Every Saturday morning from late spring through November, a quiet transformation takes place across Long Island. Parking lots become open-air bazaars, dock-side parks fill with the scent of fresh-baked sourdough, and farmers who woke before dawn lay out the jewel-toned produce of one of New York State’s most surprising agricultural regions. If you think of Long Island as a place of strip malls and highway traffic, you haven’t visited a local farmers market—and you’re missing one of the best reasons to live here. According to a November 2024 report from New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Long Island was the only region in the state to see growth in both the number of farms and total farmland acreage between 2017 and 2022. The island now has 607 farms spread across 34,468 acres, with nearly $373 million in agricultural sales—a 64 percent increase from 2017. Suffolk County leads the entire state in direct-to-consumer farm sales, with over $268 million flowing directly from grower to buyer. That economic engine hums loudest at farmers markets, where every dollar spent on a basket of heirloom tomatoes or a jar of local honey stays in the community.

What follows is a guide to the best of these markets—not just where to go, but what to buy when you get there. Whether you’re furnishing a new Long Island kitchen or simply looking for a better Saturday morning, these markets will change how you eat.

Port Washington Farmers Market: The Gold Standard for Organic

Tucked along the waterfront at the Port Washington Town Dock, this Saturday-morning market holds a rare distinction: it is New York State’s only all-organic farmers market. Founded by Grassroots Environmental Education, every vendor must meet certified organic standards—no exceptions. The result is a curated, smaller-scale market where quality is remarkably consistent. Key vendors include Demetra${ap}s Bio-Farm (certified organic vegetables), Johnny Breads (wood-fired sourdough), and The Cheese Guy (artisanal cheeses for various dietary needs). The hot blueberry muffins from the Grassroots booth have become a cult favorite. Open Saturdays from June through October, 8 AM to noon.

What to buy: Johnny Breads’ sourdough boule (arrives still warm), Demetra’s seasonal greens, organic coffee from the Grassroots booth, and The Cheese Guy’s aged gouda.

Huntington Village: The Big One

If Port Washington is a boutique gallery, Huntington is a bustling department store. Located in the Elm Street parking lot in the heart of Huntington Village, this Sunday market (8 AM to 12:30 PM, June through November) is one of the largest on Long Island and draws crowds from across the region. Operated by the Long Island Farmers Markets organization, which also runs a winter indoor market at the Spirit of Huntington from January through April, it features an enormous rotating roster of vendors: local produce from Happy Now Farms and Mighty Little Farms, artisan ravioli from Bambino Ravioli, craft beverages from Bauer${ap}s Brew Co., and specialty items like dog treats from K9 Bros.

What to buy: Bambino’s lobster ravioli (buy extra to freeze), whatever stone fruit is in season from Happy Now Farms, and a jar of local wildflower honey—the real kind, with pollen visible in every spoonful.

Deep Roots at Garvies Point: Waterfront Shopping at Its Best

Set against the stunning backdrop of Garvies Point Park in Glen Cove, this Saturday market (9 AM to 1 PM, late May through October) combines fresh-air shopping with one of the most picturesque settings on the North Shore. The waterfront promenade, playground, and nearby Garvies Point Brewery make this an easy half-day outing. Vendors include Dom${ap}s Honey (Long Island wildflower and buckwheat varieties), Baked By a Chef Dog Treats, and artisanal cheese producers. The market frequently partners with local nonprofits and community organizations, reinforcing its role as a neighborhood gathering point.

What to buy: Dom’s buckwheat honey (darker, more complex than wildflower), locally grown lettuces and herbs, and fresh baked goods to enjoy while strolling the promenade.

Patchogue Outdoor Market: Suffolk’s Community Hub

Winner of Bethpage Best of Long Island for farmers markets, the Patchogue Outdoor Market operates Sundays from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Patchogue Train Station on South Ocean Avenue. This pet-friendly market is a true community gathering place, combining farm-fresh produce with handmade local art, food trucks, and weekly guest vendors. It’s run by Long Island growers who are committed to the motto “Something For Everyone.” The market draws creative home cooks with its specialty seasonings, stuffed breads, artisan baked goods, and what locals describe as “every imaginable pickle variety.”

What to buy: Stuffed bread (try the broccoli rabe and sausage), the artisan pickles, and whatever the rotating guest vendor is offering—the curation is consistently excellent.

Rockville Centre, Roslyn, and Other Markets Worth Your Morning

The Rockville Centre Farmers Market (Sundays, 7 AM to noon, June through December) stands out for its long season and diverse offerings: smoked meats, CBD products, hot cocoa from Peace, Love and Hot Chocolate, and the locally famous banana bread from the Banana Bread Baking Company. The Roslyn Farmers Market at Christopher Morley Park (Wednesdays, 7 AM to 1 PM, May through December) is a midweek option featuring kombucha, gyros, fresh-caught seafood, and a park with hiking trails and a dog run. The Long Beach Farmers Market at Kennedy Plaza (Saturdays and Wednesdays, April through November) combines coastal charm with Greek yogurt, fresh seafood, and highly rated ravioli. Further east, the Westhampton Beach Farmers Market (Saturdays, 9 AM to 1 PM) offers over 60 vendors on the Village Green, while the CCE Nassau Farmers Market at Eisenhower Park reported close to 500 visitors on its busiest day in 2024.

What to buy: Rockville Centre’s banana bread (it sells out fast), Long Beach’s fresh-caught seafood, and Roslyn’s kombucha for a midweek health boost.

East End Markets: Where Farms Meet the Hamptons

The East End operates on a different rhythm entirely. The East End Farmers Markets run four locations: Amagansett on Thursdays, East Hampton on Fridays, Bridgehampton on Friday afternoons, and Sag Harbor on Saturdays. Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett operates its own daily farm stand and café, offering produce so fresh it was in the ground that morning. The Greenport Farmers Market at Mitchell Park (Fridays, 3 to 6:30 PM) is the North Fork’s laid-back answer to the South Fork’s glamour, featuring local wine, oysters, and produce from the surrounding agricultural heartland.

What to buy: Amber Waves’ just-picked lettuce mix, Sag Harbor’s local oysters, and any varietal honey you can find—East End beekeepers produce some of the finest in the state.

Making the Most of Your Market Visit

A few practical tips will elevate your market experience. First, bring cash—many vendors don’t take cards, and lines move faster. Bring reusable bags and, if you’re buying greens, a cooler for the car. Arrive early for the best selection (the first thirty minutes are when serious cooks shop), but arrive late for the best deals (vendors discount produce they don’t want to haul home). Talk to the farmers—they’ll tell you what’s at peak flavor this week, how to store it, and often share recipes. Finally, don’t overlook the non-food vendors: local soap makers, flower growers, and artisan craft producers add texture and personality to every market. Supporting them is supporting your community.

For those searching for the perfect Long Island home with space to enjoy this bounty, explore listings at heritagediner.com/properties.

Video: Farm Fresh: A Guide to Long Island Farmers Markets (YouTube)Sources: NYS Comptroller DiNapoli Agriculture Report (Nov. 2024), USDA Census of Agriculture (2022), Going Local Long Island, Suburban Jungle Group, Dan${ap}s Papers, News 12 Long Island, Long Island Press, Bethpage Best of Long Island (2024).