The 15 Best Farmers Markets in Vermont - 2023
/A guide to the best farmers’ markets in Vermont.
Health benefits, shopping tips, and a list of the top farmers’ markets across the Green Mountain State.
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One of the great joys of summer in Vermont is the abundance of farmers’ marketing. Whether you are a total newbie or are a farmers market pro, we’ve got you covered with the complete guide to Vermont farmers’ markets this summer!
Let’s begin with a farmers’ market 101 for the rookies out there (for you veterans - scroll down to get to the market details).
Benefits of Vermont Farmers’ Markets
There are countless benefits to buying from local Vermont farmers. Not only are you supporting your neighbors, but you know exactly where your food comes from. The food also spends less time being transported, which means it gets to you with the most nutrients.
Locally grown food also tastes and looks better!
You can trust that the product was harvested at its peak, offering you the best flavor and quality. This manner of food production is also the best for the planet and ecosystems as farming preserves nutrient-rich soil, protects water sources, and prevents carbon from entering the atmosphere.
Most food at a farmers’ market is organic, even if it’s not labeled as such.
It can be difficult for small farmers to get this certification, so instead, they label products with phrases like “we don’t use pesticides”, which is a less “bureaucratic” way for the farmer to say their food is grown organically.
In addition to the health benefits, buying local supports your community.
Purchasing from a farmer down the street helps ensure your community is able to preserve its farmland and continue to thrive for generations. Buying local may be a bit more costly but think of it as an investment in the future.
Preparing to Shop at a Farmers’ Market.
There are a few things you’ll want to make sure you have before heading out…
Bring cash and small change, in case vendors, don’t take cards as well as reusable bags and any containers you want to utilize for package-free items.
Make sure to go in with an open mind and try new things. Take advantage of the vendor's knowledge and don’t be afraid to ask questions, you might even get a sample!
As a general rule, negotiating with vendors is a bit passé, so think of farmers’ market shopping the same way as at your local grocery store.
The Best Farmers’ Markets in Vermont
No matter where you are in Vermont or what you’re looking for, you’re never far from a great market. We rounded up our favorites with the essential details.
Mount Philo Farms Charlotte Vermont Lake Champlain
1. Burlington Farmers’ Market
Burlington, Vermont
Starting with Vermont's largest city, the Burlington Farmers’ Market is a favorite for many. Beginning on May 8th, 2022, you’ll be able to find them every Saturday from 9 am until October.
With over 70 vendors, this market is great for a wide selection of products. Fair warning though, it has so many options that it can be a bit overwhelming for a first-time shopper.
Give yourself plenty of time to stroll the diverse offerings. It’s so hard to choose - you may even want to do a lap and double back for your favorites.
Check out all of their food benefit programs on their website https://burlingtonfarmersmarket.org/snap-benefits
Learn more about this market: https://burlingtonfarmersmarket.org/
2. Capital City Farmers’ Market
Montpelier, Vermont
Next, up is the Capital City Farmers’ Market, located at 133 State Street in Montpelier. This quintessential summer market that was first established in 1977(!) began May 1st and runs every Saturday from 9 am-1 pm through October 30th, and then every 2nd and 4th Saturday during the winter.
About 50 vendors attend the market each week which makes for a wide selection. If you find yourself here, you’ve got to explore the different cuisines they offer such as Greek, Mediterranean, and Chinese!
They recently brought back live music and hope to bring back some of their popular events such as the Strawberry Festival, Corn Roast, and Fall Festival, which were paused due to the pandemic.
Find a list of weekly vendors here.
Dogs are allowed, on a short leash.
Masks are required and staff can help with curbside pickup or home delivery.
3 SquaresVT/SNAP, Cropcash, EBT, and Farm to Family accepted, learn more here: https://www.capitalcityfarmersmarket.com/snap-benefits
Learn more about this market: https://www.capitalcityfarmersmarket.com/
3. Norwich Farmers’ Market
Norwich, Vermont
Update: LIVE MUSIC IS BACK IN 2022!
Moving down the state we have the Norwich farmers’ market. Starting on May 1st, this market is also held every Saturday from 9am to 1pm through October.
