You’re driving into Lake Placid, the High Peaks are looming over the horizon, and you’re probably thinking about Mirror Lake or where to grab a decent overpriced burger on Main Street. But if you’re actually staying in an Airbnb or a rental with a kitchen, or if you just want a peach that doesn't taste like cardboard, you need to head to the Lake Placid Farmers Market NY. Most people call it the Ausable Valley Grange Farmers' Market, but let's be real—everyone just searches for the town name.
It’s not some massive, sprawling metropolitan event. It’s Adirondack through and through.
The air smells like fresh-cut grass and cider. It’s held on Wednesdays, which is a bit of a curveball if you’re used to Saturday morning markets. Between June and September, the St. Agnes Church parking lot at 169 Hillcrest Avenue transforms from a quiet asphalt patch into a hub of local commerce. It runs from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. If you show up at 12:45, honestly, you’re just going to see people packing up crates. Get there early. The sourdough goes fast.
Why the Lake Placid Farmers Market NY feels different from your local spot
The Adirondacks aren't exactly known for a long growing season. We’re talking about a place where it can frost in June. Because of that, the farmers here are scrappy. They’re masters of high-tunnel growing and soil management. When you buy a tomato at the Lake Placid Farmers Market NY, you’re buying something that survived the harsh North Country elements. It’s got more flavor than anything you’ll find in a grocery store because it hasn't been sitting in a refrigerated truck for three days.
People think the Adirondacks are just pine trees and rocks. Wrong.
The Champlain Valley, which is just a short drive down the mountain, is some of the most fertile land in the Northeast. That’s where a lot of these vendors come from. You get the best of both worlds: the high-altitude vibes of Placid and the rich harvest from the valley floor. It's a weirdly perfect synergy.
The vendors you should actually look for
You’ll see a mix of regulars. Mace Chasm Farm is usually a staple, and their butcher shop setup is legit. If they have sausages, buy them. Don't think about it, just do it. Their pigs are pasture-raised over in Keeseville, and you can taste the difference in the fat quality.
Then there’s the vegetable crowd. Juniper Hill Farm is a heavy hitter in the region. Adam Kirchner and his crew have turned that operation into a powerhouse, providing organic produce to some of the best restaurants in Lake Placid. When you buy from them at the market, you're getting the same quality that the chefs at The Whiteface Lodge are ordering.
🔗 Read more: At Home French Manicure: Why Yours Looks Cheap and How to Fix It
Then you have the smaller, niche creators. Someone is usually there with Adirondack maple syrup—because obviously—and often you’ll find Triple Green Jade Farm with their breads and crackers. Their "Adirondack Bread" is dense, crusty, and basically the fuel you need if you’re planning to hike Mount Marcy the next day.
The Wednesday morning struggle (and why it's worth it)
Holding a market on a Wednesday is a bold move. Most tourists are out hiking or on the lake. Most locals are at work. But that’s actually the charm. It lacks that frantic, shoulder-to-shoulder "I'm going to get hit by a stroller" energy that you find at the big Saturday markets in Saratoga or Burlington. It’s chill.
You can actually talk to the people growing your food. Want to know why the kale is particularly curly this week? Ask them. They’ll tell you about the rain patterns or the specific pest they’ve been battling. It's a real connection to the land that’s hard to find when you're just grabbing a plastic container of pre-washed spinach at Price Chopper.
One thing people get wrong: they assume it's just food.
It's not. You’ll find handmade soaps that smell like balsam fir, handcrafted jewelry, and sometimes live music that isn't half bad. It’s a community hangout. You’ll see the same group of locals standing near the coffee stand, catching up on town politics or complaining about the winter that wouldn't end.
What to bring (and what to leave behind)
Bring a tote bag. A big one. Maybe two. The vendors have bags, sure, but they’re usually thin plastic or paper that will rip the moment a heavy heirloom tomato starts sweating.
Cash is still king.
💡 You might also like: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Menu: Why You’re Probably Ordering Wrong
A lot of the bigger farms take cards or Venmo now, but the smaller guys—the ones selling a handful of herbs or a jar of jam—might not. Don't be that person holding up the line trying to find a cell signal to process a three-dollar transaction. There’s an ATM nearby, but just hit the bank before you get to Hillcrest Ave. It makes life easier for everyone.
