A Guide To Farmers' Markets In The Hamptons

You needn't stock a weekend in the Hamptons with mediocre ingredients.

Though better known for tennis courts and Jitney stops, the East End has a longstanding tradition of farm-fresh produce piled high at beckoning roadside stands.

But now there's a handful of farmers' markets (the Union Square and Grand Army Plaza kind), where you can pick up everything from award-winning cheeses to pickled tomatoes and hyperfresh seafood and Long Island duck.

Hit one of these spots on your next weekend excursion, and never let a wilted salad darken your surf and sand again.

East Hampton Skip the crowds at restaurant institution Nick & Toni's for the goods in its parking lot: handmade pasta, Mecox Bay dairy cheeses, organic produce (including Briermere fruit) and Corsican tarts. 136 N. Main St.; Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bridgehampton This market at the Hayground School boasts produce and plants grown by the students, plus hyperlocal Wölffer wine, David Falkowski's mushrooms and coffee from Turtle Island. 151 Mitchells Lane; Fridays, 3 to 6:30 p.m.

Sag Harbor The granddaddy of East End markets boasts varietal honey from Bees Needs, produce from organic homesteaders Dale and Bette, Horman's pickles and Taste of the North Fork preserves. Breakwater Yacht Club parking lot on Bay St.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Westhampton Beach For the widest variety, head to the South Fork's largest market. Dinner is waiting in the form of Riverhead bison, Long Island duck and a handful of prepared foods. Municipal Parking Lot, 85 Mill Rd.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.