You don’t have to be a gardener to enjoy farm-fresh produce this summer. Thanks to an abundance of New Jersey farmers markets, it’s easy to find juicy red tomatoes, newly picked green beans and tasty peaches. In addition to produce, many markets offer locally sourced and handmade products, such as honey, soap, flowers, bread and pasta. Here are a few particularly impressive markets in our area. 

Duke Farms

Farm to Table Market

1117 Dukes Parkway East, Hillsborough

The Duke Farms’ Farm to Table Market is open every Sunday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. through October 28. The market features produce from small family farms and attracts vendors who are committed to sustainable growing practices. If you’re looking for organic produce, you’ll want to visit one of the many booths that offer pesticide-free products, including Alstede Farms, Locktown Farm and Dogwood Farms. Cheese, eggs, honey, meat, soap, salsa, peanut butter, milk, kimchi, sauerkraut, cookies, candy, wool, and artisan breads and jams are among the offerings at the Farm to Table Market.

After you finish shopping, why not take participate in one of Duke Farms’ summer events and classes, which include plant and bird walks, information on edible and medicinal garden weeks and tips on orchid care?

Bridgewater Farmers Market

Somerset County Library – Bridgewater Branch

1 Vogt Drive, Bridgewater

Bridgewater Farmers Market, now in its second season, offers everything you need to keep your family full and healthy. While you browse the vendor stalls, snack on a donut kabob from Manville Pastry Shoppe or munch on a handful of MahA Premium Granola. Among the many notable products are the fresh mushrooms from Shibumi Farm in Princeton, organic strawberries and eggs from Martenette Farms and aquaponic lettuce and tilapia from AquaSprout Farms. Soul Bowls, a recent addition to the market, offers organic acai, pitaya and specialty bowls from its food truck. Do your kids get bored when they accompany you on your weekly shopping excursion? Thanks to the market’s Kids’ Corral Play Zone, they’ll look forward to the trip.

Princeton Farmers Market

Hinds Plaza

55 Witherspoon St., Princeton

You don’t have to wait for the weekend if you want fresh strawberries for your famous shortcake or a few ears of corn for dinner. Unlike most area farmers markets, the Princeton Farmers Market is held in the heart of Princeton from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Thursdays through November 15. In addition to locally grown produce from a selection of area farms, you’ll also find curries and chutneys from the aptly named Curries & Chutneys, specialty olive oils from Demi Olive Oil, small batch kombucha from Inspired Brews and small-batch, artisan pasta from LoRe Pasta.

Arrive early and take advantage of a free yoga class on the plaza with Gemma Farrell of Gratitude Yoga. You’ll need to bring your own yoga mat if you plan to attend. The market also features live entertainment from local singers and musical groups and a selection of rotating vendors.

Montgomery Friends of Open Space Farmers Market

1340 Rt. 206, Skillman

Montgomery Friends of Open Space Farmers Market welcomes two new vendors from Hopewell to its popular farmers market this year. Beechtree Farms sells beef and pork, while Clifford Farms offers organic vegetables. They join a long list of vendors, including Eat Local, Local 130 Seafood, Griggstown Farms, Lore Pasta, Tree-Licious and Woods Edge Wool Farm. The farmers market is located in the Village Shopper parking and is held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. every Saturday through October 27.

Stangl Factory Farmers Market

Mine Street & Stangl Road, Flemington

Most farmers market close when the weather turns cold, but not Stangl Factory Farmers Market. The indoor market is open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. every Saturday year-round. In addition to seasonally available produce, the market also offers prepared foods, grass-fed meats, eggs, desserts, handmade baskets, soap, yarn and bath products.

The most convenient homes are close to all of the services you need, including farmers markets. Fortunately, our new construction home communities in Central New Jersey are all within close proximity to lots of markets, shopping, and entertainment options. Contact us to learn how you can become the next Country Classics homeowner and resident.