Readers' Choice Awards Best Farmers Markets of 2026

The winners are in!

From coast to coast, farmers' markets have become the beating heart of their communities, places where local growers, bakers, cheesemakers, and artisans meet the neighbors who eat what they make. Reviewed's experts combed the country and selected 19 of the best farmers' markets, spanning centuries-old public market houses and lively open-air street fairs alike—and then we asked you to vote. The ballots are counted, and these are the 10 markets readers picked as this year's Readers' Choice Award winners, ranked from first place on down.

Winner: Copley Square Farmers Market

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Public Library and Trinity Church serve as a striking backdrop for the Copley Square Farmers Market in the heart of the Back Bay neighborhood. Running Tuesdays and Fridays from mid-May through late November, it gives office workers, tourists, and neighborhood residents easy access to fresh Massachusetts produce, proteins, baked goods, honey, and ready-to-eat meals.

With more than three dozen regional farmers and producers filling the square, it manages to feel both bustling and neighborly. Our panel highlighted its prime location and its role as a busy, dependable source of local food for all walks of life in the middle of a dense downtown.

Readers returned again and again to the setting and the people: a broad roster of vendors with reliably fresh produce—Stillman's meat and vegetables among the favorites—in one of the city's prettiest squares, within walking distance of the T. Many also singled out the market manager, whose welcoming presence voters say sets the tone for families, kids, and longtime regulars alike, and is clearly appreciated by vendors and support staff.

Runner-up: Solvang Farmers Market

Solvang, California

The Danish-inspired village of Solvang near Santa Barbara hosts the Solvang Farmers Market on First Street every Wednesday afternoon, year-round.

The certified outdoor market blends that Central Coast freshness—seasonal produce straight from area growers—with the local color of a town known for its half-timbered architecture and Danish bakeries.

Our reviewers called it a unique stop, where the farmers market doubles as a way to experience Solvang itself, pastries and all. It's also an easy addition to a day of wine tasting or a wander through the Santa Ynez Valley.

Readers describe a hometown market with an outsize selection: organic fruits and vegetables, a layout that makes browsing easy, and farmers they found kind and personable. Just as often they mention Solvang itself—the quaint village, the surrounding wine country, and the holiday-season visits that have become an annual tradition for more than one voter.

#3: Charleston Farmers Market

Charleston, South Carolina

Charlestonites can attest that each Saturday from April through November (plus a holiday market in December), Marion Square fills up with white tents for the Charleston Farmers Market. This downtown gathering pairs the Lowcountry's famous produce with local art and food. Shoppers move among stands of fruits and vegetables, plants, herbs, sweetgrass baskets, and cut flowers before stopping for breakfast or lunch from on-site vendors. Visitors dig into crepes, baked goods, herbal drinks, and sausages while browsing and listening to live entertainment.

Our reviewers called it unforgettable, praising not only the fresh produce and food but the artisan offerings and distinct regional specialties that give the market its sense of place.

Readers point to the fruit first, then to everything around it—local produce, food and drink, and art from vendors they call dedicated and talented. Several noted how well curated the market feels and how much of Charleston's culture and history comes through in both the park setting and the people working the tents.

#4: Pike Place Market

Seattle, Washington

Most people have heard of Pike Place Market on Seattle's waterfront. This city landmark opened in 1907, but then nearly disappeared in the mid-20th century before a public campaign saved it.

Today, regulars visit produce stands, try specialty foods, examine the fresh catch at fishmongers and flower vendors, and shop the independent stores that sprawl across nine acres.

While regulars come for the towering fruit and vegetable displays, fresh-shucked oysters, and some of the best flower bouquets in the Northwest, Pike Place is known the world over for the fishmongers who toss salmon beneath the Public Market Center sign.

Our panel called it one of the finest markets they know, spotlighting its Washington State produce, its seafood, and longtime vendors like Chukar Cherries and Market Spice.

Readers treat it as far more than a farmers market—a place to spend the whole day among craft and artisan tables, four fish markets, and what several call the best flowers anywhere. Voters mention the ready-to-eat finds, from roasted corn to strawberry soda and cold-pressed cider, along with the neon signs, the views, and the rituals that come with a visit: a photo with Rachel the piggy bank and a salmon sailing overhead.

