Decoding America

Summer is when New York's farmers markets really come alive. © 2026 Sumi Pak. All rights reserved. New York and the Hudson Valley both get the same treatment once the weather turns warm: a farmers market in practically every neighborhood and small town, running from spring through summer. I've shopped at more of these than I can count. But I've only ever sold at two of them — so let's talk about both sides of that folding table. The big one: Union Square The Union Square Greenmarket is the institution — running since 1976, with over 140 farms and producers showing up on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Everything from Hudson Valley seafood to ramps that disappear from the tables within a couple of weeks each spring. Union Square Greenmarket — a Hudson Valley seafood stand. © 2026 Sumi Pak. All rights reserved. Ramps and rhubarb — both gone from the tables almost as soon as they arrive. © 2026 Sumi Pak. All rights reserved. Where I actually sold: P...