Doing some traveling this summer? There’s no better way to get to know a new city or town than to sample the fruits of the land. Road-side produce stands are a treat, but farmers’ markets take the cake for bringing together the greatest variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers, plus many offer crafts and culinary delights from mom-and-pop purveyors from coast to coast.

We put together a list of 10 farmers’ market destinations across the U.S. that are definitely worth a visit. Whether it’s their abundant selection, festive atmosphere, unique offerings, or support of local farmers, these markets stood out. But since we never met a farmers’ market we didn’t like (there are over 8,000 in the U.S.), any one you visit is sure to be enjoyable!

Tucson, Arizona

Santa Cruz, California

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Greensboro, North Carolina

Boulder, Colorado

Kansas City, Missouri

What began in 1857 as a site for market commerce, horse-trading, political rallies, revival, medicine shows, and circuses, the Kansas City River Market has only grown finer with age. Host to more than 140 vendors, City Market knows a thing or two about providing quality farm products. The market is open daily and invites guests to enjoy not only local products but concerts and festivals as well. On the agenda are events like Movies at City Market Park, and the Farm to Table Kitchen classes, which incorporates an educational component for both vendors and consumers topics such as food safety, preparation, and general nutrition, as well as cooking demonstrations and sampling during the farmers’ market throughout the year.

Burlington, Vermont

Portland, Maine

Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Chattanooga Market has created a mecca for local farmers, foodies, and artists, making this the place to be, every Sunday from mid-April to November. Vendors bearing garden vegetables, fresh fruit, cheeses, fresh-roasted coffee, homemade salsas, jellies, and cakes draw hungry crowds. And a huge selection of arts and crafts make the Market a treat for the eyes as well. Monthly cooking classes feature recipes using fresh food from the market, and special foodie events like an Ice Cream Social and Fire House Chili Cook-off give the Market the taste of all things Chattanooga.

New York, New York

The massive popularity of the Union Square Greenmarket in New York City proves that the desire to eat and drink local is everywhere. What began over three decades ago with 12 farmers in a parking lot on 59th Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan has now grown to become the largest and most diverse outdoor urban farmers’ market network in the country, with over 230 family farms and fishermen participating, and over 30,000 acres of farmland protected from development. Greenmarket is a producer-only market with rigorous “grow-your-own” standards.

The Market is an institution, serving up locally-grown produce, baked goods, and even less common market items like fish and spirits. Arrive early to observe local chefs as they select the freshest produce. Or cruise through after a morning of sightseeing to sample specialty items like pickles, cheeses, jams, wines, and ciders. All-in-all, 60,000 people come to Union Square on market days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of each week), which makes for a crowded but festive scene. Feel like a local, feast like a king!

Tell us about your favorite farmers’ market in the comments section below. Happy shopping!

Christina Carr is a freelance writer and television producer who has worked for NASA, PBS and John Edward, the psychic medium. She is a proponent of sustainable and healthy living, and lives in NYC with her 4-year-old daughter and musician husband.

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