Head to These Top Farmers Markets in Central Jersey This Season!

Following a lengthy winter, the farming market season has begun in Central Jersey.

Many nearby farmers' markets have begun operating through autumn, providing freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, milk products, baked items like breads and pastries, handcrafted goods, and much more.

Take a look at these nine vibrant farmers' markets across Central Jersey.

The Rutgers Community Farmers Market in New Brunswick

The Rutgers Community Farmers Market (RCFM), encompassing both Cook’s Market and the New Brunswick Community Farmers Market, runs at multiple sites throughout the New Brunswick area.

The market will reopen for the season on May 16 at the Cook's Market pavilion located within Rutgers Gardens in North Brunswick. This location operates every Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., continuing until November 21; however, it will be closed on June 20 and July 4.

In New Brunswick, the RCFM operates from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and Saturday at the RCFM Market Pavilion located at 178 Jones Ave., running from June through November 22nd. Additionally, they operate from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Thursday at Kilmer Square Park situated at 108 Albany Street between June 5th and August 21st. Lastly, their hours shift to 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the College Avenue Student Center found at 126 College Avenue from August 28th until November 14th, with an exception of being closed on October 16th.

The marketplace provides vendors selling products like freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, bakery items, and pre-made meals sourced directly from New Jersey’s local farms, for instance, the Rutgers Gardens Student Farm. Additionally, skilled craftspeople and artisanal producers offer homemade goods ranging from preserves and honeys to condiments and alcoholic beverages. Every event includes nutritional guidance sessions, wellness checks, sampling opportunities, and various interactive experiences. Furthermore, The Rutgers Gardens Greenhouse contributes by supplying an array of plants available for purchase during these markets.

The Rutgers Gardens Farmers Market started as a student-driven initiative in 2008. Currently, it is overseen by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s Family and Community Health Sciences department. The market accepts SNAP benefits and facilitates both distribution and acceptance of these benefits. Good Food Bucks .

Go: 130 Log Cabin Road, North Brunswick; communityfarmersmarket.rutgers.edu/rutgers-gardens/ ; RCFM Market Pavilion, located at 178 Jones Avenue, New Brunswick, communityfarmersmarket.rutgers.edu/market-pavilion/ Kilmer Square Park, located at 108 Albany Street, New Brunswick, communityfarmersmarket.rutgers.edu/kilmer-square-park/ ; College Avenue Student Center, 126 College Ave., New Brunswick, communityfarmersmarket.rutgers.edu/college-ave-student-center/ .

Highland Park Farmers Market, Highland Park

Each Friday, around 40 sellers convene at 212 Raritan Avenue, continuing the longstanding tradition of the Highland Park Farmers Market which began in 1996. Operating from February up to December 12th, the market’s timings extend from 11 AM till 5 PM through October. During November and December, however, the closing time shifts earlier to 4 PM.

At the marketplace, farmers from across the state offer fresh seasonal crops, fungi, dairy items, responsibly-harvested seafood, freshly-baked loaves, confections, preserved vegetables, and spicy condiments.

The market regularly welcomes community collaborators like the Global Grace Be The Change Health Van, the Highland Park Public Library, Sustainable Highland Park, and various nearby enterprises and groups. It’s common for food trucks to be present as well.

Moreover, the marketplace features special events like cooking contests, themed days for crafts and specific topics, along with the Music at the Market HP series where local artists come to play.

The Highland Park Farmers Market welcomes SNAP/EBT participants and is also a partner of the Good Food Bucks Program.

Go: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays; located at 212 Rarigan Avenue, Highland Park; phone number: 732-828-8444. mainstreethp.org/hpfmabout.

The Hunterdon Community Farmers Market in Flemington

The former Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers Market has been renamed the Hunterdon Community Farmers Market. Reopened in early May, this market takes place at Dvoor Farm in Flemington every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Go: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday from May through November; located at Dvoor Farm, 111 Mine Street, Flemington. hunterdonfarmersmarket.org .

Metuchen Farmers Market, Metuchen

Providing "intelligent eats" for the "clever county," the Metuchen Farmers Market plans to resume operations on June 14. Operating each Saturday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., this bustling marketplace takes place at Town Plaza located at the intersection of New Street and Pearl Streets. Since its inception in 1997, the market has seen significant growth; however, it was particularly transformed beginning in 2011 when it expanded beyond just a handful of farmers to over twelve distinct sellers offering an array of goods.

Sponsored by the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce and run exclusively by local volunteers under the umbrella of an autonomous nonprofit organization, this marketplace features farmers and sellers who provide cheese, pickles, olives, various breads, fresh mozzarella, dried fruits and nuts, grass-fed pork, free-range eggs, pies, and much more.

Go: From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays; located at Town Plaza, at the intersection of New and Pearl streets; metuchenfarmersmarket.org .

