10 best cold weather cities for winter farmers markets
Local farmers markets are great in the summer months, when colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables are in abundance, making it a fun day out in the sun to get healthy food while helping to support local farmers, economies and businesses. But recently, farmers markets across the country are open all year round. The produce and other goods might change because of the season, but the ability to support local farmers while eating more healthy food remains the same.
As the days grow shorter, and the temperatures dip down, where are the best cities to hit up winter farmers’ markets? Lawn Love recently looked at 101 of the largest U.S. cities with USDA-registered farmers markets operating at least once from November through March, looking at walkability and, naturally, the number of markets. They separated their findings by cities with cold and warm climates, based on their winter weather. One note, the USDA directory relies on self-reported information from farmers market managers, and therefore may not include all farmers markets in the city that operate during winter.
Cities were ranked based on their overall scores (out of 100 points), averaged across the weighted metrics in the categories of Access, Walkability and Climate (average rain in winter, number of very cold days in winter and average sunshine and winter).
Click through the gallery above to see the top 10 COLD weather cities for winter farmers markets. If your city is on the list, bundle up and get outside for some fresh air and seasonal goodies.
