Small North Jersey town offers big farmers market

Naturally raised whole chickens are $4.75 a pound today at this stand in Closter.

All of the empanadas are available with gluten-free dough.

Closter is a small North Jersey town with about 3,500 people and two faded shopping centers, Closter Plaza and Closter Commons.

But on Sundays, a farmers market blossoms at Closter Commons -- more than two dozen stands offering naturally raised meat, poultry and eggs; prepared food, produce and so much more.

Fresh artisan bread, preserves, sauces and apple-pie filling are among the items offered today at 28 stands. 

I drive to Closter every 5 weeks or so for a haircut at the Dongyang Barber Shop, one of the many Korean businesses in the two shopping centers.

Mr. Park, the owner, cuts my hair with a scissor, shaves my sideburns and the back of my neck with a razor, and vacuums my head to catch stray hairs.


Closter Farmers Market, Piermont Road and Vervalen Street, in Closter Commons. Open Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closter Dongyang Barber Shop, 570 Piermont Road, Unit C-7 in Closter Commons; 201-767-4541. Open 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed Wednesdays.