With a wide selection of over 50 vendors each week, everyone seems to have their favorites, from garlic and honey to fresh-baked croissants and flowers. Some vendors are new, while others have been attending the market for decades!
With their selection of vendors and entertainment, there is bound to be something for everyone.
No dogs allowed (except for service animals)
Cropcash, SNAP/EBT, Farm to Family, and Market Money accepted, learn more here: https://www.norwichfarmersmarket.org/market-money--snap.html
Learn more about this market: https://www.norwichfarmersmarket.org/
4. Dorset Farmers’ Market
Dorset, Vermont
If you prefer to do your shopping on Sundays, the Dorset Farmers’ market is for you. This market is open year-round from 10 am to 2 pm. You’ll find a great selection of fresh produce and homemade products.
This market is known for being a producer-only market, which means every vendor directly produced their goods. This makes for great conversations with vendors and an understanding of exactly where your food comes from!
You will find freshly picked vegetables and fruits, home-baked bread and pastries, artisan cheeses, wines, and spirits, grass-fed beef, bison, and poultry, free-range eggs, canned goods, pickled produce, specialty goods, hot prepared foods, functional Vermont crafts, and live local music. Rain or Shine.
Learn more about this market: https://www.dorsetfarmersmarket.com/
Vegetable stand at vermont farmers market - peppers, tomatoes, rutabaga
5. Brattleboro Farmers’ Market
Brattleboro, Vermont
Next up is the Brattleboro Farmers’ Market, which is open every Saturday from May to October 29, 9am to 2pm.
Located on Western Ave., this market is a great Saturday trip for all your homemade and produce needs! Many say they like this market best because of its reasonable prices and high quality.
Call to inquire about curbside pickup.
No dogs allowed
Crop cash available
Learn more about this market: https://www.brattleboroareafarmersmarket.com/
6. West River Farmers’ Market
Londonderry, Vermont
Starting in 1994, West River Farmer’s Market has been hosting vendors every year since. From Memorial Day to Columbus Day, you can find over 40 agricultural, prepared food, and craft vendors at the market in Londonderry, VT. Hours are from 9 am-1 pm.
Check out the large variety of local cheeses and leave time to take in the scenery surrounding the market.
No dogs
SNAP/EBT and CropCash accepted
Learn more about this market: https://www.westriverfarmersmarket.com/
7. Winooski Farmers’ Market
Winooski, Vermont
Every Sunday from May 29th to October 16, the Winooski Farmers’ Market is the place to be in the “land of the wild onion” (as the Abenaki tribe called it).
Located in the heart of downtown, and is a short distance from some great restaurants, shops, and the Winooski River Walk. Later in the summer, they’ll also begin hosting live music, performances, and kid’s activities again in accordance with health and safety recommendations.
From 10 am to 2 pm on Winooski Falls Way you can find a great selection of fresh seasonal produce.
This market has limited, but high-quality vendors that still offer more than enough variety.
Learn more about this market: https://downtownwinooski.org/winooski-farmers-market/
8. Woodstock Farmers’ Market
Woodstock, Vermont
2022 is their 30th anniversary! If you’re looking for a year-round market, the Woodstock Farmers’ Market is for you. This market is a little different and mimics more of your usual shopping experience. With locations in Woodstock and Waterbury, you can shop Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm.
While this isn’t a traditional farmers’ market, it’s still a great option for local goods. It offers fresh organic produce, local meats, specialty and everyday grocery products, coffee and espresso, baked goods, prepared foods, and so much more.
Be sure to check out their selection of grab-and-go sandwiches and pick up one of the “Moonlight in Vermont” sandwiches, you will not regret it! Enjoy 15% off each week on a specialty meat item for the grille.
Check out their Round Up program that benefits the Vermont Food Bank.
Curbside pick-up options available
Learn more: https://woodstockfarmersmarket.com/
9. Rutland Farmers’ Market
Rutland, Vermont
Rutland hosts a variety of markets so there is something to explore all year round. From May to October, there are 3 options to shop each week.
On Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm and Wednesdays from 1 pm to 5 pm the Rutland Downtown Farmers Market is the place to be. A bit west you’ll find the Fair Haven Farmers Market, which is open each Thursday from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Each market offers a different selection of 60+ vendors with produce, food, crafts, and more. Go to their website for a full list of vendors at each market:
https://vtfarmersmarket.org/at-the-market/
A few favorites from these markets include empanadas, gourmet mushrooms, pierogies, baked goods, and lemonade.
