If you live in Baltimore and you haven't folded a farmers market into your week, you're leaving one of the best parts of the city on the table. Here's what to expect, when to go, and how to spot the good ones.
Peak season runs May through October. June strawberries and August corn are worth planning your Saturday around; winter markets still show up with squash, apples, root veg, honey and preserves.
Bring a tote and a little cash. Most vendors take cards these days, but the odd cash-only stall still turns up — usually the one with the best honey.
Just-picked produce is the headline act, but the supporting cast is what keeps people coming back: local honey, farm eggs, cut flowers, sourdough and baked goods, small-batch preserves, and usually a cheese or charcuterie stall doing brisk business.
Buy what's in season and you'll eat better for less — strawberries in June are a different fruit than the clamshell ones in February.
Most markets open Saturday mornings and wind down early afternoon. The sweet spot is 9 to 11am: full stalls, decent parking, and the samples are still out. The USDA runs a national farmers market directory with thousands of listings — worth checking if you want the full roster near you.
Market days and hours change with the season — the Dayfari app keeps track of what's actually on around Baltimore this weekend, plus other local events worth the trip.