Ithaca Farmers Market Ithaca New York
A vibrant seasonal market on Cayuga Lake, offering fresh produce, artisan crafts, global street food, and local beverages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, best selection
Ithaca Farmers Market Ithaca New York
Best Time
Beat the crowds, best selection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant seasonal market on Cayuga Lake, offering fresh produce, artisan crafts, global street food, and local beverages.
"This market has a really beautiful venue by the river and is definitely worth the trip."
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Beat the rush and get the freshest produce and most popular items. :moneybag:
🚗 Camper Parking Challenge
Parking can be tight for large vehicles like campers. Plan ahead! :truck:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fresh Local Produce
Seasonal fruits, vegetables, and artisanal goods from local farmers. A true taste of Upstate New York.
Artisan Crafts & Goods
Discover unique handmade crafts, baked goods, and local specialties. Perfect for souvenirs!
Global Street Food
Savor diverse culinary delights from around the world, from burritos to Tibetan cuisine.
Local Wine & Cider Tastings
Sample regional wines, ciders, and beers. A delightful way to experience local flavors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Beat the rush and get the freshest produce and most popular items.
🚗 Camper Parking Challenge
Parking can be tight for large vehicles like campers. Plan ahead! :truck:
🛍️ Bring Your Own Bags
Reduce waste and carry your goodies easily. Many vendors appreciate it! :shopping_bags:
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Often features local musicians, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. :musical_note:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Beat the rush and get the freshest produce and most popular items.
🚗 Camper Parking Challenge
Parking can be tight for large vehicles like campers. Plan ahead! :truck:
🛍️ Bring Your Own Bags
Reduce waste and carry your goodies easily. Many vendors appreciate it! :shopping_bags:
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Often features local musicians, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. :musical_note:
💸 Some Booths Can Be Pricey
While quality is high, some items may be pricier than expected. :dollar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ithaca Farmers Market for its beautiful waterfront location, diverse vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and global street food. Many highlight the opportunity to sample local wines and ciders. While the market is popular and can get crowded, most find the experience well worth the visit.
"Such a great experience. Live music, close access to the scenic boat tours, and plenty of variety throughout the available shops. It gets a little crowded, but in a good way. Definitely get the macaroons!"
Charles Hollenbeck
"Just went there for the first time and I really loved this place!! There are various types of stalls, for example: fresh fruits & vegetables directed from farms, foods for all over the over world, artisan breads, sweets, dairy meats & products, arts & jewelry, flowers etc.
I want to come back again soon! Absolutely recommend for those who live here or nearby!☺️👏🏻"
Gam Prangrarin
"Loved this place. So many great vendors with variety of choices. We Enjoyed mushroom, kombucha and cherries. Since we were traveling, we didn't by a lot but if I were local, I would have Enjoyed more. Still a great place during our road trip."
Dayan Siri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ithaca Farmers Market is located at 545 Third St, Ithaca, NY. It's easily accessible by car, and many visitors also arrive by bike or on foot, especially if staying nearby. Public transportation options are also available.
Yes, there is parking available, but it can get very crowded, especially on weekends. If you have a large vehicle like a camper, parking can be particularly challenging, and it's advisable to arrive early or research specific parking solutions.
Absolutely! The market is bike-friendly, and many visitors enjoy cycling there, especially from Cornell University or downtown Ithaca. There are usually bike racks available.
The market is situated near Cayuga Lake. Major routes like NY-13 and NY-34B will lead you into Ithaca, and then follow local signage towards the waterfront. GPS is recommended for precise directions.
The market grounds are generally flat and accessible. Most pathways are paved or well-maintained, making it navigable for wheelchairs and strollers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Ithaca Farmers Market is free! You only pay for the goods and food you wish to purchase from the vendors.
The market typically operates on Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM, and Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM, from April through October. Hours can vary slightly by season, so it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
The Ithaca Farmers Market is primarily a seasonal market, operating from spring through fall. It usually closes for the winter months.
Yes, the market often hosts special events, including live music, wine tastings, and seasonal festivals, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Generally, pets are allowed at the Ithaca Farmers Market, but they must be leashed and well-behaved. Always be mindful of other shoppers and vendors.
🎫 🛍️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a wide array of vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, meats, flowers, crafts, local wines, ciders, and prepared foods from various cuisines.
Many visitors rave about the diverse street food options, including burritos, Thai, Middle Eastern, and Tibetan dishes. Osakaya on Saturdays is a particular favorite for many! +1
Yes, several vendors offer tastings of local wines, ciders, and beers, allowing you to sample regional beverages.
Live music is a common feature at the Ithaca Farmers Market, adding a lively ambiance to your shopping experience.
The market is spread out along the waterfront. Take your time, explore each aisle, and don't be afraid to chat with the vendors – they often have great stories and recommendations!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market boasts an incredible variety of food vendors offering everything from breakfast burritos and Thai noodles to Middle Eastern delights and Tibetan momos.
Yes, you'll find numerous vendors offering vegetarian and vegan dishes, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape.
Absolutely! You can find vendors selling fresh coffee, juices, lemonades, and other refreshing beverages to complement your food.
Definitely. Many food stalls offer substantial meals that can easily serve as a full lunch or early dinner.
Beyond the popular choices, look for unique baked goods, artisanal cheeses, and locally made kombucha for a truly local taste experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The market's location along Cayuga Lake offers beautiful waterfront views. Capture vibrant produce displays, bustling vendor stalls, and the general lively atmosphere.
It's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their specific products, especially if they are busy. General shots of the market atmosphere are usually fine.
Morning light is often ideal for capturing the market's vibrancy and the freshness of the produce. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also offer beautiful light if the market is open.
Don't miss capturing the colorful flower bouquets, the variety of baked goods, and the unique street food presentations. The lake views are also a great backdrop.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide market scenes and details. A prime lens can also be useful for portraits of vendors or close-ups of food.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for vendors selling baked goods, fresh juices, or fun crafts. The open space along the lake also provides room for kids to move around (under supervision, of course). It's a great opportunity to teach children about where food comes from and support local farmers.
💰 Budget Travelers
For a budget-friendly meal, opt for the diverse street food vendors. You can often find delicious and filling options for a reasonable price, making it a great alternative to sit-down restaurants. Bringing your own reusable bags also saves a small amount and is environmentally friendly.
💍 Couples & Foodies
Foodies will be in heaven with the incredible variety of culinary options. Explore unique ingredients, discover new flavors, and chat with passionate food producers. It’s an ideal place to find artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, and gourmet treats to take home or enjoy on a picnic.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vibrant Vendor Scene
Beyond produce, the market is a treasure trove of prepared foods. From breakfast burritos and Thai street food to Middle Eastern mezze and Tibetan dumplings, there's a culinary adventure for every palate. Several vendors also offer local beverages, including wine, cider, and craft beer, often with tasting opportunities. This makes the market a fantastic spot for a leisurely weekend brunch or lunch.
Look out for specific vendors like Osakaya on Saturdays, which is frequently mentioned as a must-try for its exceptional food. The market also features beautiful flowers, artisanal breads, and locally sourced honey, making it a comprehensive destination for both groceries and unique finds.
Navigating the Market Experience
Parking can be a significant consideration, especially if you're traveling with a larger vehicle or during peak hours. While there is parking available, it fills up quickly. Some visitors have noted challenges with parking campers or larger trucks, so planning ahead or considering alternative transportation like biking or walking is wise.
Many visitors highlight the vibrant atmosphere, often enhanced by live music. It’s a place where locals and tourists mingle, creating a lively community hub. Be prepared for a sensory delight, with colorful displays, enticing aromas, and the buzz of happy shoppers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit