather at the outdoor covered wooden pavilion on the shores of Cayuga Lake deep in New York’s Finger Lakes region. The market welcomes more than 5,000 people every day and hosts more than 130 vendors.
The pavilion is a unique and community setting, a permanent structure that testifies to the sustainability of the market; vintage string lights criss-cross the ceiling, adding to the ambiance, and the well-worn floorboards will lead you past every vendor, where temptation awaits.
Come hungry – the vendors will keep you well fed with a range of foods representing all cultures – Tibetan, Korean, Cuban, Cambodian, Thai, Indian, etc. The burritos, hand pies and pancakes are also a big hit. Other vendors sell honey, cider wine, donuts and everything else – eagle-eyed can spot fun finds like a Yoda-shaped beeswax candle or charms depicting the topography of the great geographical wonders of America. At one booth, a writer scribbles personalized poems to suit your needs – poetry while you wait.
The market is a cross section of the best of upstate New York agriculture. The baskets are overflowing with leafy greens, vegetables, apples, meats and beautiful bouquets of fresh cut flowers in all seasons. The vendors are happy to help organize the experience, so don’t be afraid to ask for a recipe or suggestion.
The Ithaca Farmers Market is distinguished by its passionate volunteers who help run the market and its innovative ideas that make the shopping experience unique. Customers can obtain a passport from the market; once they have made a certain number of purchases, they can enter a raffle to win loot in the market.
The market also works with hot food vendors to run a sustainable dinnerware and utensil program – meals are served on durable plates with metal utensils, and customers bring their dishes to a collection area where the plates are washed between uses by volunteers.
Cayuga Lake offers a rustic and peaceful setting to enjoy your wares. Hour-long boat trips are available to take in the natural beauty of the lake and are a great way to explore the area. If you’re in town or just passing through, the Ithaca Farmer’s Market is a must-see.
Visit www.ithacamarket.com for more information.
