Farmers markets are great places to take your family to find fresh produce and delicious items that you might not easily find at your hometown grocery store. One of the best ways to make sure that the produce you’re eating is both nutritious and locally sourced is to head over to your nearest farmers market to shop, and there’s no better way to show your kids the importance of supporting their community.

Finding the right farmers market can sometimes be a challenge, especially when you’re on a busy schedule. Bridgewater and its surrounding areas have plenty of farmers market options, whether you’re looking for something fun to do on the weekend or simply want to stock up on farm-fresh goodies for the week. Check out these five local farmers markets to find just what you need.

Bridgewater Farmers Market

Image via Flickr by jaycross Licensed CC BY 2.0

If you’re looking for a farmers market closer to home, you’re in luck with the Bridgewater Farmers Market, located at 1 Vogt Drive, at the public library. The market is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. starting in June and ending in October. During the cooler months of November through March, the market is open once a month from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Regardless of the time of year, convenient parking ensures you can get in and out quickly and painlessly. 

This market accepts credit cards and has a wide range of vendors. You’ll find quality products from Norz Hill Farm & Market, including fresh produce and all-natural meat ranging from ground beef to pork. There’s also Martenette Farms, which serves locally grown, organic vegetables and produce that includes a variety of beets, carrots, turnips, radishes, berries, and herbs in the spring and mushrooms, fennel, garlic, celery, and green beans in the summer. In the fall and winter, you’ll find apples, pears, persimmons, radishes, turnips, rutabaga, broccoli, mushrooms, and more. Aquasprout Farm also serves a variety of fresh produce.

If your family loves sweets, you’ll want to check out Freespir Chocolate’s tent. The chocolate shop sources high-quality cacao beans to make truly delicious chocolate confections. There are also vendors like Manville Pastry Shoppe, which sells tasty baked goods, and MaHa Premium Granola, which sells premium granola products, including gluten-free options. At the market, you’ll also find fresh pickles, jams, natural beauty products, essential oils, and more. As you shop, you can enjoy live music and the kids can get the chance to get their faces painted.

Somerville Farmers Market

The Somerville Farmers Market sits at Grove and East Main streets, less than 2 miles from Bridgewater in nearby Somerville. The market is open during the warmer months, typically from June through August from 11 a.m. until about 4 p.m., and accepts credit cards. In the past, vendors at this market have included Ester’s Treats, which sells high-quality, organic baked goods like muffins, cookies, scones, pies, cakes, and brownies. You’ll also find specialty vinegar and olive oils, sourced by Patricia & Paul Artisans of Fine Olive Oil.

Besides baked goods and olive oil, the market has vendors who sell a wide variety of dried nuts and fruits as well as other salty snacks. The pickles are especially popular at this market, and at Pickle Licious, you can take home an assortment of pickles, besides olives, sauerkraut, and tapenade dip. You can also enjoy farm-to-table food, from prepared salads to veggie frittatas.

Bound Brook Farmers Market

If you’re looking for a wide selection of fresh foods besides creative crafts, check out the Bound Brook Farmers Market, located in the historic downtown of nearby Bound Brook. The market takes place on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. until noon at the NJ Transit parking lot, starting in June and ending in October. You’ll find a variety of vendors, all from within the state of New Jersey. If you’re looking for fresh produce and animal products, Norz Hill Farm & Market sells a variety of organic vegetables and fruit as well as beef, pork, and eggs.

You can also shop for pickles and olives from Jersey Pickles. Besides the obvious assortment of fresh food, you’ll find unique crafts, beautiful flowers, seasonal summer treats, and plenty of specialty items made by local artisans.

Bedminster Farmers Market

The Bedminster Farmers Market takes place in nearby Bedminster at River Road Park every Saturday. The season lasts from May through December, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Vendors sell locally grown fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms, in addition to pasture-raised beef, chicken, and pork. You’ll also be able to find a variety of delicious brands of honey and eggs, as well as bread and baked goods, including vegan and gluten-free options.

With over 27 weekly vendors and seven pop-up vendors, shoppers can also enjoy access to locally distilled spirits and hard cider, nut butter, cheeses, pasta, soups, oil and vinegar, small-batch New York-style deli pickles, and organic coffees and tea. Food trucks are also available if you’re interested in getting a quick bite to eat, and be sure to check out the market’s specialty service vendors who sell everything from pet care products to cleaning supplies.

Wagner Farm Arboretum Farmers Market

Located at 46 Mountain Blvd. in nearby Warren, the Wagner Farm Arboretum Farmers Market takes place from June to September from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Thursday. The market’s many vendors sell a variety of organic foods, in addition to fresh produce, cheese, baked goods, meats, and eggs. You’ll also find honey, jams, nuts, fruit, a myriad of juices, and some of the best wines in Somerset County. The market’s artisanal prepared food also makes for a quick, tasty dinner option.

That wraps up Crème de la Crème of Bridgewater’s top five farmers markets in the Bridgewater area. From getting to support local farmers and teaching your kids where their food really comes from to being able to taste a variety of seasonal treats, there are many benefits to visiting a farmers market near you. Does your family have a favorite farmers market to shop for produce and treats that we missed? Let us know, and we’ll be sure to add it to our list.