"Food is not just fuel. Food is about family, food is about community, food is about identity. And we nourish all those things when we eat well."
-Michael Pollan
If you Google “What is the purpose of a farmers market?”, the following answer will be provided from the Farmers Market Coalition: “A farmers market is a public and recurring assembly of farmers or their representatives selling the food that they produced directly to consumers. Farmers markets facilitate personal connections and bonds of mutual benefits between farmers, shoppers, and communities.”
The latter portion of this response perfectly captures the essence of the farmers markets throughout Hamilton County—personal connection, mutual benefit, and community amongst shoppers and farmers.
These markets add a personal, intimate connection to the food that ultimately lands on your table. It is a far different experience to purchase a tomato from a grocery store than it is to select one off a stand within a market, knowing precisely where it came from and who was behind its journey from the earth to your table. (Let’s be honest, the flavor of farm fresh foods can’t be beat.) But my ultimate favorite aspect of any farmers market is how they capture the heartbeat of a community, and these four farmers markets do just that. Filled with fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and artisan crafts, these markets must be added to your Adirondack bucket list!
1. Long Lake Farmers Market; Long Lake, NY
—Information provided by Alexandra Roalsvig, Director of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, Town of Long Lake
Location of the Long Lake Farmers Market:
Mount Sabattis Recreation Area, Lower Parking Lot, 6 Pavilion Way, Long Lake, NY, 12847
Seasonal opening and closing dates:
Last Thursday in June to the Thursday before Labor Day
Market days/hours:
Thursdays; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Q: What are some activities to do near the farmers market that you personally enjoy and/or would strongly recommend to visitors to the region?
A: Visitors to the market can enjoy an incredible, not-to-miss views of the High Peaks Region and the Seward Mountain Range from the Long Lake Town Beach and picnic area, located at 1258 Main Street. This beach offers a swim dock with mini-trampoline and red-cross certified lifeguards on duty daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Long Lake is home to one of two seaplane bases operating in the Adirondacks at Helms Aero Service, located at 1250 Main Street. Visitors must also plan a trip to the oldest operating hotel property in the Adirondacks, aptly named “The Adirondack Hotel,” at 1245 Main Street. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a paddling excursion by renting pedal boats, kayaks and stand up paddle boards from Another Paradise Cove, located at 1265 Main Street.
Q: Farmer’s markets tend to reflect the surrounding community. What about your market captures the spirit of Long Lake or makes it unique?
A: In addition to having an amazing farmer travel to our community to sell his fresh fruits and vegetables, Long Lake boasts a vibrant creative arts community. Artists and crafters make handmade items such as wooden bowls crafted from trees in the Adirondacks, jams and jellies, and homemade ice cream. There’s a local author who writes about Long Lake history, Gail Huntley, who is currently selling her book at the market every week. So you have a very personalized, small town welcoming feeling at the market.
2. Speculator Farmers Market; Speculator, NY
—Information provided by Donna Benkovich, Director of Adirondacks Speculator Region Chamber of Commerce
Location of the Speculator Farmer’s Market:
The Speculator Pavilion, 2834 Route 30, Speculator, NY
Seasonal opening and closing dates:
June 24 through September 16
Market days/hours:
Thursdays; 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Q: What are some activities to do near the farmers market that you personally enjoy and/or would strongly recommend to visitors to the region?
A: The market is located directly across the street from the Speculator Public Beach. There is a playground right there as well as the famous “Route 66” display. Also, adjacent to the Pavilion is the entrance to the Sacandaga River Pathway.
Q: Farmer’s markets tend to reflect the surrounding community. What about your market captures the spirit of Speculator or makes it unique?
A: Several of our vendors who go to many other markets and craft fairs have told us that they love the '”vibe” of our market! Everyone is so friendly that even if they are having a slow day, they feel like they've made a real connection with many of the patrons. That is the spirit of Speculator!
Our market continues to grow every year, and we are excited to announce that this year, we will host over fifty different vendors throughout the season—the most ever in the history of the Speculator Region Farmers and Crafters Market! Many of our farmers and growers are registered with NYS Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which our market participates in.
3. Little Farmers Market; Wells, NY
—Information provided by Pam Broiles, owner of The Revival
Location of the Little Farmers Market:
On the grounds of The Revival, a historic and re-purposed Greek Revival church in the middle of Wells, NY, a small hamlet in Hamilton County.
Seasonal opening and closing dates:
We open Memorial Day and close Columbus Day weekend.
Market days/hours:
Every other Saturday from 10 a.m. - noon, although people start coming in sooner. Pam rings the old church bell to open and close the market.
Q: What are some activities to do near the farmers market(s) that you personally enjoy and/or would strongly recommend to visitors to the region?
A: The Revival presents concerts, open mics, music jams and other events throughout the summer and early fall. There is hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking on Lake Algonquin.
Q: Farmer’s markets tend to reflect the surrounding community. What about your market captures the spirit of Wells or makes it unique?
A: The Little Farmers Market began as a way to keep a community presence since we could not hold concerts during the Covid season. My friend was growing a lot of vegetables and I said if he ever wanted to go over and set up on the church grounds and sell, he could. He did and then others came after him. We have fresh and seasonal vegetables, baked goods, honey products, blueberries, crafts, food items and there are always walk-ins.
The community has been VERY supportive and it has proven to be a great gathering place to visit friends on a Saturday morning.
4. Indian Lake Farmers Market; Indian Lake, NY
—Information provided by Jen Bine, market director
Location of the Indian Lake Farmer’s Market:
Indian Lake Central School, 6345 NY-28, Indian Lake, NY
Seasonal opening and closing dates:
July 3-September 25, 2021
Market days/hours:
Saturdays, 9 a.m - 2 p.m.
Q: What are some activities to do near the farmers market(s) that you personally enjoy and/or would strongly recommend to visitors to the region?
A: Boating on Lake Abanakee and Indian Lake, hiking up Snowy Mountain, visiting the Adirondack Experience.
Q: Farmer's markets tend to reflect the surrounding community. What about your market captures the spirit of Indian Lake or makes it unique?
A: While our market is relatively small, our vendors tell us that it is the friendliest market they participate in. Even before 2020, people seemed to enjoy visiting with their neighbors and hearing some music as much as shopping for the terrific food and craftwork we have to offer. To stay up to date on what's going on at the Indian Lake community farmers market, visit us on Facebook at @IndianLakeCommunityFarmersMarket.
Be sure to stop at any one of these markets and bring home some homegrown Adirondack flavor!
