Review: Union Square Greenmarket

Let’s start big picture. What’s the vibe here? Union Square is a place of the people, not unlike the agoras of ancient Athens. From protestors, to models mid-photo-shoot, to artisans hawking their wares, few urban centers encapsulate so much humanity in such a small radius—and no offering of Union Square showcases this quality quite like the bustling Greenmarket. It started small in 1976 with just a few farmers, and has grown to such a great scale that it now attracts 60,000 shoppers in a day. From upstate New York, the Berkshires, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, vendors sell artisan bread, honey, fresh-cut flowers, heritage meats, pastries, seasonal fruits and vegetables both common and uncommon, and much more. You’re pretty much guaranteed to find what you’re looking for, or else be unexpectedly called upon by what you weren’t.

Any standout features or must-sees? Don’t miss the lively events held here. New York may be expensive, but free offerings like the Greenmarket's are the heart of the city, and these are a few of them: The Food Book Fair organizes cookbook signings and author meet-and-greets on Saturdays—the latest was with Andrew Cote, author of Honey and Venom: Confessions of an Urban Beekeeper. Cooking demos take place at the Market Information tent daily, beer and spirits pop-ups show seasonally, and the education station does tours, tastings, and more.

Was it easy to get around? The Greenmarket is easy to navigate, being confined to Union Square. However, being outdoors, visitors are exposed to the elements, so dressing for the weather (layers are never a bad idea) and bringing water is smart, and it can get very crowded on the weekends. The good news? You can fight off your hanger with a pastry or a juicy peach.

All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? The great thing about a farmers market visit is that it's whatever you want it to be. You can pop in for a quick snack en route to your destination or to purchase a souvenir, or you can go all-in with a grocery haul for a meticulously planned night of cooking. This is one of those activities which has something to offer every kind of traveler and eater.