With New Jersey being known as the Garden State it only stands to reason that local produce and Farmers’ Markets would be popular in South Jersey. And it seems that most of the communities down the shore have a Farmers’ Market one day a week that sells Jersey Fresh local produce and much more. With so many markets you can hit one nearly every day of the week (except Monday) in a different shore town.
Here, we’ve put together a review of some awesome Farmers Market to check out when you’re on your summer beach vacation in South Jersey. They are ordered by day of the week because ranking them would be difficult, as each is unique in some way.
Sunday
Atlantic City
Information Updated for Summer 2020
Whether you are wrappping up a weekend getaway in Atlantic City or are just arriving for your week at the Jersey Shore, you will want to drop by this community farmers market. The market is a cooperation between CROPS NJ, the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall and Rhythm and Spirits.
CROPS NJ (Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Spaces) is a New Jersey non-profit 501(c)3. The group’s mission: “To facilitate growth by creating new experiences and places that promote healthy and connected communities. Through farmers markets, community gardens, art, theater and other programs and spaces, to enable communities to plant seeds together and reap the benefits for years to come.”
This market is just a tiny piece of their community outreach in Atlantic County. Much of what they offer at the market comes from the community gardens planted throughout the county, with several in Atlantic City including the one at the Absecon Lighthouse.
What We Love – This is community market through cooperation with for profit and non-profit partners.
When – Sunday 9AM to 12 noon through Labor Day
Where – Tennessee Avenue in the lot adjacent to the Tennesee Avenue Beer Hall
Tuesday
Sea Isle City
Information Updated for Summer 2020
This is a mid-sized market located in Excursion Park. They offer a nice mix of vendors including, local produce, spices, pet products, crafts, and more. There are about 25 to 30 vendors without much product overlap.
And don’t forget to stop by Crespella Gourmet Crepery whose brick-and-mortar store is in Stone Harbor. Grab a Nutella and Banana Crepe before heading to the beach or boardwalk. Yummy!!
Parking is a bit of a challenge despite there being a metered lot at the end of JFK Boulevard. Between the market and beachgoers, there is quite a bit of competition for spaces. However, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding free parking on the side streets and walking a few blocks.
What We Love – Location. Location. Location. This one is just about on the beach.
When – Tuesday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 23 – September 1, 2020
Where – Excursion Park, JFK Blvd. & Pleasure Ave., Sea Isle City
West Cape May Farmers' Market
Information Updated for Summer 2020
This market feels a bit like a cross between a farmer’s market and a block party. It’s one of the few afternoon/evening markets. And since it coincides with the dinner-hour you will find plenty to chow on. There are several food trucks and J.B’s Bar-B-Q roasts half a pig for their pulled-pork. If you are after the B-B-Q get there early before the line forms.
In addition to finding options for your evening meal, they offer honey, CBD oil, local produce, jewelry, leather goods, and more. They have people on location to educate shoppers about ways to be more sustainable.
Adding to that block-party feel, there is live entertainment and if you’re in the mood for some corn-hole they have that too.
The one thing about this market that is significantly different than the others is there were stations with realtors and even some flea market-type vendors. The second-hand vendors fit but the realtors seem a bit commercial.
What We Love – This one is nearly in a farmer’s field. They offer live entertainment, food trucks, and ample on-site parking.
When – Tuesday 3pm to 7pm, June 23rd – August 25th
Where – West Cape May Municipal Complex at the Backyard Park, 732 Broadway, West Cape May
Wednesday
Ocean City
This is a favorite markets of locals. It’s large and offers a huge variety of products. You can find everything from local produce to pottery to pizza. Additionally, you can purchase potted plants for your garden, cut flowers, bakery items, and thoughtful gifts.
A well-established market, the OC Farmers Market, brings out both the vendors and the shoppers. Despite the good turnout, there shouldn’t be any trouble finding a place to park. They have a parking lot and plenty of free on-street parking.
If you have teens, there is a skateboard park just next to the market. Send them there while you shop. This will keep them from pestering you with, “Can we go now?” And for the younger kids, the fire department is on hand with a ladder truck. Kids can climb to the top and get a selfie with a real-life firefighter.
Many of the same vendors go to all the markets but Nutty Novelties is unque to Ocean City. As you may have guessed they make and sell nut butters. The stand out is their Pistachio Butter which has been featured in the Washington Post. Be sure to look for them and grab a free sample of their nutty delights.
What We love – Great mix of vendors and quite a lot of them. Activities for the kids.
When – Information unavailable at this time for Summer 2020. Check back.
