Public Market

So I finally got to visit the Public Market in downtown Rochester. It's on the 101 things to see in ROC, and I have heard from various people that it is a must see and do. It's supposedly one of the longest running public markets in the US. What I loved was the cheap vegetables. As much as I love and embrace Wegmans, the produce prices there can hurt. Walking around being able to buy what it is in season for very little money direct from the farmers was great! There was also a guy there selling boiled peanuts. Now, I happen to find them absolutly revolting - but my southern husband loves them. He looked at the little baggies of freshly boiled peanuts with glee. The friends I was with were even grabbing up plants for the yard at great prices. more

This is one of the best outdoor markets I have ever been too on the East. I use to go every Saturday morning. But you need to wake up early to go in order to have the erst pick of the produce and veggies, as well as being able to find parking! You can't beat the fresh fruits and vegtables. I also frequented the spices and a table with homemade pasta (dried and packaged for selling). You can also go to the meat market for some of the freshest cut meat you'll find. There are also plenty of other tables selling clothes or other nick nacks. It would usually take me at least an 1-1/2 to make my way through everything. I'd usually finish my morning by eating lunch there as a treat. You seriously can't beat the prices, I would go in with $25 and leave barely being able to carry all my bags back to the car full of food. Fun atmosphere as well, a great way to start the weekend. more

The Rochester Public Market is truly a gem. I go there almost every week in nice weather, and they almost always have good deals. I've heard that chefs for local restaurants also buy their produce there. I like seeing the people who (in some cases) have actually grown the veggies I'm buying and eating. Of coure, a good deal of the produce is also brought in from elsewhere, but that doesn't make a huge difference to me. You will find all the best produce in season, along with a smattering of other businesses selling cut flowers, plants, local wines, spices, clothing, cheeses, olives, meats, bakery items, incense and much more. The community atmosphere is pretty cool too, They frequently hold community garage sales, ethnic food festivals and other special events on non-market days. There are also a few brick-and-mortar businesses around the perimeter of the market including a coffee shop. They are open year 'round, but much more popular in the summer months. Parking can be tricky on Saturdays. more

This is by far the best public market I've been to in the states. Great selection, from fresh fruits and vegetables to meat, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, herbs, and more. They have an indoor and outdoor section. There are also clothes and other items. The prices are great--stock up on everything! more

This is a full fledged farmers market and flea market with everything you could ever want but the best part is the fresh veggies. If you just have to have great corn or peas in the summer and you don’t trust the local grocery store ( I wouldn’t) then you can get it straight from the farmer at the market! more

I just have to put in a plug for the Public Market downtown. They are open Saturdays from about 6a-2pm, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the summer. This is a great place to get your locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as some high-end cheese and desserts for dinner. The market has everything, and people from all walks of life (I defy you to count all the languages you'll hear!) shop here. Bring cash--most places are cash only, although some can accept debit cards. The vendors range from fruits/vegetables to flowers to spices to clothing (like the streets of NYC) to the actual stores on the far side of the market. The stores include a free range game vendor, Spanish bakery with great stuffed bread, Java Joe's coffee, and a great little Italian cheese and sundries shop. You have to go--see you there on Saturdays! Come early and fight for a parking spot. more