When does summer start? For some, it’s the first time it’s warm enough to wear flip-flops. For others, it’s the last day of school. And for a few, it’s the official summer solstice date, June 21. For me, though, it’s the first time I hit my local farmers market.
If you’re looking for local produce, artisan cheeses, locally raised poultry, or even live music, look no further. Here’s a Summer 2010 guide to several of Essex County’s farmers markets. A big welcome to Nutley, who is kicking off its first-ever farmers market on Sunday, June 6. Enjoy!
CALDWELL
Starts: Friday, June 25
Ends: Friday, October 29
Hours: Fridays from 2pm to 7pm
Location: Parking lot behind Caldwell’s Clearview Cinema (Clearview is located at 315 Bloomfield Ave.)
For more info: caldwellfarmersmarket.org
EAST ORANGE
Starts: Tuesday, July 6
Ends: Tuesday, October 26
Hours: Tuesdays from 9am to 5pm
Location: At Central and Halsted (next to Auto Zone)
For more info: www.eastorange-nj.org
LIVINGSTON
Starts: Thursday, June 24
Ends: Thursday, September 30
Hours: Thursdays from 12pm to 6pm
Location: Livingston Town Center (corner of N. Livingston and E. Mt. Pleasant Aves)
For more info: www.intownlivingston.com
MAPLEWOOD
Starts: Monday, June 14
Ends: Monday, October 25
Hours: Mondays from 2pm to 7pm
Location: At Indiana Street and Springfield Ave (in parking lot)
For more info: maplewoodnj.org
MILLBURN
Starts: Tuesday, June 15
Ends: Tuesday, October 26
Hours: Tuesdays from 8am to 2pm
Location: At Essex and Main Streets in downtown Millburn (Municipal Lot #1)
For more info: downtownmillburn.org
MONTCLAIR
Starts: Saturday, June 5
Ends: Saturday, November 20
Hours: Saturdays from 8am to 2pm
Location: Walnut Street train station lot
For more info: www.montclairnjusa.org
NEWARK
Starts: Thursday, June 24
Ends: Thursday, October 28
Hours: Thursdays from 11am to 3pm
Location: Military Park in Downtown Newark (between Broad Street and Park Place)
For more info: downtownnewark.com
NUTLEY
Held on the following Sundays:
June 6, 20
July 4, 18
August 1, 15, 29
September 12, 26
October 10, 17, 31
Hours: 8am to 2pm
Location: Municipal Parking Lot #1 (behind Janette Shop off William St.)
For more info: nutleynj.org
SOUTH ORANGE
Starts: Wednesday, June 30
Ends: Wednesday, October 27
Hours: Wednesdays from 2pm to 7pm
Location: Sloan Street Parking Lot (across from NJ Transit Train Station)
For more info: mainstreetsouthorange.org
WEST ORANGE
Starts: Friday, July 2
Ends: Friday, October 29
Hours: Fridays from 12pm to 6pm
Location: 66 Main St. (parking lot behind town hall)
For more info: downtownwestorange.org
If you know of any Essex County farmers markets that are not included here, please let us know or add to the comments below.
For a list of Farmer’s Markets throughout New Jersey, click here.
Rachel Bozek is a freelance writer and editor based in suburban Essex County. She grew up in Bergen County, and has lost track of how much time she’s spent on LBI and in the Wildwoods. Her search for the perfect pancake continues. www.rachelbozek.com
