Fresh Picks, Local Flavor, and Small Town Charm All Season Long

Summer in Vermont is more than just a season. It is a celebration of the land. A time when the Green Mountains stretch out under clear skies, the air hums with life, and the smell of just-picked produce lingers at every turn. It is also the time when Vermont’s legendary farmers markets come alive.

From historic village greens to bustling town centers, Vermont hosts dozens of vibrant markets where locals and travelers gather to enjoy the freshest fruits, vegetables, dairy, baked goods, and handmade crafts. These markets are a living expression of the state’s commitment to sustainability, community, and flavor.

Whether you are planning a summer road trip or just looking for a Saturday activity, these are the best Vermont farmers markets to visit this summer.

Burlington Farmers Market

City Meets Country on the Lake Champlain Waterfront

Location: 345 Pine Street, Burlington, VT
When: Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (May through October)

The Burlington Farmers Market is the crown jewel of Vermont’s local food scene. Held in the South End Arts District, this market blends urban energy with rustic authenticity. Over 90 vendors line the lot each Saturday morning, offering everything from pasture-raised meats to wood-fired breads, maple-infused everything, and global street food.

What makes Burlington’s market truly special is its diversity. One moment you are sampling lavender goat cheese and the next you are watching a Bolivian dance performance near the smoothie stand. It is a melting pot of flavors and cultures, all while maintaining its commitment to local sourcing.

Pro tip: Grab a creemee from one of the food trucks and walk down Pine Street to explore Burlington’s art galleries, breweries, and bike trails.

Montpelier Farmers Market

State Capital Charm with a Focus on Organic

Location: 133 State Street, Montpelier, VT
When: Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Montpelier may be the smallest state capital in the country, but its farmers market packs serious punch. Set against the backdrop of the golden-domed State House, this market is a staple for locals who prioritize organic, handmade, and locally grown.

You will find certified organic veggies, locally roasted coffee, wild-foraged mushrooms, and artisan sourdough. Many vendors accept EBT and are part of the Farm to Family coupon program, making this market not only delicious but inclusive.

Live music plays under the trees while children run barefoot through the grass with fresh-baked cookies in hand. It is quintessential small-town Vermont.

Brattleboro Area Farmers Market

An Artist’s Market in the Heart of Southern Vermont

Location: 570 Western Avenue, Brattleboro, VT
When: Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Tucked along the banks of the Whetstone Brook, the Brattleboro Farmers Market is a creative, eclectic gem. It is not just a place to buy food — it is a gathering ground for artists, farmers, musicians, and dreamers.

Expect rows of brightly colored canopies sheltering handwoven baskets, handmade pottery, and heirloom tomatoes that look like works of art. You can sit under the shade of a sugar maple with a plate of Tibetan momos, listen to a folk trio, and sip on hibiscus iced tea from a mason jar.

This market is particularly known for its international flair. Vendors come from around the world, bringing flavors you would not expect in rural Vermont.

Stowe Farmers Market

Luxury, local, and lovely mountain views

Location: 2043 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT
When: Sundays, 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Set in one of Vermont’s most famous resort towns, the Stowe Farmers Market reflects the area’s upscale, outdoorsy spirit. With Mount Mansfield towering in the background, this Sunday market is filled with organic vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, Vermont cheeses, and locally distilled spirits.

Expect gourmet pastries, artisan sausages, and skincare products made from wild herbs. Many vendors here also serve the area’s top restaurants, so you are getting restaurant-quality ingredients straight from the source.

Stowe’s market is a relaxed, picnic-style affair. Grab a baguette, local brie, and a bottle of elderflower soda, then find a shady patch of grass and settle in.

Champlain Islands Farmers Market

Island Views and Farm Fresh Finds in Lake Champlain’s Backyard

Locations:
– South Hero: St. Rose of Lima Church, 501 US-2
– Grand Isle: St. Joseph’s Church, 185 US-2

When:
– South Hero: Wednesdays, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
– Grand Isle: Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Few markets in Vermont can boast lake views, island breezes, and such a close-knit community vibe. The Champlain Islands Farmers Market is actually two markets in one, serving both South Hero and Grand Isle throughout the summer. The drive alone — along Route 2, with water shimmering on either side — is worth the trip.

This market is packed with local charm. You will find farmstands offering juicy strawberries, fresh garlic scapes, and handmade jams. Artisans sell beeswax candles, watercolor prints of the islands, and locally spun wool. Kids run barefoot across the church lawn while adults chat with farmers who live just down the road.

What sets the Champlain Islands market apart is its sense of place. Here, food and community are inseparable. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you are welcomed like family. Vendors are often multigenerational — grandparents sell maple syrup while grandkids hand out samples.

Pro tip: Make a day of it. Start with apple picking or a morning walk on the Island Line Trail, swing by the market for lunch, then head to the shore for a sunset picnic.

Norwich Farmers Market

Community-Powered and Farm-Forward Near Dartmouth

Location: Route 5 South, Norwich, VT
When: Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Just across the Connecticut River from Hanover, New Hampshire, the Norwich Farmers Market is one of the most established in the state. It has been running since 1977 and features nearly 100 vendors during peak season.

This market is known for its rigor. Only Vermont-made or grown products are allowed. That means no resellers, no shortcuts, and no exceptions. The result is a market full of integrity, with standout produce, hand-knit woolens, and regional specialties like pickled fiddleheads and maple cotton candy.

Its location in the Upper Valley also draws a mix of New Englanders, including professors, artists, and food lovers making a weekend pilgrimage.

Capital City Farmers Market

History, Granite, and Farm-Fresh Goodness

Location: Pearl Street, Barre, VT
When: Wednesdays, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

A midweek favorite, the Capital City Farmers Market in downtown Barre brings together growers, bakers, and crafters from around Central Vermont. Its timing makes it perfect for locals stocking up midweek or travelers passing through.

Barre’s deep granite history adds a layer of grit and pride to the event. You are just as likely to meet a stonemason as you are a microgreens grower. Pair your market stroll with a visit to the Vermont Granite Museum or the Hope Cemetery, famous for its sculpted headstones.

Why Vermont’s Farmers Markets Are So Special

Unlike larger cities where markets can feel transactional, Vermont’s farmers markets are deeply relational. Farmers know their customers by name. Shoppers arrive early not just for the best produce, but to catch up with neighbors and hear local news.

The emphasis is always on local. Vendors take pride in their heirloom seed varieties, in using organic practices even if not certified, and in contributing to the local food economy.

Many markets in Vermont also feature live performances, educational booths, and kids’ crafts, creating a full-sensory experience that is equal parts food and fun.

Tips for Visiting Farmers Markets

• Bring Cash and a Tote Bag: While more vendors accept cards, cash is still king in rural markets. A sturdy tote or basket helps avoid plastic bags.
• Go Early: The best produce and baked goods often sell out before noon.
• Ask Questions: Vendors are passionate about what they grow or make. Ask them how to cook with garlic scapes or how their sheep’s milk cheese is aged.
• Stick Around: Many markets are near great hikes, shops, or scenic drives. Plan to make a day of it.

Final Thoughts

Vermont’s farmers markets are more than just a place to shop. They are a window into what the Green Mountain State values most — community, craftsmanship, sustainability, and the simple joy of good food. From city-style bustle to village green calm, each market offers its own flavor of Vermont summer.

So pack your reusable bag, grab your sun hat, and hit the road. The best of Vermont is waiting under a canvas tent with a table full of raspberries and fresh-baked bread.