One of the greatest delights of living in Troy is the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market (May-October) and Troy Winter Farmers Market (November-April). Although we often (reluctantly) miss it because BCon classes are held every other Saturday during most of the year, it is the place to be on a Saturday in Troy, the place to see and be seen, the place to meet your neighbors, mingle with old and new friends, and catch up on the various rumors and stories that are always flying around the city.The market began as the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market back in the summer of 2000 at Hedley Park Place's large riverfront parking lot (433 River Street) at the north end of downtown, and has been a great and widely acclaimed success ever since. Based on the success of the summer market, the Troy Winter Farmers Market began in 2002 in the then nearly vacant Uncle Sam Atrium, which turned out to be the perfect winter venue in the heart of downtown. The 50 or so vendors set up in the main atrium space and in several hallways of the former shopping mall. Market shoppers can settle on stair landings and upper floor walkways to get a bird's eye view of the action below.
In addition to the farmers and other vendors offering seasonal produce, meat, cheeses, wine, baked goods, jams, jellies, spices, condiments, art, and knit goods there is almost always music, cooking demonstrations (and free samples!), and activities for the kids. A few of my many favorite vendors include Saratoga Garlic (offering numerous fantastic and addicting aiolis), Solomon's Rose (all kinds of creatively named, crafted and very tasty sauces and condiments), Denison Farm, Our Farm (where children of all ages love to pet a friendly rooster while waiting in line), Saratoga Apple (great apples, of course, but check out the beautiful asparagus and fruit pies in a month or so), and Mrs. London's (the place to buy a sweet indulgence). Mrs. London's (and the affiliated Rock Hill Bakery) was just featured in the March 2007 issue of Saveur.
You can read more about it in "To Market, to Market," Miriam Axel-Lute's article in Metroland (February 16-22, 2006). And the market is a great place to start a larger exploration of Troy's gorgeous Victorian architecture, antiques district, art center, waterfront, historical society, library, churches, neighborhoods, shops and restaurants.
Winter hours are 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; summer hours, beginning in May, are 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Following the market, you can explore Troy. See the sidebar at right for links to selected shops, restaurants, bars, and arts venues.
I'm on my way there now; join me if you can!
