The Clarence Hollow Farmers Market in New York: A Review

In the heat of action-packed summer days, my mind turns to all things fresh and natural. So when I awoke to a dazzling June sun last Saturday, a leisurely stroll to the Clarence Farmers Market seemed more than ideal. I was not disappointed.

Rows of booths are laid out in a usually vacant lot right in the heart of historic Clarence on Main Street. My friend and I arrived around 11 AM, and plenty of people were out and about perusing the available goods.

While we looked over some handmade soaps and canned fruit preserves, we were immediately hailed by a cheerful and exuberant wine vendor.

"Step right up and sample some local apple wines!"

As he poured our first sample, he enlightened us on the increasingly popular term "local-vore." This, he explained, refers to an individual who strives to purchase and consume locally grown products. That's precisely what's so great about the farmers market: you know exactly where your food is coming from. Plus, you're supporting struggling local farmer at the same time.

Of course, we couldn't leave his stand empty-handed, so we purchased a bottle of his Dancing Buffalo Mambo Semi-dry Cider, which was perfect over ice and sipped out on the porch. (His Chateau Buffalo store is located on Hertel, near Terrapin Station).

Next, we scouted out the heaps of fresh veggies - there were so many it was hard to choose! In the end, we brought home a few brightly colored squash and zucchini.

On to the sweets! The Clarence Farmer's Market has a wide selection of pies, breads, candies, and cookies. We picked up a sweetly decadent cranberry-oatmeal-honey loaf along with a strawberry rhubarb pie, both reasonably priced.

A booth that offered free-range beef caught our eye. The meat is as pure as it comes with no growth hormones or other questionable injections. We purchased two packages of patties with a promise to return next Saturday for steaks. (They sell every part of the animal imaginable!) Then we grilled the meat for lunch the moment we got home and it was delectable, as expected.

The market is kid-friendly too. Moms equipped with double-strollers made their way to the balloon stall, where a jolly clown entertained children with his balloon creations. There was even a banjo-jamming musician who livened up the whole experience. Overall, the market radiates with a friendly, sociable vibe - it's the perfect chance to meet your neighbors while providing your family with healthful foods.

I will definitely be heading back next weekend to stock up on more fresh produce, and who knows - maybe a stash of Buffalo's famous sponge candy.

The Clarence Farmers Market runs every Saturday from May though October (even in rain!) from 8 AM to 1 PM. It is located at 10717 Main Street.