Also, leave the "I'm in a rush" attitude at home. This isn't a drive-thru. If there’s a line for the wood-fired pizza (if the pizza truck is there that day) or the fresh donuts, just wait. The view of the mountains from the parking lot is free. Soak it in.
Navigating the seasons in the North Country
Early June at the Lake Placid Farmers Market NY is all about the greens. You’re going to see a lot of ramps, radishes, and starts for your own garden. It’s the "waiting for the sun" phase.
By July, things get interesting. The berries start showing up. Adirondack strawberries are tiny compared to the monstrous ones from California, but they’re like sugar bombs.
August is the peak. This is when the market feels like it’s overflowing. Corn, peppers, tomatoes, squash—it’s all there. This is also when the crowds are biggest because the summer tourists are in full force.
September is my personal favorite. The air gets that crisp Adirondack bite, and the market shifts to root vegetables, apples, and heavy squashes. It’s the last hurrah before the snow starts flying and the market moves or shuts down for the season.
A note on the "Winter Market"
Wait, is there a winter market? Sometimes. It’s hit or miss depending on the year and the venue. Usually, the Ausable Valley Grange organizes indoor markets during the colder months, often at the Shipman Youth Center or other local halls. It’s much smaller. It’s mostly storage crops—potatoes, onions, garlic—and value-added products like honey and wool. If you’re visiting in February, don't expect the Hillcrest parking lot to be anything other than a snowbank. Check the local community calendars or the Grange’s Facebook page for the "Winter Series" dates.
📖 Related: 100 Biggest Cities in the US: Why the Map You Know is Wrong
How to use your market haul like a local
If you’re staying in town, don't just buy stuff and let it wilt in the fridge. The whole point of the Lake Placid Farmers Market NY is the freshness.
- The Picnic Move: Buy a baguette, some local goat cheese (look for North Country Creamery), and a pint of cherry tomatoes. Drive five minutes to the Paradox Bay boat launch or a spot on Mirror Lake. That’s a world-class lunch for under twenty bucks.
- The Hiker's Breakfast: Grab some of those heavy-duty apples and a jar of local nut butter or honey. Toss them in your pack. It beats a chalky protein bar every single time.
- The Dinner Party: If you’re cooking for a group, get the pasture-raised steaks from Mace Chasm and some fingerling potatoes. Toss the potatoes in local garlic and rosemary. It’s a meal that actually tastes like the mountains.
The reality of pricing
Let’s be honest. This isn't the place to find "clearance" food. You’re paying for quality and the fact that these farmers have to deal with some of the toughest growing conditions in the lower 48. It’s more expensive than the grocery store. But you’re also keeping that money in the local economy. In a town that is increasingly dominated by tourism and outside investment, supporting the local farmers is one of the few ways to ensure the "real" Adirondacks stay alive.
Actionable steps for your visit
If you're planning to check out the Lake Placid Farmers Market NY, here is exactly how to do it right:
- Check the Calendar: Confirm it’s a Wednesday. People show up on Tuesdays all the time and are disappointed. 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM is the window.
- Park Smart: The St. Agnes parking lot fills up. There’s street parking nearby, but pay attention to the signs. The local cops are efficient, and a parking ticket will ruin your "farm-fresh" vibe real quick.
- Talk to the Grange: Look for the organizers’ booth. They often have info on other local events, CSA sign-ups, and maps of the local farm trail.
- Inventory First: Walk the whole loop once before you buy anything. See who has the best-looking greens or the weirdest heirloom varieties. Then, make your second lap to actually purchase.
- Think Beyond Food: Look for the woodworkers and the wool producers. Adirondack sheep wool is incredibly warm, and a hand-knit hat from local yarn is the best souvenir you can get.
By the time you leave Hillcrest Avenue, your car should smell like dirt and onions and maybe a little bit of lavender. That’s the smell of a successful trip. You’ve bypassed the tourist traps of Main Street for a morning and actually participated in the local culture. It’s worth the detour every single time.
Go get those tomatoes. They don’t last forever.
Next Steps:
Map out your route to 169 Hillcrest Ave before you leave your hotel, as cell service can be spotty in certain pockets of the village. Make sure to withdraw cash at a local bank on Main Street beforehand to avoid any potential connectivity issues with card readers at the stalls. If you're looking for a specific type of produce, check the Ausable Valley Grange website or social media the day before; they often post which vendors will be present. Finally, bring a small cooler in your trunk if you plan on buying meat or dairy so it stays fresh while you finish your morning walk around Mirror Lake.