Main Street News

Above photo by iStock user kasto80.

With the region in full vernal bloom, it couldn’t be a more perfect time to start exploring the area’s abundant and dynamic farms and farmers markets! 

Indeed, we’re fortunate to live in a place enriched by so many agricultural hotspots and their unique products and services. Some of these locations even remain active year-round. However, by the time May rolls around, you can be sure that plenty of these bountiful farms and markets are open for the season, so let’s check out a handful of local favorites and see what they have to offer this year!

Paley’s Farm Market, LLC

Located at 230 Amenia Road (Route 343) in Sharon, CT, Paley’s Farm Market has brought local goods to the region for more than forty years. According to their website, Paley’s has expanded over the decades from a local produce road-side farm stand into a full-scale garden center, farm market, and fine food market. 

The market opened for the season on Saturday, April 5, and they have plenty of exciting goods in store! In the greenhouse, you can find a gorgeous variety of hanging baskets featuring fuchsias, geraniums, begonias, and million bells, as well as planters, window boxes, tropical plants, large ferns, herbs, veggie starts, and a large selection of annuals! In the nursery, take a look at the market’s perennials, shrubs, and trees, including a beautiful range of flowers such as roses, peonies, and hydrangeas. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out their marvelous garden pottery options, too. 

For more information about Paley’s and their offerings, please visit paleysmarket.com. 

The Farm Store at Willow Brook

Right off of State Route 22 at 196 Old Post Rd 4 in Millerton, NY, The Farm Store at Willow Brook will open for the season on May 9! Be sure to check out their wide selection of goods, which range from their own pork, beef, eggs, and sweet corn to Hudson Valley Fresh dairy products. The market also carries locally sourced fruit and vegetables, as well as baked goods, bread, gourmet grocery goods, cheese, and giftware. According to their Facebook page, they’ve also introduced a new antique section.

From Cousins Maine Lobster truck visits to autumnal fun at the corn maze – with pumpkins galore – Willow Brook has something for everyone, and their store will have you covered as the spring transitions into summer and eventually, autumn. 

To stay updated about their products and seasonal plans, be sure to follow The Farm Store at Willow Brook on Facebook @willowbrook.farms.5 and Instagram @thefarmstoreatwb.

MX Morningstar Farm

Established in 2014, MX Morningstar Farm is located at 5956 NY-9H in Hudson, NY, right off of State Route 23. As they explain on their website’s homepage, the farm prioritizes a sustainable, holistic, and balanced approach to farming, with the belief that this management “improves the flavor and productivity of the food we grow, benefitting our community and society as a whole.” 

Their store is open daily from 10am to 6pm year-round (with the exception of holiday closures), with selections ranging from freshly picked vegetables directly from their 30-acre vegetable farm to plant starts and hanging baskets straight from their greenhouse. They also clarify on their website that offerings and availability change with the seasons. In addition to veggies, they provide a locally sourced array of fruit, grain, condiments, bread, meat, and dairy. Depending on the day, you’ll find fresh baked goods, too! 

To learn more about their offerings and how to get involved with MX Morningstar Farm, please visit mxmorningstarfarm.com. 

Copake Hillsdale Farmers Market

Many of the area’s farmers markets are also opening this month, including the Copake Hillsdale Farmers Market, which is located at Roeliff Jansen Park on State Route 22 in Hillsdale, NY. Opening on May 17 and running until November 22, the market operates on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.

Located beneath the Harvest Barn and in the nearby space, the Copake Hillsdale Farmers Market features a plethora of local vendors, all amidst a beautiful, lush backdrop. With fruit, vegetables, flowers, meat, poultry, seafood, baked goods, alcoholic beverages, artisanal goods, and a variety of specialty food and products, the market is sure to have something for everyone and offers a family-friendly, welcoming environment where you can support local businesses and enjoy all that they have to offer! 

To learn more about this season at the Copake Hillsdale Farmers Market and what to expect, please visit copakehillsdalefarmersmarket.com. 

Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market

Launching on May 4 and operating on Sundays from 10am to 2pm, rain or shine, until December 28, the Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market is located at 61 East Market Street in Rhinebeck, NY, in the municipal parking lot.

The outdoor market showcases a wide selection of unique local vendors, whose goods can vary from farm-fresh meat and charcuterie products to locally distilled spirits, pickles, and seasonally inspired baked goods. Of course, you’ll also be able to find fresh fruit, veggies, dairy products, herbs, grain, artisanal hand-crafted goods, and all sorts of other treats you’re sure to enjoy! 

If you’re interested in learning about their vendors and staying up to date as the season continues, you can find out more at rhinebeckfarmersmarket.com. 

Millerton Farmers Market

The Millerton Farmers Market, which is provided by the North East Community Center, brings a lively assortment of vendors and products to the heart of Millerton, NY, setting up right on the corner of Dutchess Avenue and Main Street, just outside of the Millerton Methodist Church. Operating on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm, the market has a year-round presence and quite recently held less-frequent winter market dates spanning from the end of 2024 through late April.

Vendors bring mouth-watering fruit, locally grown vegetables, delectable bread and baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, dairy products, and pasture-raised meat for visitors to appreciate and purchase. With so many delightful offerings on display, this market isn’t one to miss! 

Learn more about the Millerton Farmers Market’s upcoming spring and summer plans and vendors by going to neccmillerton.org/farmers-market-landing-page or @neccfarmersmarkets on Facebook.