#5: Lancaster Central Market

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the Lancaster Central Market can trace its roots to 1730, making it one of America's oldest public markets.

Housed since 1889 in a striking brick market building on Penn Square, it draws both locals and travelers Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday for everything from homegrown celery and horseradish to baked goods, meats, and ethnic foods.

Our experts highlighted the strong Amish and Mennonite presence, with vendors selling traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods and seasonal specialties—apples in fall, honey through the warmer months.

Beyond the shopping, reviewers admired the building itself, with its high ceilings and handsome architecture. You can carry home canned goods and prepared foods, or eat on-site, soaking up a market that has anchored downtown Lancaster for centuries.

For readers, it comes down to a point of local pride: the oldest market on the East Coast.

#6: Dane County Farmers' Market

Madison, Wisconsin

Opened in 1972, Dane County Farmers' Market is the country's largest producer-only market, meaning every item is grown, raised, or made in Wisconsin by the people manning each stand—we're talking cheese, produce, meats, flowers, and specialty foods. The wait to become a vendor at this market can be up to 2 years!

The Saturday market draws a huge crowd and is set up in a loop around Madison's Capitol Square. In addition to the farmers' market, visitors will find arts-and-crafts vendors across the street, while buskers entertain.

Our reviewers called it a must-attend, praising both its scale and the integrity of its producer-only rule, and it's where more than one first-timer has tasted ramps or fresh curds. A pillar of Madison's food scene for more than 50 years, it lives up to its reputation.

Readers say the producer-only rule pays off in conversation: the chance to meet and chat with the growers themselves adds a personal, human dimension to everything they taste.

#7: State Farmers Market

Raleigh, North Carolina

Spanning 75 acres near downtown Raleigh, the State Farmers Market is a year-round, seven-days-a-week destination run by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Beyond produce and plants, it packs in specialty shops, restaurants, and a garden center.

Our reviewers valued being able to meet the people who grow, make, and share, and singled out its summer tomatoes, which they insist taste better in the Mid-Atlantic than anywhere else.

Because the market is open all year, there's always something in season from local producers, whether you're after peak-summer heirlooms or cool-weather greens.

Readers cite the scale and the schedule—the biggest market in the state, open daily and on weekdays, with the widest range of fruit and vegetable varieties plus plants, picnic tables, and restaurant options. Voters also give credit to the people who keep it running, from the vendors to the employees and maintenance team.

#8: Roanoke City Market

Roanoke, Virginia

The Historic Roanoke City Market has been open since 1882. Surrounded by a lively district of shops and cafes, the oldest continuously operating open-air market in Virginia keeps its stalls stocked with fresh vegetables and local goods from area farmers.

Our reviewers described it as a hidden gem, praising its unique setting and the strong roster of local growers. Come the holidays, it transforms into part of Roanoke's Christmas Market, adding seasonal charm to the year-round appeal.

#9: Boulder County Farmers Markets

Boulder, Colorado

Set along Boulder's park-lined streets near Boulder Creek, Boulder County Farmers Markets is the nonprofit behind Colorado's original farmers market experience and one of the Centennial State's longest-running farmers markets.

The Boulder market runs on both Saturdays and Wednesdays in season, and it hosts well over 100 vendors offering fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, and prepared foods.

Our panel pointed to the market's strong bench of organic growers and artisan producers as a real draw for shoppers. Reviewers who wandered in on a day trip came away struck by how vibrant the produce looked and how many unusual finds they found from stand to stand.

#10: Downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market

San Luis Obispo, California

On Thursday evenings, downtown San Luis Obispo closes Higuera Street and transforms it into one of California's liveliest certified farmers markets. Running 6 to 9 p.m. across several blocks, the market has grown into a full-blown community event, with more than 100 vendors, live music, and restaurants serving right out onto the sidewalks.

Our panel loved its evening, festival-like atmosphere as much as its produce. Reviewers who visited weekly recalled late-summer Brussels sprouts straight from the field, berries, cucumbers, and enormous pumpkins. It is kid- and dog-friendly and open year-round, save for holidays and bad weather.