No dogs
3SquaresVT/SNAP accepted
Learn more: https://vtfarmersmarket.org/
berries farm stand at vermont farmers market
10. Waitsfield Farmers’ Market
Waitsfield, Vermont
Each Saturday from May 14th to October 8th, you’ll find the Waitsfield Farmers’ Market on the Mad River Green. From 9 am to 1 pm vendors gather to sell agricultural, prepared, and handmade goods.
People travel from all over to experience all that this market has to offer and especially rave about the unique burgers!
The WFM also hosts live entertainment which you can learn more about here: https://www.waitsfieldfarmersmarket.com/live-entertainment
3 SquaresVT/SNAP, Cropcash, and Farm to Family accepted
Learn more: https://www.waitsfieldfarmersmarket.com/
11. Newport Farmers’ Market
Newport, Vermont
The Newport Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from May until October and on Wednesdays starting June 2nd. From 9 am to 2pm you can find all sorts of Vermont-made goods on the Causeway.
There are over 10 new vendors this year, many of which offer hot meals prepared fresh at the market! Other vendors offer a variety of produce, meat, handmade jewelry, and plants.
The selection at the market only gets better as the season goes on as more and more vegetables come into season, so no matter when you go, there will be something for you!
EBT and Cropcash accepted
Check out their Facebook page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/NewportVermontFarmersMarket
12. Putney Farmers’ Market
Putney, Vermont
The market will be open every Sunday until October 9th from 11 am to 2 pm.
Vendors will be offering a variety of fresh organic produce, baked goods, deliciously prepared food made to-go, VT artisan crafts, and more!
If you are still looking to shop online, order online between 10 am Tuesday and 3 pm Friday and pickup Sunday 11 am to 12 pm. The process is easy and the selection of goods is just as good as if you were roaming the market!
Crop cash accepted
Learn more about this market: https://putneyfarmersmarket.org/
13. Shelburne Farmers’ Market
Shelburne, Vermont
The Shelburne Farmer's Market brings all that northern Vermont has to offer at its new location - Palmer’s Sugarhouse in Shelburne. The market is open every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm beginning May 28th until October 15.
The market has a wide selection of vegetables, fruit, herbs, honey, and maple syrup grown on local Vermont farms. Vendors also offer prepared foods and crafts.
The SFM is special because they only allow the sale of producer-grown or made goods, which means you know exactly who and where your products came from!
Many vendors offer curbside pick-up, CSAs, deliveries, and shipping options
Learn more about this market: https://www.sbpavt.org/the-market
14. Ludlow Farmers’ Market (Fridays!)
Ludlow, Vermont
The Ludlow market opens Memorial Day weekend and runs until Columbus Day, every Friday from 4 pm until 7 pm on the Okemo Mountain School Green.
Here you will find locally grown and raised produce, artisanal food products, and unique crafts. Not only is this a great way to get your shopping done, but you can also support members of the Okemo Valley community!
While you’re there, don’t miss Goodman's American Pie Wood Fired Pizza, and their “blueberry special”!
Learn more about this market: https://www.ludlowfarmersmarket.org/
15. Middlebury Farmers’ Market
Middlebury, Vermont
This is another market that operates year-round as an inside market from November to April and offers an outdoor season from May to October. As one of the original Vermont markets, this should be on the top of your list for the summer.
The market prides itself on the diverse vendor population which includes a mix of ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. All vendors are local!
EBT and Market Tokens accepted
No dogs
Lots of parking available
Learn more about this market: https://www.middleburyfarmersmarket.org/
Don’t see a market near you…
Check out the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont’s website for a broader list of markets all across Vermont!
Wrapping up…
Now that you know what to look for, what to bring and where to go, all that’s left to do is invite a friend!
Unsure where to start when you arrive? An initial lap around the market is a great first step and should not be skipped
Share with a friend who loves Farmer’s Markets!
Don’t forget to bring a bag!
This farmers market bag is perfect for separating all of your items.
And if you want something durable and versatile, you can’t go wrong with this Yeti tote bag.