Stay Local with Winter Markets

Winter can be tough for a locavore. As fields are plowed under, cover crops planted, and many farmers’ markets close for the season, a collective feeling of resignation sets in as we brace for several months of root vegetables and soups.

Not that roots and soups are bad—our bodies crave and need this hearty fare to get through the winter. But these days there is no reason to forgo a wider variety of foods, as farmers throughout the Hudson Valley have found innovative ways to offer us the bounty of summer (and spring and fall) year-round. When the frost hits, many markets are moving indoors by warm fires, serving up hot cider and coffee, and laying out everything from mesclun to fresh breads, artisanal farmstead cheeses to frozen raspberries. There are even hydroponic tomatoes at some market stands, though I prefer to wait for the stunning array of heirlooms that will arrive next July. For the winter, I’ll stick to the 10 plus pounds I slow-roasted and froze. (For those who didn’t manage to get any preserving done, go ahead and give the hydros a try. I’m sure they’re quite good.)

The point is, we’re lucky here in the Hudson Valley. We can eat locally, year round, and not feel limited. We can avoid the weekly madcap rush through the supermarket, and we can avoid foods that were grown with chemicals and traveled thousands of miles to our plate. And of course I’m sure most of you know our local foods are delicious.

Here’s a rundown of markets where you can get your fix. You’ll find a lot more than crates of butternut squash and sacks of potatoes.

Beacon Farmers Market at the Beacon Sloop Club
Sloop Clubhouse, Beacon, NY
Sundays, 10am-4pm

Step inside the Beacon Sloop Club every Sunday through the winter, warm your hands by a roaring wood fire, and then check out the tremendous variety of locally grown and produced foods: local farmstead cheeses, fresh baked bread, vegetables from Madura Farms, New England Farms’ meat, Adair & Benmarl Wines. And for your kitchen, check out Virginia Piazza’s beautiful pottery.

Blooming Hill Farm Market
Blooming Grove, NY
Saturdays 9am to 4pm, Sundays 9am to 2pm

This cozy market offers crate upon crate of fresh produce, including several varieties of kale, lettuce, mesclun mix and other greens, all grown in the farm’s “hi-tunnels.” The usual root vegetables and squash are available, but in much greater and more appealing variety than most markets. You can also purchase freshly baked breads from New York City’s Balthazar Bakery. Christmas trees and wreaths are available around the holidays.

The Community Indoor Farm Market at Robins Market
Robins Market, Route 32, New Paltz, NY
3rd and 4th Saturday of the month, December –March, 9am to noon
December 20 and 27, January 24 and 31, February 21 and 28, March 21 and 28

Supported by the Eat Local Food project, all whole food items and the main ingredients of the prepared food items offered for sale have been grown and/or raised within 100 miles from the point of purchase. Expect local cheeses, bread, vegetables and more. The market organizers also plan to provide music and workshops.

Red Hook Winter Market
Elmendorph Inn, Red Hook, NY
The Second Saturday of the month, December – February, 10am - 2pm
December 13, January 10, February 14

This market features fruit, cider and produce from Migliorelli Farm and Hearty Roots Farm, meat from Northwind Farm, dairy from Hudson Valley Fresh, and woolen fiber from Hudson Valley Sheep & Wool Co. Awesome Farm, which raises pastured poultry and lamb, will offer eggs, stewing chickens, chicken feet (for the most nutritious stock), and sheepskins. Prepared foods will include jams & jellies from Montgomery Place Orchard, fresh bread from Tivoli Bakery and hot soup and prepared foods from Gigi Market.

Rosendale Winter Farmers’ Market
Rosendale Community Center, Route 32, Rosendale
The first Sunday of the Month, December - May, 9am - noon
December 7, January 4, February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3.

Vendors at this new winter market will include Jody’s Breads, Muddy Farm, Maynard Farms, Adair Winery, Earth & Hand Creations, Rykowski Livestock, Grist Mill Maple, Rock & Roll Artisan Bakery and The Pampered Chef. Enjoy free coffee and tea, and live acoustic music.

Saugerties Holiday Markets
The Saugerties Senior Center on Market Street
On the Sundays Before Holidays, November-April, 12noon-4pm
December 21, January 18, February 15, March 15, April 5

The Saugerties Farmers’ Market is offering this series of special markets conveniently held right before the Winter’s major holidays. Several local vendors will provide pastured meat, greens, root vegetables, dried fruits, maple syrup products, honey, mushrooms and more.

Winter Sun Farm Indoor Markets & CSA pick-up
Deyo Hall, New Paltz
The Second Saturday of the Month, December-March,10am-3pm
December 13, January 10, February 14, March 14

The College Center, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
The Third Saturday of the Month, December-March, 10am-3pm
December 20, January 17, February 21, March 21

Winter Sun Farms may be sold out of their CSA shares of frozen local produce, but they’re still sponsoring a great winter markets around their CSA pick-up in New Paltz and Poughkeepsie. At the New Paltz location, vendors include Taliaferro Farms, Four Wind Farms, Phillies Bridge, Veritas Farms, Acorn Hill, Conuco Farms, Bradley Farms, Pika’s Quiches, Threshold Farm, Wild Hive Bakery, Liberty View Farm, and more. Be sure to check out their website to find out how to join Winter Sun Farms next year!