Central New York Regional Market, Syracuse (must see)

The Central New York Regional Market (CNY Regional Market) in Syracuse is a bustling hub of agricultural commerce, public gathering, and regional enterprise. Established in 1938, the market continues to thrive as a mixed-use retail and wholesale terminal for food and farm products. By 2010, it was estimated that the market facilitated nearly $70 million in annual farm sales, underscoring its ongoing economic importance to the region.

Located on Park Street near Interstate 81, the market’s expansive grounds are a blend of old infrastructure and newer additions, with access points along Park Street, NBT Bank Parkway, and Tex Simone Drive. In addition to its vibrant weekend and seasonal markets, the authority manages several key properties nearby, including the former Peter’s Groceries warehouse and the Fox Hollow Movers facility, now being repurposed for school-related food services. It also oversees the Byrne Dairy-Syracuse Cold Storage plant, reinforcing the market’s role in both retail and food logistics for Central New York.

A core component of the market’s identity is its year-round, part-time retail operations. These run every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Thursday markets added from spring through Thanksgiving. Saturdays and Thursdays focus on produce, local food, and seasonal plants, while Sundays take on a more eclectic tone, featuring antiques, crafts, and flea-market finds. Prepared food vendors are common across all days, contributing to the market’s lively and communal atmosphere.

Beyond the weekend crowds, the CNY Regional Market also supports a network of wholesale produce businesses located in longstanding “commission houses.” Current tenants include G. & R. D’Agostino, Peter A. Guinta & Son, and Russo Produce, each continuing the tradition of regional distribution from within the market’s historic footprint.