It's All Home-Grown at Tanger's Farmers Market

Shoppers at the Tanger Outlet are greeted by more than store fronts each weekend, as the Farmers Market takes over the main entrance, enticing customers with fresh produce and original products from businesses across Long Island.

"We started off as one of the originals," said Mary Schneider, one of the owners of Schneider Farms, who first started coming to the market when it opened three years ago because of its close proximity to the farm's Melville location.

"We have established a clientele that comes back every week. The customers are very happy that we are here," she said.

While many of the products offered at the market won't be found in at the grocery store, Schneider said one of the reasons people keep coming back is because people enjoy buying from local businesses.

"You're getting local, fresh produce. It is not being shipped across the country of shipped internationally from other countries," she said. 

Colleen from Borghese Vineyard in Cutchogue had similar sentiments.

"People are very interested because the wine is based on Long Island," she said, adding that the economy has pushed her customers into being more aware of the benefits of buying locally. "They like it because it goes right back into their communities."

Other vendors specialize in treating their customers' sweet tooth.

Ray Dzierzawski of the Tre Colonne Italian Style Cookies said the unique delicacies is what keeps people coming back for more.  "It has appeal. It is all very small and handmade. It has stuff that is off the beaten path," he said.

Fellow Italian Bakery employee, George Gonzalez from Monty Breads in Brooklyn, agreed the lack of genuine products is what brings in the consumers.

"There is not really authentic breads out here on Long Island. Our bread is not processed like it is in grocery stores."

Another Farmer's Market original and one of the owners of Wesnofske Farms in Peconic, Justin Wesnofske, said the location at Tanger Outlets has been great for his business and that it attracts a different clientele than other local farmer's markets.

"We have our regulars and others that just stumble upon us. It's a little bit different here because of the foot traffic. People are coming in to buy their clothes and end up picking up produce."

While the market is buzzing with shoppers, the best customers seem to be the other vendors supporting their competition.

"The chocolates [from The Chocolate Executive] are wonderful and we are addicted to the Cannoli cookies," said Schneider.

Market newcomer and volunteer for the New York State Retriever Rescue Adrienne Goldberg, said she not only comes every week to get the word out about her organization, but that she also partakes in perusing other booths.

"I wish they had it three to four times a week," she said. "The Cannoli cookies are fabulous and we just bought flowers for the second time. We are definitely giving back to other vendors. It is the right thing to do."

The Farmer's Market is held at the Tanger Outlets every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through November 18.