Why the Farmers Markets Here Matter

The Finger Lakes is an agricultural region first and a wine region second. The same rich soil, favorable microclimate, and farming tradition that grow world-class Riesling grapes also produce exceptional produce, dairy, and meat. The farmers markets in these towns are not decorative — they are where locals buy their food, where restaurant chefs source ingredients, and where small producers sell directly to the people who eat what they grow.

For visitors, the markets are a way to eat like a local without needing a restaurant reservation. The prepared-food vendors at the best markets — tamale makers, dumpling wrappers, barbecue smokers, crepe cooks — constitute some of the best casual eating in the region. And the produce, bought from the person who picked it that morning, tastes different from anything in a supermarket.

Saturday Markets

Ithaca Farmers Market — The Best in the Region

When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., April through December
Where: Steamboat Landing, on the west shore of Cayuga Lake’s inlet, Ithaca
Parking: Free lot at the market site. Fills by 10 a.m. on summer Saturdays — arrive early or bike from downtown.

The Ithaca Farmers Market is one of the best farmers markets in New York State and the single best food experience in the Finger Lakes for many visitors. Over 150 vendors in peak season, spread across a covered pavilion and outdoor spaces on the waterfront. The produce is spectacular in summer and fall — heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, berries, greens, and squash from farms within 30 miles. The cheese vendors (Lively Run Dairy, Finger Lakes Farmstead Cheese, and others) sell artisan products you cannot find in stores.

The prepared-food section is what sets Ithaca apart. Vendors sell:

• Tamales (multiple vendors, consistently excellent)
• Dumplings (handmade, pan-fried or steamed)
• Wood-fired pizza
• Crepes (sweet and savory)
• Smoked meats and barbecue
• Ethiopian injera wraps
• Freshly baked bread from multiple bakeries
• Gimme! Coffee (espresso and drip)

Plan to eat breakfast or lunch here. Bring cash for the smaller vendors. The market runs rain or shine under the covered pavilion. The waterfront setting on Cayuga Lake adds atmosphere. This is a genuine destination, not a side trip.

Windmill Farm and Craft Market (Penn Yan)

When: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., late April through mid-December
Where: Route 14A, 3 miles south of Penn Yan
Parking: Large free lots. Arrive before 9 a.m. for best parking and baked-goods selection.

The largest weekly market in the Finger Lakes by vendor count (100+), with a heavy Mennonite presence that shapes the goods. Baked goods are the draw — fruit pies, whoopie pies, cinnamon rolls, and bread that sell out by mid-morning. Produce is seasonal and genuinely local. Craft vendors sell handmade furniture, quilts, baskets, and leather goods. See our Penn Yan guide for more.

Geneva Farmers Market

When: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., June through October
Where: Castle Street, downtown Geneva
Parking: Street parking and nearby municipal lots.

A smaller market with a curated selection of local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and flowers. The vendors are primarily small farms from the Geneva and Seneca Lake area. Less overwhelming than Ithaca but more personal — you can talk to every vendor without fighting crowds. Good for stocking up on picnic supplies before a day on the wine trail.

Skaneateles Farmers Market

When: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., June through October
Where: Austin Park Pavilion, Skaneateles
Parking: Village parking lots.

A small, upscale market reflecting the village’s character. Local produce, baked goods, artisan cheese, and craft items. Fewer vendors than the larger markets but consistently high quality. A natural pairing with a Skaneateles village walk and lunch.

Wednesday Markets

Ithaca Farmers Market (Wednesday edition)

When: Wednesdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., June through October
Where: DeWitt Park, downtown Ithaca
Parking: Street parking and the Seneca Street garage.

A smaller version of the Saturday market, held in a downtown park. Fewer vendors (about 40 to 50 versus 150 on Saturdays) but the same quality produce and prepared food. The after-work timing makes it feel more local and less tourist-oriented. A good option if you are in Ithaca midweek and cannot do Saturday.

Other Markets Worth Knowing

Watkins Glen Farmers Market

When: Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June through October
Where: Clute Memorial Park, Watkins Glen
Parking: Free lot at the park.

A small market on the south shore of Seneca Lake. Local produce, baked goods, and a few craft vendors. A nice morning stop before or after hiking the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park.

Canandaigua Farmers Market

When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon, June through October
Where: Antis Street parking lot, downtown Canandaigua
Parking: Street and lot parking.

Produce, baked goods, maple syrup, and honey from farms in the Canandaigua Lake and Bristol area. Smaller than Geneva but reliable.

Corning Farmers Market

When: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to noon, May through November
Where: Centerway Square, Corning
Parking: Downtown Corning lots.

A small market in the Gaffer District. Local produce and baked goods. Pair with a visit to the Corning Museum of Glass.

Auburn Farmers Market

When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May through October
Where: State Street, downtown Auburn
Parking: Street parking.

Serves the Owasco Lake area. Produce, meats, cheese, and baked goods from Cayuga County farms.

Holiday and Winter Markets

Several markets run holiday editions in November and December:

• Ithaca Farmers Market Holiday Market: Select Saturdays in December at the Steamboat Landing pavilion. Handmade crafts, baked goods, and gift items alongside produce from winter farms.
• Windmill Market: Continues through mid-December with a holiday emphasis on baked goods, crafts, and gifts.
• GreenStar Co-op Winter Farmers Market (Ithaca): The cooperative grocery occasionally hosts winter vendor markets. Check their calendar.

Tips for Market Shopping

• Bring cash. Many vendors accept cards now, but some do not. Cash is faster and avoids the awkward “my card reader is not working” moment.
• Bring bags. Reusable bags or a backpack make carrying purchases easier. Some vendors provide bags; many do not.
• Arrive early for selection. The best produce and baked goods sell out. At the Ithaca market, the tamale line hits 20 people deep by 10 a.m.
• Talk to the farmers. Ask what is at peak ripeness that week, what variety of tomato works best for sauce, or how to cook something unfamiliar. These people grow the food and know it better than any cookbook.
• Check the weather but go anyway. The covered markets (Ithaca, Windmill) run rain or shine. Rainy market days have shorter lines and the same produce.

For more on local food, see our guides to farm stands and u-pick farms, the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail, and best brunch spots.