Stangl Factory Market, Flemington

Inside the Stangl Factory, which originally served as the site of Stangl Pottery back in 1814, you'll find over 30 vendors making up the Stangl Factory Market in Flemington. This indoor marketplace operates throughout the year, opening its doors every Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., located at the intersection of Mine Street and Stangl Road.

Guests can savor the distinctive ambiance of the factory while perusing an array of items such as farm-fresh produce, free-range eggs, pasture-raised meats, homemade breads, and gourmet cheeses. Additionally, the marketplace features crafted goods like woven baskets, wooden turnings, natural soaps, bathing essentials, and hand-spun textiles.

Go: From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays; located at Mine Street and Stangl Road in Flemington; stanglfactory.com/farmers-market-2 .

Princeton Farmers Market, Princeton

Since 2009, the outdoor Princeton Farmers Market has been a regular feature with around 30 vendors offering locally sourced foods and handcrafted items from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday at Hinds Plaza located at 65 Witherspoon Street. The market continues until November 20th.

Go: From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays; located at Hinds Plaza, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton; princetonfarmersmarket.com .

Scotch Plains Farmers Market, Scotch Plains

In its 32nd year of operation, the Scotch Plains Farmers Market located at 430 Park Avenue provides space for sellers such as Ort Farms, Corner Copia, Asprocolas Acres, and Old Village Farm.

The Park Avenue market operates from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday, regardless of weather conditions, beginning in May and continuing until the last Saturday before Thanksgiving.

The market came into existence in 1992. By 1994, the Scotch Plains Business and Professional Association (SPBPA) had taken charge of managing the market with the aim of boosting commercial engagement within the heart of Scotch Plains. Throughout the ensuing years, the market has undergone transformation and growth.

Participating vendors at the market accept WIC coupons.

Go: From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays; located at 430 Park Ave., Scotch Plains; phone number: 908-322-4999, scotchplainsfarmersmarket.com .

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The Somerset County Regional Farmers Market in Somerville

During its second year, the Somerset County Regional Farmers Market commenced operations at the beginning of May with over 30 participating vendors. This recurring market, overseen by the Somerville Alliance for Food Education (SAFE), occurs each Sunday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., continuing up till November 23rd.

Following an eight-year tenure at Duke Farms in Hillsborough, the farmers' market shifted to Somerville Middle School located at the intersection of West High and Davenport Streets last year. Numerous vendors who frequently participated in the Duke Farms Farmers' Market also transitioned to this new site.

SAFE is running the farmer's market alongside the Somerville Board of Education and the town's Environmental Commission. Every item—be it vegetables, fruits, butter, maple syrup, olives, vinegar, meat, flowers, goat milk, wine, pickles, soups, jams, or jellies—at the market originates from within the Garden State.

SAFE also intends to include themed weeks centered around seasonal produce, along with hosting musicians, providing entertainment, and organizing various activities at the market.

Go: The rear parking area of Somerville Middle School located at the intersection of West High Street and Davenport Streets; facebook.com/scrfarmersmarket/ .

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West Windsor Community Farmers Market, West Windsor

The 21-year-old West Windsor Community Farmers Market (WWCFM) in West Windsor remains outdoors at the Vaughn Drive Lot year-round from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. More than 50 farms and artisan food producers make up the market, along with a composting service and a knife-sharpening service.

At the marketplace, customers have access to an array of goods such as seasonal fruits and vegetables, cuts of meat, poultry varieties, freshly caught seafood, homemade hummus, ready-to-eat meals, homegrown oats, organic whole-grain flours, artisanal sourdough loaves, baked delights like pastries, both newly made and aged cheeses from caves, ethnic curry sauces originating from India, pet-friendly snacks for dogs, and textiles crafted from alpaca wool.

WWCFM partners with the Garden State Good Food Network to assist individuals using food aid programs like SNAP/EBT in maximizing their benefits. When you buy $1 worth of SNAP market tokens, the program adds an additional $1 token for purchasing fruits and veggies, up to a total of $25 per market day. Additionally, students can use their Student EBT cards to extend their EBT benefits even further.

Go: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays; vehicles should access the market located at the Vaughn Lot near the Princeton Junction Train Station, West Windsor, by entering through 877 Alexander Road. Contact them at 609-913-7581 for more information. westwindsorfarmersmarket.org .

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email: cmakin@gannettnj.com

Cheryl Makin is an award-winning journalist who covers features, news, and education for MyCentralJersey.com , which is part of the USA Today Network. For inquiries, contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin .To enjoy unrestricted access, kindly sign up for a subscription or enable your digital account now.

The article initially appeared on MyCentralJersey.com. Farmers market season has arrived: nine locations to explore in Central Jersey.