Saturday at the Troy Winter Farmers’ Market

I can’t remember where or when I first heard about the Troy (NY) Farmers’ Market.  All I know is I wanted to attend badly enough to make it worth adding to my 101 in 1001 list at #42.   I’d heard that the winter market was pretty impressive and as there aren’t many winter markets in the Berkshires, I wanted to try to make it there before the season was out.  So with last weekend’s Monday holiday providing us with a little extra time, Brian and I made the trip over the border to check it out.  I’d viewed the website and knew there would be over 70 vendors, but I really didn’t know what to expect.  We found the market venue (The Uncle Sam Atrium) and the free parking garage with ease thanks to our GPS.  Upon entering the market I was immediately impressed with the size (two levels!) and the quality of the offerings.  So many vendors, so much variety, so many local and homemade items that I never see at my local farmers markets.  As the photos indicate, the availability of goods was amazing and the place was packed.  It was as exciting to see the options as it was to see the crowds.  It wasn’t the first time I’ve wished I lived in a more urban area so I could attend more regularly.  In the end, we didn’t end up purchasing much—just pasta and apples—partially because we were completely unprepared for the options that were available and because we’d just had a CSA pick up the day before. 

After the market, we did some walking around the shops and enjoyed an awesome lunch at Brown’s Brewing (thanks for the recommendation Jen!)  Prior to last Saturday I didn’t have a very good opinion of Troy, but it’s amazing what you can see when you get off Route 7.  We didn’t wander around much because it was really cold and there was snow on the way (and we had over an hour drive home ahead of us), but I am really interested in returning to Troy.  If the winter market was that amazing, the summer market must be incredible and I’d love to see more of the area on a warm day.  If you’re in the area — #CDNYEatDrinkBlog friends, I’m talking to you—I highly suggest you stop by the Troy Farmers’ Market.