this Zagat post with you since I am a HUGE fan of New York’s Hudson Valley.

Besides my gazillion trips to the Culinary Institute of America for bootcamps and one-day classes (they really should give me a diploma by now), I plan my spring through fall forays around the Rhinebeck Farmers Market. It is, hands down, the best farmers market I have ever attended. And I’ve been to dozens and dozens of them.

In fact, if my stand-up comedian friend, Stephanie Peters, is playing Poughkeepsie, I jump at the chance to be her chauffeuse because I know that, on Sunday before heading back to Boston, I will reap my rewards in Rhinebeck.

The produce and flowers on sale under tents in a parking lot are pricey but out-of-the field fresh and gorgeous. And the variety of just-picked apples come the fall is downright silly. My first crrrrunch of a Honey Crisp was at this outdoor market. So, yes, I’ve been attending this market for years.

Besides the produce, Stephanie is a huge fan of the farm-raised meats, pasta and wine. I cram my cooler (oh, you MUST bring a large cooler) with artisan cheese, earthy mushrooms, berries, fresh juice and pasta. This is why we travel in my station wagon.

We pick up also pick up loaves of still-warm bread from Tivoli Baking Co., but only because we’re going to race home to Stef’s house in Cambridge for dinner. No time to stop!

Something to remember before you go: Eat a good breakfast even if you’ve gorged yourself all weekend at the CIA. If you don’t, you’ll find yourself back at the ATM after 15 minutes. Trust me on this.

There is always music at the market, but the only t-shirts and tote bags for sale are those with the market’s logo on them since the operation relies on donations and sponsorships. You won’t find people hawking jewelry or hand-carved pan flutes or other nonsense. It’s all about food. You’ve gotta love that about this farmers market…

The outdoor Rhinebeck Farmers Market runs on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving. It is located in a municipal parking lot at 61 East Market St. in the village of Rhinebeck, NY.