Best Farmers Market in the U.S. is the Rochester Public Market in New York

The Rochester Public Market is an experience that all visitors and residents must experience. Located in the heart of Rochester, NY, it is easily accessible from city streets and local highways. It is a multicultural festival throughout the entire year. And it has just been voted the Best Farmers Market in the United States.

Voters from all across the country were able to vote on favorite farm markets in different categories. The Rochester Public Market was in a category for those that have over 56 regular vendors, and won with more than double the votes for the runner-up. Votes were submitted via electronic means, directly through the contest website, and via links posted on the Facebook fan page, Friends of the Public Market: Rochester, NY.

Fans of the Public Market have every reason to be proud of their campaign. The Public Market boasts over 300 vendors, and an estimated 40,000 visitors on Saturdays in the summer. It has been around since 1905. Local vendors sell everything from local and organic produce, to Mennonite pies, to plants and flowers for the garden, and random merchandise. There is literally something for everyone.

One of the enclosed buildings is dedicated to fresh fish and meats. One husband and wife team sells gadgets for the kitchen, which are also perfect for the Practical Life curriculum in Montessori schools. In June, celebrate the Flower City Days with numerous vendors displaying a wealth of additions for your garden. The man with the trees has great prices on Japanese maples every year!

In addition to the great purchases are all of the eating opportunities. One of the most popular places to eat is Juan and Maria's Empanada Stop. Lines for these homemade empanadas by the co-owners can stretch all the way around the corner. You can get burgers and dogs made to order, Greek goodness, or Mexican fare. Nearby you can get coffee, tea, smoothies, and baked goods at Boulder Coffee. And the Market, itself, accepts EBT cards, or food stamps, from those who qualify.

Throughout the season, there are also Community Garage Sales and Super Fleas. Maximize your exposure when trying to sell some goods, and get a bunch of great deals on other merchandise. One person's trash is another person's treasure!

The Rochester Public Market also strives to bring the community together through the arts. At any time, there may be people randomly performing a variety of music along the edge of the market. They also sponsor Night Markets and Bands on the Bricks, featuring live local music performances. The Annual Artist Row Show showcases local artistic talent. It truly represents the variety of cultures contained within Rochester.

The Rochester Public Market is located at 280 North Union Street. Numerous signs throughout the city direct you to the nearby parking lots. Buses are also available to take you downtown to the market.

It is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays throughout the year. To avoid the crowds, go really early in the morning, or after lunch. Another advantage of going after lunch is people tend to mark down their wares. The disadvantage is, the best goods are already gone. Special events have special hours and days.

When parking at the festival, you can try to enter the actual market and circle the lots for a parking place. Take a lot of patience, as people always walk in front of cars and it can be trying to find a close place. Parking is also available on the local streets. Patience is also required walking through the aisles, with people moving slowly, frequently stopping to adjust babies or look at goods, carrying bulky loads of wares. Take a deep breath and enjoy the scenery and multicultural experience.

Resources:

City of Rochester's Public Market page http://www.cityofrochester.gov/publicmarket/

Friends of the Public Market on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-the-Public-Market-Rochester-NY/23231514204#!/pages/Friends-of-the-Public-Market-Rochester-NY/23231514204?v=wall

Friends of the Public Market website http://www.marketfriends.org/

Sharing, Emily. "Rochester Public Market ranked top in United States." 2010, September 2) Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved 9-30-10 from {http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100902/NEWS01/9020336/Rochester-Public-Market-ranked-top-in-United-States