From alpaca products to micro brews, Southern Tier farmers markets offer more than produce
Robin Kellogg was all smiles as she greeted long-time customers at the Alfred Farmers Market in Allegany County July 23.
Kellogg's fare — soft and comfy homemade knit winter hats and scarves made from her alpacas — may not be the first thing that comes to mind during a mid-summer visit to a farmers market, but many markets have started offering much more than fresh fruits and vegetables.
New York state's hundreds of farmers markets provide unique experiences while carrying an eclectic mix of products: from micro brews, ice cream and furniture to crafts, wine and complete meals.
And alpaca products.
“We shave them once a year, late April, late May to get their fiber off, then we send it off to a knitting mill, and they make us a yarn that comes back. I knit and crochet, and we make products that we sell," said Kellogg, whose farm in Scio includes six female alpacas, a miniature mule and a miniature donkey that people like to visit.
Sometimes the alpacas come along with Kellogg to the Alfred Farmers Market, which also stresses its commitment to be a growers or makers market only, with no reselling.
What else to know: The Alfred Farmers Market is held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, July to October, in the Village Band Stand area, corner of Main Street and Saxon Drive. Singer-guitarist Dave Mason of Wellsville performed July 23 and more music is planned in August.
These markets are also making their mark for sheer diversity, scale and uniqueness.
The Windmill Farm and Craft Market
To be fair, the Windmill's size and scale make it a lot more than a farmers market. The Penn Yan site hosts more than 175 indoor and outdoor shops featuring furniture, hand-crafted items and custom cabinetry.
But that's just the beginning. The Windmill, which is located on 44 tree-lined acres, offers several onsite dining options, from full restaurants to numerous snack options. There are six wineries, a brewery and a distillery.
There are plenty of traditional farmers market features as well, with fresh produce, flowers, eggs and cider from sellers like Lorenz Farms, Seneca View Greenhouse, Gage Family produce, Mansfield Farm and Jacob Eggs and Produce.
What else to know: The Windmill is located at 3900 state Route 14A, Penn Yan. It's open every Saturday, 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., from the last Saturday in April through the last Saturday in November. Also open Memorial Day, Fourth of July observed, Labor Day, Columbus Day and Black Friday. Closed Sundays and non-holiday weekdays.
Beartown Peaches 'n Cream
Beartown Peaches 'n Cream in Painted Post is famous for its huge variety of ice cream flavors and styles but customers also line up for frozen yogurt (with low-fat and sugar free options), non-dairy Dole whip and other treats. Don't forget the attached vegetable, fruit and flower market.
Canning season has started. Half bushels of green peppers, Cubanelle peppers, sweet banana peppers, green beans, pickling cucumbers and peaches. There is fresh dill as well.
What else to know: Beartown Peaches 'N Cream, located at 5 Beartown Road, Painted Post, is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ice Cream Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., seasonally and weather dependent. The Strawberry Dole Whip was a big hit in recent weeks.
Broome County Regional Farmers Market
A fully functional commercial kitchen places the Broome County Regional Farmers Market in rare company. Available for rent, the kitchen is now outfitted with a 30-quart mixer, pots, pans and all small wares necessary for production. This incubator/start-up kitchen assists local farmers and food entrepreneurs with value added products, serves as a feeder facility for Taste NY stores and allow at-home processors the ability to scale up production.
The market also features multiple vendors selling fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, eggs, honey and bread. The market accepts EBT/SNAP payments, and many of the vendors also accept credit cards.
What else to know: A short drive from downtown Binghamton at 840 Upper Front St., or an easy stop near the I-81 and I-86 (Route 17 exchange), the Broome County Regional Farmers Market is open Saturdays all year, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Corning Farmers Market
Very few Southern Tier markets can boast a better setting than the Corning Farmers Market, which is located in the city's historic Gaffer District at Riverfront Park.
The market is a lively and colorful epicenter of local flavors and artistic crafts The market offers a treasure trove — from the sweet allure of homemade doughnuts to the array of freshly-picked flowers and the rich taste of specialty cheeses and high-quality local meats.
There are local artisans, each presenting unique, handcrafted items that tell their own tales. The excitement grows with surprise appearances from local restaurateurs and businesses, each contributing to the dynamic tapestry of Corning's culinary scene.
What else to know: The market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 26.
Angelica Farmers Market
There is always something special going on at the Angelica Farmers Market in the historic Allegany County village named for Angelica Schuyler, sister-in-law of the first U.S. Treasury Secretary, Alexander Hamilton.
Whether it is celebrating "Christmas in July," or grooving to weekly musical performances in the gazebo, this premium market is packed with a variety of organic and homemade products. Enjoy the food, the exhibits and the family fun tent with crafts for children.
Founded in 2007, the market’s theme remains unchanged: buy local, eat fresh, sustain the local economy and buy directly from the producer. There are high quality farm fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, maple syrup and honey, along with baked goods, eggs, local meats, jams and jellies, wine, cut flowers and plants. The market also supports local artisans by showcasing select handcrafted products.
What else to know: Situated in the Angelica Park Circle, the market is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June through Oct. 14.
Find a farmers market near you
All told, New York state has more than 400 farmers markets, 250 farm stands, and 10 mobile markets. These markets generate upwards of $6 billion annually, according to the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.
For a list of farmers markets by county, go here.
And don't forget
The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program promotes local producers by expanding their sales at farmers markets and farm stands and fosters healthy communities though the consumption of locally grown foods.
Consumers who are eligible are provided with coupons to use for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets in New York state.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: These 6 Southern Tier farmers markets offer more than fresh produce
