From Manhattan's Union Square to sunny downtown Santa Monica, proper farmers markets have become something of a religion in America's biggest cities. You don’t have to be in or near New York or Los Angeles, however, to catch the fever – from coast to coast, in all sorts of surprising places, you will now find good markets in abundance. Whether they're new, old or old but nicely updated to reflect current trends, each will have you wishing you never had to set foot in a boring supermarket, ever again. Don't know where to start? Here are just a few worth seeking out.
Fondy Farmers Market, Milwaukee
It's strictly producers-only at this hyper-local venue that brightens up a corner of Milwaukee's North Side through November each year – the market is just one of the efforts put forth by an organization working tirelessly to get good food on the table at every single home in town. Cook-offs, classes and live music are all part of the fun; come winter, the market moves indoors, taking over a wing of the city's epic indoor garden – the Mitchell Park Conservatory – Saturdays through April. (Fondymarket.org)
Piedmont Park Green Market, Atlanta
Shop for Georgia-grown vegetables and fruit in pastoral surroundings on Atlanta's front lawn at this weekly market (Saturdays, through December) that's a must-stop for anyone who happens to be nearby. Expect children's activities, cooking demonstrations, live music and lots of good food. Free (donations accepted) history tours of Atlanta's most famous park depart the market at 11:00 a.m. (Piedmontpark.org)
Downtown Summerlin Farmers Market, Las Vegas
Thanks to the efforts of a determined few, Sin City has access to a goodly amount of fresh, regionally-grown produce – some from more hospitable valleys right here in Nevada, still more from close-by Southern California. Of a handful of markets in town, this one's the most fun for visitors – you'll find it smack in the middle of the Vegas' newest and shiniest shopping center, a nicely-designed village just a few traffic lights from Red Rock Canyon. Bonus: Some of the most authentic gelato for sale in North America can be found only a few steps from the market, at Gelato Messina. (Downtownsummerlin.com)
Orlando Farmers Market, Orlando
As much a block party as a place to snap up organic vegetables, this Sunday happening, held year-round at downtown's Lake Eola Park, makes for a fine introduction to Orlando beyond the theme park gates. Check out the on-site beer (and wine) garden. (Orlandofarmersmarket.com)
Baltimore Farmer’s Market & Bazaar, Baltimore
Buying local never fell out of fashion in the agricultural mecca that is the Mid-Atlantic region – just look around and see the abundance of historic market halls that never went away, even as the rest of the country went all in on the supermarket. Charm City itself boasts a handful of vintage halls, but you'll find far better produce at this magnificent, Sunday morning free-for-all held underneath the last few feet of Interstate 83, just a block or two from the Inner Harbor. An overwhelming amount of good fruit and veg (only producers may sell), plus an array of food vendors and lots of local crafts (not to mention some amazing people watching) make this the perfect way to start your Sunday. (Promotionandarts.org)
Crescent City Farmers Market, New Orleans
From juicy organic satsumas to homemade pecan pralines, come to this Saturday market held year-round on Magazine Street for a true taste of New Orleans. Expect live music, cooking demonstrations, plenty to snack on and lots of local gossip. (Crescentcityfarmersmarket.org)