Our Experts

Donna Adinolfi

Adinolfi holds a communications degree and studied at William Paterson State University and New Mexico State University. With over 40 years in travel, she is an expert in wellness resorts, healthy eating, self-care, and mindful living. Her writing and photography appear in TravelWorld Magazine, Balance Magazine (Travel Editor 2000–2010), and Mindful Adventures. Donna is a member of NATJA and IFWTWA.

Jo Clark

Clark has often been heard to say, “I’ll eat anything that doesn’t eat me.” A travel writer, photographer, podcaster, and food-and-wine enthusiast, she explores destinations one bite, sip, and story at a time. Her work appears in a variety of publications, including RecipesTravelCulture, where she shares discoveries ranging from roadside gems to unforgettable culinary experiences. She keeps her passport up to date, her suitcase close at hand, and her camera ready. Follow her adventures at @JoGoesEverywhere.

Lisa Waterman Gray

Lisa Waterman Gray has written national and international stories on must-do travel, must-taste food and beverages, and eco-friendly destinations that engage and delight readers. Her print and online stories have appeared in DreamScapes Travel and Lifestyle Magazine, USA Today/10Best, Fodor's, AAA, Wander With Wonder, Foodie Travel USA, and several state tourism magazines and websites. Find more about her work on her website.

Kurt Jacobson

Kurt Jacobson is a freelance travel writer who covers food, luxury hotels, travel, and wine. His stories appear in over 50 websites and magazines across the United States. Kurt currently resides in Colorado with his wife and two Maine Coon cats. You can follow his adventures on Instagram at @KurtTravels2.

Susan Lanier-Graham

Lanier-Graham is an award-winning food, wine, and travel writer with more than three decades of experience exploring destinations around the world. She has visited luxury resorts, boutique properties, and hidden gems across six continents, bringing a discerning eye to every stay. As publisher of Wander With Wonder, she leads an award-winning digital publication that inspires readers to discover exceptional travel experiences. Her work blends firsthand insight with a passion for storytelling, offering trusted recommendations on where to stay, dine, and explore. Susan’s expertise helps travelers confidently choose destinations that transform trips into unforgettable, experience-rich journeys.

Joelle Machia

Joelle Machia is a travel writer, podcaster, photographer, and co-founder of Wanderers Compass, a multi-platform travel brand dedicated to immersive, culturally respectful storytelling. As a United Nations ECOSOC Representative and award-winning content creator, she focuses on sharing deeper travel experiences that go beyond the surface. Through Wanderers Compass, Joelle produces destination guides, long-form articles, a digital magazine, and a podcast that explores history, culture, food, and local communities.

Susan R. Pollack

As an award-winning travel writer, Susan R. Pollack's stories and photos have appeared in scores of newspapers, magazines, and websites over her five-plus-decade career. From her home base in Metro Detroit, she has traveled to all 50 states, six continents, most of the world's top cities, and several islands and outposts along the way. An avid golfer, foodie, and Mahjong buff, she is a longtime member of the Society of American Travel Writers, Midwest Travel Journalists Association, and Golf Travel Writers of America. Follow her on Facebook.

Julie Diebolt Price

Julie Diebolt Price is a seasoned photographer, author, ghostwriter, and syndicated travel writer with over 35 years of experience and footsteps on four continents and 48 states. Her diverse career spans travel, documentary, corporate, stock, and event photography. As a business entrepreneur, she leverages her extensive experience in various industries to teach aspiring photographers and business owners the essentials for success. See her work on Photo Travel Write.

Cori Solomon

Cori Solomon, an award-winning freelance writer and photographer based in Los Angeles, focuses on travel, art, food, wine, and pets. She often highlights the story behind the restaurant, chef, winery, winemaker, or artist. Her background in real estate and art both play a role in her writing, whether it is the architectural splendor of a building, a historical-artistic rendering, or the artistry of a winemaker or chef. Since Cori often travels with her dog, Salukis, she has a keen eye for pet-friendly stories. Follow her adventures on The Written Palette.

Reviewed Editors & Experts

Reviewed editors and experts have hard-earned insight from a broad range of backgrounds, and our nomination panel includes independent researchers, subject matter experts, and editorial team members. We provide unbiased, experiential editorial coverage on products, brands, and companies across the U.S.