Special Places: Stockton Farmer's Market


I know most of you think New Jersey is a pit.
We are the brunt of many jokes.

Lots of industry, overpopulated, pollution, high taxes, rude people, we are defined by what exit we live off of, and just basic big attitudes.

Well, most of this is true. I won't lie to you.

However, we are also the "Garden State", and there is a reason.
We have tons of beautiful open spaces and farmland. Only 25 miles west from my house are dairy farms, horse farms, and peach and apple orchards.

We have some excellent schools and an Ivy League University, all located in NJ.

We are famous for our corn and tomatoes, as well as blueberries and cranberries. It really is a beautiful state once you leave the airport and its surrounding areas (hence "pit").

I promise.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of checking out the Stockton Farmer's Market.
An indoor artisanal market, selling fabulous items, most of them being food.


Homemade soaps, fresh local beef, cheeses, breads, a flower market, and handmade jewelry.


My favorite vendor was David, from "Eat This". These amazing dudes make fabulous confiture (jams, French style pates, balsamic onion marmalade, bacon jam!!! and pickled vegetables) and is a super nice guy to boot.
I went home with a box load.


Why would anyone buy a cheap bottle of wine to bring to someone's home when you could bring a jar of pickled carrots?
Just sayin'.


There is a great fish monger (Metropolitan Seafood) and the fish is gorgeous and FRESH. I bought some beautiful halibut and fresh trout that was expertly filleted for me while I waited.


Unfortunately, we are not in produce mode at the moment (soon), so there were only a few ramps, fiddlehead ferns and spring onions for the pickin'. We have to wait a few more weeks for asparagus and radishes and other spring goodies.


Stockton is a beautiful historic town in Hunterdon County, settled in the 1700's, located along the Delaware River. It is a gorgeous Sunday drive, and only an hour and half from NYC.


There is an historic inn built in 1710 called the Stockton Inn so you can stay for the weekend, and some lovely shops and cafes along the way to have brunch (or in my case LUNCH......you know I don't do brunch).


A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the country, all in my state of NJ.

Come visit.

Stockton Farmer's Market
19 Bridge St.
Stockton, NJ

Comments

Tracy said…
Excited to check this out! My brother in law goes to school at Stockton and it is not my favorite place to visit, at least next time we'll have something new to see. PS I am the girl that had to interrupt your dinner Friday night, it was nice to meet you!
Ciao Chow Linda said…
I've been to Stockton many times, but never manage to get there for the farmer's market. Now I'm really curious to get there -- so much wonderful stuff, as you demonstrate. And New Jersey is a beautiful state when you get away from the congested highways. Go Stacey. Cheerleader for NJ
Anonymous said…
NJ has some wonderful places! we do get a bad rap, it seems on every tv show they make fun of our state.

I have been wanting to check this place out, I live in Flemington, so only 10 miles away. Will go this weekend!
Stacey Snacks said…
Tracy,
You did not interrupt our dinner!
I was so happy to meet you! Glad you enjoyed Razza too.

Hope you check out the Stockton Market, it's only opened on Sat-Sun, and 4 miles from Lambertville, so you can spend the day.

Stacey
Susan said…
Hi Stacey,
Wow! You were in my neck of the woods Sunday! I used to set up at that market when it first opened about 2 years ago.I am fortunate to set up at the Wrightstown Farmers Market every Sat. next to Eat This! Those 2 guys..David & Gino are a riot! And their products are great.
Marina said…
What a handsome fish monger!
I'm from New Jersey years ago and still hate hearing all the bashing. There's just nothing in the world like a Jersey tomato. I remember hanging over the sink as a kid eating one from the farmer's market. if you've never had one, you just can't understand. Just can't understand the excitement.... Great pictures....I wish your fish man could teach me a few tricks....caught 5 nice rainbow trouts today....froze my buns off... but have them home, same and sound.
I am not originally from New Jersey but moved here about 20 years ago. Everyone seems to think that what you see from the turnpike is representative of the whole state, but that is far from the truth! And Jersey produce is awesome. Can't wait for the corn and tomatoes! I love the local farmer's market.