If you’ve been dreaming of a quiet escape to the mountains this summer, you’ve likely heard of the Adirondack’s 20-stop market trail. But there’s a hidden gem tucked into one of the most scenic hamlets in the Catskills that belongs at the top of your bucket list: the Phoenicia Farmers Market.
Coinciding with some of the most stunning vistas in New York State, this market offers a trail-to-table experience that’s hard to replicate. Located right at the foot of the iconic Tanbark Trail, you can hike a mountain loop and end your walk directly in a picnic field full of artisanal food.
Here’s how to plan the perfect foodie weekend surrounded by lush rolling mountains.
✨ What you can actually score at the market
The Catskills gem offers a trail-to-table experience that’s impossible to find in the city.
While NYC has its fair share of greenmarkets, this mountain field is the only place where you can source artisanal small-batch ferments and pasture-raised goods directly at the foot of a scenic summit–making your grocery run feel like a world-class getaway.
Among the 20+ vibrant vendors, you’ll find:
- Artisanal Breads: Rustic sourdough loaves and wood-fired pastries from Leavened Breads
- Mountain Meats: Pasture-raised sausages and smoked meats from Meat Things
- Craft Spirits: Small-batch bottles and tastings from Ensemble Wines and Union Grove Distillery
- Latin Flavors: Authentic, handmade tamales from Land of the Tamal
- Botanical Wellness: Hand-foraged tinctures and herbal alchemy from Rose & Rosey’s Alchemy
🏔️ An authentic hometown experience
Spending a Sunday morning at this market is quite literally the best way to live like a local–you’ll instantly become part of the heart of the community as you browse the scenic stalls at Parish Field.
Organizers encourage visitors to “build their own picnic” on a blanket in the field, making it a low-cost activity that’s perfect for a post-hike reward–all set against the Catskills backdrop.
Shopping at the market also helps support Hudson Valley and Catskills farms, small businesses, and independent makers throughout the season.
🏔️ The “Trail-to-Table” Loop: Hike the Tanbark, Eat in the Field
What makes the Phoenicia market truly unique is its location at the trailhead of the Tanbark Trail. This isn’t just a nearby path; the yellow trailhead markers are visible right from the market stalls in Parish Field.
- The Hike: A 2-mile loop that packs a punch. It’s a steep climb through dramatic geology (look for the “tafoni” rock formations) that leads to Grandview Ledge. From there, you get a bird’s-eye view of the hamlet and the surrounding Panther Mountain before the trail winds back down
- The Reward: The trail spits you out right back at the market. Most hikers head straight to the vendors before claiming a spot in the grass
- The Picnic: Parish Field transforms into a massive community picnic ground every Sunday. It’s the ultimate “low-cost, high-reward” summer activity: a vigorous mountain hike followed by a curated feast of local goods
📅 When to plan your trip
- Season: The outdoor market runs every Sunday, May 17 through October 25, 2026
- Hours: 10 am – 2 pm
- Location: Parish Field, Phoenicia, NY (Tucked behind the main street post office)
🚆 How to get there from NYC
You don’t need a car to reach this mountain paradise, making it one of the most accessible escapes for New Yorkers:
- By Bus: Take the Trailways NY bus from Port Authority directly to the Phoenicia stop. The market at Parish Field is a short, scenic walk from the bus drop-off
- By Car: It’s a straight shot up I-87 N (NY State Thruway) to Exit 19 for Kingston. Follow NY-28 W directly into the heart of Phoenicia. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours
