Columbus Farmer's Market, 2919 Route 206, Columbus, NJ
Open Indoors Th-Su Year Round; Outdoor Market Th, Sa, Su (See review)
(609) 647-0400   Website    Google Maps

Gravitas:   Proximity:

Note the Market has reopened following a major fire in the fall of 2014.

Amidst the suburban sprawl of the Rte. 1 corridor, it’s easy to view NJ’s slogan, “The Garden State” as little more than an anachronism.  But head due south from Trenton on 206, and you soon find yourself in honest-to-goodness farmland that still supports truck farming.  The Columbus Farmer’s market is one of the commercial centers of this area of NJ, and is itself a bit of an anachronism.  But it seems to be thriving, offering a mix of produce, meats, and baked goods.  3 days a week, weather permitting, there’s an enormous outdoor market providing a flea market, flowers, and local produce.

The market is also home to Kate and Al’s Pizza, a nondescript stand towards the north end of the indoor market.  They offer thick-crust Sicilian pizza by the slice which has attracted a cult following.  The crust is relatively light and subtly crisp; the sauce is intensely flavored (though too heavy on tomato paste to my liking).  But it’s worth checking out, as much to ogle the steady stream of regulars who traipse up to the counter as for the pie (Thanks to Nick for bringing it to our attention).

Only half an hour away by car, it’s not only a short excursion in space, it’s also an excursion to an earlier time, a pleasant reminder of the NJ that is nearly gone.

Hours:
Indoor Market

Thursday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Outdoor Market

Thursday 7:30 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday 7:30 am to 2:00 pm
Sunday 6:30 am to 3:00 pm