For those who like to enjoy the region’s seasonal offerings, the Finger Lakes area offers plenty of options to “go grocery shopping outside” from roughly May through October every year.
“Eating seasonal produce is one of the healthiest - and tastiest - ways to improve your diet,” says Hannah Smith, eastern region clinical nutrition manager for Rochester Regional Health.
Between the Rochester Public Market - one of the nation’s largest - and the many surrounding farmers markets, healthy options are just a short drive (or walk) from downtown Rochester.
View a full list of what’s in season and whenRochester Public Market
280 N. Union St., Rochester
Since 1905, this has been a year-round hub for fresh produce and shopping. Browse more than 300 booths (hours vary), and find both local and international items. Plenty of parking, breakfast and lunch spots, and the occasional Sunday flower market make this a perfect day out. Open 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; select Sundays (check hours), SNAP accepted.
Brighton Farmers Market
1150 Winton Road S., Rochester
Every Sunday from May through November 21, rain or shine, the parking lot of the Brighton High School is bustling with families, pets and vendor booths full of delicious vegetables, baked goods and more. Food trucks, coffee stands and live music make it a nice breakfast or lunch outing as well, and there’s parking on the surrounding high school grounds. Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays.
Westside Farmers Market
831 Genesee St., Rochester
Through October 12, a rare weekday evening farmers market happens in the parking lot of St. Monica Church, featuring local farmers, bakers, and makers of other edible items. This neighborhood-focused market also has a weekly kids activity and local musician performance. Open 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, SNAP accepted.
Gentles Farm Market
1080 Penfield Rd., Penfield
This daily market runs through October and has been serving the community for more than 100 years in Penfield. They provide fresh fruits and vegetables (including from their own farm on the property) along with locally made ice cream, pies, kombucha, and more. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Genesee Country Farmers Market
Corner of Bank St. & Alva Place, Batavia
A daytime farmers market in downtown Batavia (in the former JC Penney’s parking lot), open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays beginning in June. All items are locally grown or made, from produce and farm fresh eggs to flowers and baked goods. Food trucks are also onsite daily, and there are plenty of picnic tables for attendees. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.
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