Farmers markets herald start of local produce season

Julia Landau, an intern with the Poughkeepsie Farm Project, restocks the vegetables at the farm market stand in the City of Poughkeepsie during last year's market/Journal file photo

Farmers markets throughout the Hudson Valley are now open for business.

For me, this signifies the real start of summer.
These are the best places to buy local produce straight from the farms in the valley. You can talk to the growers, explore different varieties of fruits and vegetables, find out useful information about growing and cooking what you buy, and in the process, you'll be supporting a local cause and doing something good for yourself and your family by serving food that's grown in your own community.

Farmers markets are little gems of community. In addition to all the great local produce, they also offer baked goods, great lunches and awesome desserts. You'll often find information booths, vendors, craftsmen and musicians entertaining as you shop.

So look around your neighborhood; you're bound to find a market near you.

Here's a partial list of what's opening this weekend.

For a complete list of area markets, click here.

• The Rhinebeck Farmers Market on East Market Street is already open. It runs through November and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays and 3-7 p.m., Thursdays. Call 845-679-7618 for information.

• Today, the City of Poughkeepsie Farmers Market opens at Mural Park, 253 Main St. It will run every Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October. For information, call 845-473-1415.

• The Hyde Park Farmers Market opens Saturday at the Hyde Park Drive-In on Route 9. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, maple syrup, artisanal breads and cheeses will be offered. In addition, there will be an assortment of local crafts. It will be open every Saturday through October. For information, call 845-229-9111.

• The Rosendale Community Center, 1055 Route 32, will open Sunday at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Opening day of fourth annual market will be held in the parking lot of the community center. Music by guitarist/singer Jeff Entin will be featured. There will be live music every week and special booths run by community and non-profit groups. For information, call 845-658-3467 or 845-339-0819.

So get out there and enjoy the bounty of our beautiful Hudson Valley!