Celebrate National Farmers' Market Week, August 5-11, 2019, by visiting your local farmers' markets and farm stands that bring delicious produce to your family’s table year after year!
It's #NationalFarmersMarketWeek, and you don't have to travel far to have a great farmers' market experience on a Saturday (Tuesday) morning. Cortland County's markets and farm stands are bursting with the best and freshest produce around. Nowadays, you aren't just limited to fruits and vegetables either. You can fill your bag with a variety of organic, free-range meats and eggs, fresh-from-the-farm dairy products, preserved items, and home-baked goods.
Before you hit up the local market, don't forget these small, but helpful tips to make your experience as enjoyable as possible...
PLAN AHEAD If you know what's in-season, do a bit of weekly meal planning to make shopping for ingredients that much easier. For instance, if local sweet corn has just hit the stands, you'll want to eat some grilled Corn on the Cob, some cooked into a Potato Corn Chowder, and some diced in a Mexican Corn Salad. So you'll know how many ears of corn to buy and that you'll also need some fresh dairy to add to the soup and some herbs for the salad. Don't forget to set aside a few dollars for unexpected finds like fresh cut flowers or early-season fruits.
BIG BAGS, SMALL CHANGE Exchange those 20 dollar bills for dollar or five dollar bills, and bring along that bag of loose change you've tucked away in your car. Not only will the farmers appreciate not having to make change for a large bill, but purchases will go faster, which means more time to browse. And don't forget to do your part for the environment by bringing your own canvas bags or baskets to carry your goodies. Some vendors offer bags, but a sturdy canvas bag will not only ensure everythings gets home without crashing onto the driveway, but you'll reduce waste in your own home.
EARLY BIRD GETS THE VEGGIES Set your alarm a few minutes early to make sure you get the best pick of the market's high-demand, seasonal fruits and vegetables. You'd be surprised at how quick those ripe, juicy blackberries sell out!
ASK QUESTIONS Not sure what that that large green vegetable is? Don't have an inkling on how to cook Zucchini Blossoms? Have no idea how to pronounce Rutabaga (roo-tuh-bei-guh)? Just ask! Vendors are very excited about what they do, and are proud of the product they spend their time growing or creating. If the crowds allow for it, take a few minutes to chat with the farmer - you may just find your new favorite seasonal ingredient!
FARMERS' MARKETS
Here's your chance to buy local, and help you and your family eat healthier! Buying locally supports our farmers here in Cortland County and it’s a great way to get out early to start your weekend with a relaxing stroll.
Cortland City Farmers' Market
Main Street, Cortland
June through October, Tuesdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Facebook
Homer Farmers Market
Corner of Cayuga Street and North Main Street, Homer
June through August, Wednesdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and May through October, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to Noon
Facebook
Cincinnatus Farmers' Market
Rural Services Pavilion, Cincinnatus
June through October, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to Noon.
Website
Virgil Farmers Market
Hollenbeck's Cider Mill, Virgil
June through October, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Facebook
FARM STANDS
If you need ingredients in-between farmers' markets, stop by one of the county's farm stands. You'll find them well-stocked with fresh vegetables and fruit, dairy, meat and plants whether grown locally or by nearby farmers.
Anderson's Farm Market
5887 NY Rt. 281, Homer
Summer: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Winter: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Facebook
Trinity Valley Farm
2847 NY Rt. 13, Cortland
Thursday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Facebook
Reake's County Goods
4107 NY Rt. 13, Truxton
Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Facebook
Dave's Veggies
5178 NY Rt. 41, Homer
Monday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Facebook
Badman's Bushel Basket
14698 State Rt. 90, Cortland
Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Facebook
U-PICK FARMS
There's not better way to enjoy local produce than picking it yourself! Not only will it save you a little cash, but you will be supporting your local farms! Check out the farm's Facebook pages for what's in season.
Cherry Knoll Farm
3426 Hoxie George Freetown Road, Marathon
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Website
Cobblestone Valley Farms
6609 US Rt. 11, Preble
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Facebook
Hall's Hill Blueberry Farm
2100 Tower Road, Cortland
Open daily July 18 through August 16, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Website
Dave's Veggies
5178 NY Rt. 41, Homer
Monday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Facebook
Solon Gardens
3673 NY Rt. 41, Cincinnatus
Monday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
