Photo credit: Peter Lyons Hall
By Peter Lyons Hall
GREENWOOD LAKE, N.Y. — Every Saturday, the Lakeside Farmers Market transforms Winstanley Park in Greenwood Lake into a celebration of local agriculture, artisan craftsmanship, and small-business entrepreneurship. More than just a place to shop, the market has become a gathering place where residents and visitors can meet the people behind the products, learn about sustainable food production, and discover items rarely found in traditional grocery stores.
The market’s diverse lineup of vendors reflects the rich agricultural and creative talent found throughout the Hudson Valley and surrounding region.
Fresh produce remains at the heart of the market experience. J&A Farm’s Jeff Bialis brings naturally grown vegetables harvested at peak freshness, whose inventory changes each week according to what Mother Nature is ready to release. Shoppers seeking specialty agricultural products can also visit Warwick Gourmet Mushroom, known for nutrient-rich gourmet mushrooms cultivated locally and featured in many of the area’s restaurants and home kitchens.
Pastured pork, grass fed beef, and free-range chickens are well represented by Peg’s Eggs & Honey, where customers can find farm-fresh eggs, poultry, meat, and honey directly from the producer. These offerings provide an alternative to mass-produced, processed food and allow consumers to connect with the source of what they eat.
The market has also become a destination for prepared foods and baked goods. Lunch Lady Foods’ Amy Goff offers ready-to-eat soups, salads, entrées, and desserts, providing convenient options for busy families seeking homemade meals.
Bread lovers have several tempting stops. The Flower & Dough’s Megan Leyden combines artisan sourdough breads with beautiful floral arrangements, while Orlando’s Bakery draws customers with its fresh breads (stuffed and/or plain) and signature pretzels. For those with dietary restrictions, Healthy Muffin Man specializes in gluten-free and sugar-free muffins that make healthier eating both accessible and enjoyable.
Sweet treats continue with Shannon’s Eyes on the Pies, featuring both sweet and savory pies alongside freshly baked cookies and croissants with flaky crusts. Nearby, visitors can sample the creations of Hudson Valley Pantry, whose salsas, pickles, jams, and jellies showcase the flavors of locally sourced ingredients. And When Hudson Valley Pantry is away, Woodside Blue complements these offerings with its own selection of jams, jellies, and handcrafted pottery.
The market’s beverage options extend beyond traditional farm products. Springbrook Farm Distillery introduces visitors to handcrafted spirits produced from locally grown ingredients, highlighting another dimension of the region’s agricultural economy.
Beyond food, the Lakeside Farmers Market embraces the arts and community education. Savvy Sister’s Deb Searle has created an exquisite line of fragrances: some in a bar format (like a bar of soap), some are granules, some are better as lotions, and deodorants, shampoos; others are better at hydrating skin better; and some are good at making a product bubbly. Metabeads offers handcrafted beaded and crystal jewelry, while Artist by the Lake transforms natural materials into unique works of art that reflect the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Community engagement is further strengthened through the presence of the Master Gardeners from Cornell Cooperative Extension, who provide gardening information and advice to residents looking to improve their own gardens and landscapes.
Adding international flavor to the market, Nadie Harsham’s Grand Mango Caribbean serves authentic Jamaican entrées, bringing the tastes of the Caribbean to Greenwood Lake, with offerings like jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, jerk pork, stew chicken, and other specialties, whose enticing aroma defies anyone trying to resist.
Together, these vendors create a marketplace that is far more than a shopping destination. The Lakeside Farmers Market serves as a weekly showcase of local musical artists (this week featuring guitarist Dani Zanoni), sustainable agriculture, and community spirit—demonstrating how a small lakeside village can support a vibrant ecosystem of farmers, artisans, bakers, chefs, and entrepreneurs while offering residents access to products they simply won’t find anywhere else.
