Food is LOVE!
Starting at our Farmers' Markets
To celebrate this month of love and my personal passion, we are going to tour some of the fabulous farmers' markets in the Santa Fe area. These local and heartful, community gathering places sell much more than just produce. Farmers markets help sustain small farmers and small businesses that are the colorful threads in the tapestry of our beautiful Santa Fe. They also provide us access to fresh food and products from the source. These markets also bring people together and create communities that nurtures our soul and our bellies.
In writing this article I was surprised and delighted to discover the many farmers’ markets here. As a visitor or newcomer, these markets are also a great way to experience New Mexico’s cultural richness, in addition to the agricultural bounty. The farmers and vendors are happy to tell you more about their produce or products. It’s a cultural experience, not just a shopping trip. Consider a visit this spring. Slowdown and stroll through a market near you, or plan a road trip this summer to one of the surrounding villages. You can clip and save this article for a little road trip to exploring New Mexico later this spring or summer! I know I am going to visit a few myself.
Santa Fe Farmers Market
1607 Paseo De Peralta
SATURDAY year-round, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM, TUESDAY May - December
This Market is one of the largest, oldest, and most successful farmers’ markets in the country, right here in Santa Fe! You’ll be able to buy products from over 150 farmers who grow their produce in northern New Mexico. The crafts are also local, with at least 70% of the ingredients used being locally sourced. Small growers and residents gather to eat breakfast burritos, listen to live music, enjoy the rich smells of produce, green chili, hand-made pies, and savor the sunshine. Starting in the late 1960’s, today they have their own building and outdoor space in the Santa Fe Railyard to sell fresh food. A more peaceful market happens at the same location on Tuesdays. Mornings are popular, and it’s a fun social scene, not only because buying local and fresh food is a healthy choice, but because Santa Fe is a community that believes in supporting our small farms. Go to The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market to check out their calendar of events in the Pavillon for music and other entertainment.
Eldorado Farmers Market
7 Caliente Road
FRIDAY, May-October, 3:00 PM-6:00 PM - Early bird shopping starts at 2:30 pm for seniors.
The Eldorado Farmers Market operates at the La Tienda shopping center every year. It’s a great place to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, then go to La Tienda for anything else you need for your meal or home. Here, you can buy lettuce, kale, spinach, turnips, carrots, radishes, eggs, beef, baked goods, pork, seedlings, and plant starters for your home garden. This market is brought to us by Bienendios Outreach, Inc, a local food pantry serving Northern New Mexicans.
The Santa Fe Farmers’ Del Sur Market
4801 Beckner Road
TUESDAY, July-September, 3:00 PM-6:00 PM
This farmer’s market was created in partnership with Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical Center and the Santa Fe Farmer’s’Market. The market is in the medical center’s parking lot and aims to spread fresh, healthy food to the south side of the city. This market is only five years old and has quickly become very popular. The kid’s program, for example, includes craft projects and cooking demonstrations.
Reunity Farm Stand
1829 San Ysidro Crossing
Seasonally, SATURDAY and SUNDAY, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Located at the farm, you’ll find that veggies and fruits grown at the farm are then sold at the farm stand. In addition to farm-fresh produce, there are over 100 New Mexico made local products. The stand is part of Reunity Resources – a non-profit organization that operates the 2-acre urban farm and a soil+compost yard. You can volunteer at the farm, get your hands dirty, and help grow organic produce on Volunteer Days. Go to www.reunityresources.com to learn more.
Pojoaque Farmer and Crafts Market
78 Cities of Gold Rd. (off Hwy. 84/285)
May-October, SUNDAY, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
This Indigenous people's market features local farmers, artist and entrepreneurs, giving you an opportunity to visit a Pueblo and shop for baked goods, vegetables, fruits, beans, jams, and eggs. Many afternoons there is also live music and dancing to enjoy. During the high season, the market is open on Wednesdays as well. The Pueblo of Pojoaque is located just 15 minutes north of Santa Fe. The market is part of Pueblo’s agricultural program that features a commercial kitchen, a greenhouse, and a 12-acre farm.
Española Farmers Market
1005 N Railroad Ave, Española
June-October, MONDAY, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
Established in 2009, this market won ‘Best Market of the Year’ in 2019. Both locals and tourists enjoy delicious foods grown a few miles away. Local farmers sell their produce, processed foods (the primary ingredients of which have to be grown within the region), nursery crops, fresh and dried flowers, and craft items.
Romero’s Fruit & Veggie Stand
19543 US Highway 84/285, Hernandez
year-round, SUNDAY, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
Romero’s is open 7 days a week and is a must-see for anyone visiting New Mexico. It’s a fruit and vegetable store that sells fresh, seasonal produce, ristras, unique spices, pottery, jewelry, and much more. Many visitors drive up to this family-owned place for an annual bag of green or red chili. The items sold here are authentic and local.
Abiquiu Farmers Market
4 Co Rd 187, Abiquiu
June-October, TUESDAY, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Located across from historic Bode’s General Store, a couple of dozen vendors sell quail eggs, bread, jellies, jams, tamales, and even live birds. You can enjoy live music while shopping and enjoy the spicy smell of chili being roasted. A visit to Bode’s General Store is essential, as it has been serving travelers, hunters, pilgrims, artists and bandits since 1893! Both are worth a visit.
Dixon Farmers Market
275 Hwy 75, Dixon
June-October, WEDNESDAY, 3:30 PM-6:30 PM
The Dixon market takes place at Vivac Winery (at the intersection of NM 68 and NM 75, between Taos and Santa Fe). After shopping, you’ll have a chance to visit the gorgeous winery in the oldest grape-growing region in North America. It is also one of the ‘highest’ wineries (and, perhaps, farmers’ markets) in the world as both are seated at 6,000 ft.
New Mexico is rich with many small home businesses that support our economy and way of life. By going to and supporting the farmers markets above you are doing more than just buying fresh food, you are giving back to our community. Food is LOVE! I hope to see you at a market soon.
With much love, Emily Garcia
Senior Real Estate Advisor with RT Team
Sotheby’s International Realty