Where – Grounds of the Tabernacle Grounds at 6th and Asbury Aves., Ocean City, NJ
Thursday
Margate Community Farmers' Market
Information updated for Summer 2020
This market came about as the brain-child of restaurateur, Cookie Till, owner of Steve and Cookies. You would never know this as the market doesn’t bear her name. But it is held in the parking lot of the restaurant located on the bayside of town. And as with everything Cookie does, she is very particular.
While not huge, this market has a nice collection of vendors including organic Jersey Fresh produce, food trucks, the best damn coffee around, fair trade items, non-profit organizations and more. All vendors are hand selected and Cookie does not allow competing vendors. For this reason, you won’t find six booths all selling pickles or guacamole. But do stop by the Pickle Girl’s stand.
Coffee-lovers wont want to miss Harry and Beans Coffee. They sells fair trade coffee that the owner roasts himself. A crowd favorite is Harry’s cold brew. Strong and smooth, it could be the best cup of coffee you’ve had in some time.
What We Love – Well established, no duplication of vendors
When – Beginning June 18, 2020, 8:30 am to 12pm
Where – Parking lot behind Steve and Cookies, Monroe and Amherst Aves., Margate
Smithville/Galloway – Galloway Green Market
Information updated for Summer 2020
2020 is the fourth year for this small market that offers a a nice selection. In addition, to local produce, you can find baked goods, crafters and more. Even the folks from ReStore, Habitat for Humanity’s thrift store come out.
Used furniture and decor may seem like a strange thing to find at a Farmers’ Market. But really it is a natural tie in with the mission of sustainability. If the practice of buying used and/or repurposing can be sold to a younger generation perhaps we can cut down on the waste of buying throw-away furniture and household items.
This is the only market in this round-up that is off the barrier islands that make up the Jersey Shore. Even still it is worth the 20-minute trip from Atlantic City. The produce market is held in the Historic Village of Smithville which is an attraction itself. Come for the market but stay to explore the shops of the quaint village. Or drive just a bit further to have an awesome waterfront dinner at the Oyster Creek Restaurant and Boat Bar featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
What We Love – Small market with a focus on sustainability. Pet-friendly.
When – Thursdays 4:00 pm – 7 pm, June 25 to September 3rd
Where – Historic Smithville Village Greene, 615 E. Moss Mill Road, Smithville NJ
Friday
Ventnor City Community Farmers' Market
Information updated for Summer 2020
This is true community market. Families ride their bikes and you can find them hanging on the lawn together while live music fills the ocean air. You will find neighbors and friends catching up with one another.
Whether you live in Ventnor or are looking for something to remember your Ventnor vacation, you’ll want to stop at the booth of Original Photography by Bernard.
Bernie Jenkins is a former Ventnor City Police Officers turned professional photographer. Now that he’s retired and hung up his uniform he’s been able to turn his hobby into a new career. He offers beautiful local images at a reasonable price.
In addition to photography and other arts and crafts, you can expect the typical farmers’ market finds. Some businesses you will want to check out include Philly Bill’s Dills and Tony Boloneys’ Food Truck.
If you stop by Tony Baloneys’, try the Mexico Street-Corn Pizza. As the name suggests, it’s not your traditional pizza. This is a Sicilian-style pizza with a soft and delish doughy crust. You’ll find Tony Boloney at almost all the Southern New Jersey markets. If you miss them at this market catch up with them at another.
What We Love – Family atmosphere, dog-friendly, feels like a true community market
When – Fridays 8:30 a.m. to noon, May 22, 2020 and September 4, 2020
Where – Holy Trinity Parish lot, Atlantic and Newport Aves., Ventnor
Saturday
Brigantine Farmers Market
Information updated for Summer 2020
This is another great family-friendly market. In addition to all your typical market finds the organizers have activities for the kids, live entertainment and even cooking demonstrations. They also have themed days such as Pirate’s Day complete with greeters wearing pirate costumes to welcome shoppers and swashbucklers telling cheesy jokes. Argh!
Brigantine Farmers Market is one of the largest markets held in these Jersey Shore towns and a nice way to spend a Saturday morning. While there is no designated parking lot, there is plenty of free on-street parking.
The market is an endeavor by the Brigantine Green Team, a city-wide volunteer organization that promotes environmental sustainability. The market is just one of many projects the group undertakes.
What We Love – Family atmosphere, live entertainment, kids’ activities. Sadly, all these things are on hold for 2020 due to social distancing.
When – Saturdays beginning June 20, 2020
Where – North School parking lot on Sheridan near Roosevelt.
There are other farmers’ markets along the New Jersey coastline and inland as well. These are just a few of our favorites. Check them all out and try to pick a favorite of your own. It will be harder than you might think since they all offer something unique to that market.
