Weekly gatherings offer food, music and connection across Northern New Mexico
By Helen Rynaski
Adios tasteless tomatoes picked unripe and trucked from afar. Thanks to the many Taos County farmers markets, you can choose a plump, juicy heirloom just plucked from the vine. You will also find a range of organic produce, meats, prepared foods, flowers and artisanal goods sold by your neighbors — not industrial Big Ag.
The Taos Farmers Market runs Saturdays, May 16 to Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Nov. 7 to 21 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the county courthouse, located at 105 Albright Street. Market Manager Margaret Waterhouse says sales have increased significantly since the market moved there from the plaza.
In spring the market announced in partnership with the Northern Rio Grande Resource Conservation Development District, the Town of Taos and Taos County, it secured a future site adjacent to its current location at the Taos County Complex, with plans for improved parking and room to grow.
“This is an exciting moment for the Taos Farmers Market and for our entire community,” says Doug Patterson, president of the Taos Farmers Market. “Together with our partners, we bring the opportunity to establish a permanent location for a venue capable of supporting a year-round market to build upon the shared values of local land-based agriculture.”
Member farmer and volunteer Sylvia Tawse loves how the market acts as a community magnet and builds a deep connection to heritage. “You meet the growers at the farm stand. They tend to love food, so you can ask them for good cooking tips. And you’re supporting regenerative ranching and farming.” She adds that many tourists visit the market, making it a great way to serve as ambassadors for the region. “Agrotourism isn’t just in Europe.”
The Taos market features live entertainment every week. Visitors can grab a meal, coffee or fresh juice onsite, visit neighbors and even dance.
The market accepts EBT/SNAP and FreshRX benefits. The state-funded Bonus Bucks Double Up program has been approved and will be available in the fall. taosfarmersmarket.org
Questa’s Farmers Market runs Sundays, May 24 through Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Questa Visitor Center parking lot near the intersection of Highway 38 and Highway 522. Local farms supply produce, and vendors offer a range of foods and goods alongside weekly live music. Program Director Lisa Pham values the welcoming community atmosphere. “It’s a different flavor from a larger, tourist-oriented market. It’s about coming together, family, eating, music. People want to hang out. We have a table where a group of elders stay all day, every week.”
The market operates as a nonprofit under Localogy and includes a youth internship program through Cultivo focused on food security and education in northern Taos County. It accepts EBT/ SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks. facebook.com/QuestaFarmersMarket
More Places to Find Growers
The ARROYO SECO FARMERS MARKET takes place at the Arroyo Seco Community Center, 495 State Road 150, with seasonal markets and events including the Spring Festival on May 17.
In TALPA, small seasonal markets and farm stands continue the region’s long tradition of local agriculture, offering produce, eggs and handmade goods.
talpacc.bravesites.com/talpa-market
The PEÑASCO VALLEY FARMERS MARKET runs Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. at the old St. Anthony School, 15086 NM State Road 75.
The POCO LOCO SUNDAY MARKET, located at the general store in Carson, 509 Highway 567, runs from April 26 until the fall, 10 a.m. to 4p.m.
The ANGEL FIRE FARMERS MARKET runs Sundays from June21toSept. 13, 9 a.m. to 1p.m., at the Mountain View Event Center, 380 Fuego St.
The MORENO VALLEY FARMERS MARKET at Golden Eagle RV Park in Eagle Nest runs Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1p.m., June through September.