Here at EscapeMaker, we are on a mission to connect all you adventurous, curious, farm- and food-loving travelers to unique local experiences. We’re here to open your eyes to the herculean effort that goes into getting those fresh apples into your farmers market tote, or crafting that crisp, hoppy pint of beer in your hand. In our “Escape to the Maker” series, we hope you’ll take time to learn a little bit more about the producers and craftspeople that are helping to make this region so special. And even more, we hope you’ll be inspired to take a day trip or weekend getaway to visit these local treasures in person. Happy traveling!
The Maker: NYC Public Markets
Celebrate these historic places at the NYC Public Markets Festival in the Seaport District on Sundays, October 13th, November 3rd and December 8th. In addition, check below for info on guided tours to get a closer look at these beloved markets.
This edition of Escape to the Maker is going to be a little different. We are excited to highlight NYC’s Public Markets: Essex Street Market, Arthur Avenue Retail Market, Moore St. Market, 13th Avenue Retail Market, Jamaica Market and La Marqueta. Though you don’t have to leave NYC to explore these magical destinations, each of these markets is home to dozens of local producers offering cultural diversity via food, drinks and goods. Plan a trip to any of these markets and be transported elsewhere through your stomachs and shopping bags!
Visit any of these markets on your own, or get set up with a tour for an expert’s guide to the history and favorite bites at each location. See below for a number of organizations offering tours.
Arthur Avenue Market is located in the original “Little Italy” section of the Bronx and is a quintessential Italian institution and treasure. This market specializes in Italian foods, bakery items, dry goods, meat and seafood, fresh produce, garden needs, and is also home to the famous Arthur Avenue Deli, which was once featured on the national hit TV show “Throwdown” with Bobby Flay. 2344 Arthur Ave, Bronx, New York. Open 8:00am – 5:00pm Mon. – Sat.
- Urban Adventures (Private Tour) – Head out on a walking tour of Arthur Ave and 187th Street where you’ll visit butchers, bakers, and cheese shops, as well as the famous Arthur Avenue Retail Market. Call for more info at (347) 878-8444.
- Get Your Guide – Join a walking tour of Arthur Avenue and 187th Street, and visit butchers, bakers, and cheese shops, as well as the famous Arthur Avenue Retail Market. You will taste some of the best bites in Little Italy and meet the food artisans.Call for more info at (844) 326-5840.
- Arthur Ave Food Tours – Discover Little Italy in the Bronx and the best Italian restaurants and historic food shops outside of Italy. Call for more info at (718) 618-6264.
Essex Market has been a fixture on the Lower East Side since 1888 when it began as an outdoor pushcart market. Shopping at Essex Market has always been a unique experience, as local residents and visitors alike gather to browse a diverse collection of goods. Its vendors all have an individual story and distinctive personality that adds flavor to their already delicious offerings. Ready to share their experiences and knowledge, they give a true neighborhood feel to this historic public market. 115 Delancey Street, New York, New York. Open 8:00am – 8:00pm Mon. – Sat., 10:00am – 6:00pm Sun.
- Turnstile Tours – This tasting exploration showcases the vendors o the Lower East Side’s Essex Market in its new, bustling facility home to over 40 vendors. Call for more info at (347) 903-8687.
- LES.nyc – On this 90-minute walking and tasting tour, we will visit with 6-8 vendors, enjoy generous tastings of their delicious food, and learn about the role the market has played in the evolution of their businesses. Call for more info at (917) 881-7096.
- Kornblit Tours – Walk through the neighborhoods where it all began for millions of people and learn about how they lived, how they earned a living, what they ate, and where they shopped. Call for more info at (201) 394-1728.
Moore Street Market, also known as “La Marqueta de Williamsburg” is one of Brooklyn’s oldest indoor markets, serving East Williamsburg and the surrounding neighborhoods for close to 70 years. Merchants sell a wide range of ingredients, including items for traditional Latino cooking such as fresh tropical fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry and seafood, in addition to deli items and prepared foods. 110 Moore St, New York, New York. Open 8:00am – 6:00pm Mon. – Thurs, 8:00am – 7:00pm Fri. & Sat., 10:00am – 5:00pm Sun.- Turnstile Tours (Private Tour) – From farms to pushcarts to public markets, this 2-hour walking and tasting tour explores historical aspects of New York’s food system and the influence of Caribbean and Latin American cultures and cuisines on the past and present of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Call for more info at (347) 903-8687.
La Marqueta was founded in 1936 to provide entrepreneurial opportunities for pushcart vendors. This market has been and continues to be an iconic East Harlem marketplace. 1590 Park Ave, New York, New York. Open 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday through Saturday.
The 13th Avenue Retail Market is in Borough “Boro” Park, Brooklyn, home to a thriving and burgeoning Hasidic Judaism enclave beginning at the end of World War II. The Market has always reflected this growing dysphoria with some of the Market’s original tenants serving the appetizing cuisine and goods synonymous with Jewish culture. Today, the 13th Avenue Retail Market tenants have changed but the food remains tantamount.
Jamaica Market is a steadfast economic focal point in the heart of Jamaica, Queens. Known for the Market’s lively and diverse food court, Jamaica Market also is host to a fresh and vibrant farmers’ market, occurring every Friday and Saturday from June until November. The combination of food court with genuine farmers’ market was a development idea sponsored by the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation in a successful effort to revitalize and stabilize the neighborhood.
Celebrate these historic places at the NYC Public Markets Festival in the Seaport District on Sundays, October 13th, November 3rd and December 8th. In addition, check below for info on guided tours to get a closer look at these beloved markets.
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