Think farmers markets are a summer thing? Think again. Sisters Lona Graepel and Jaime Greci introduced the first indoor G&G Long Island Winter Farmer's market in 2009 and it's back for a fourth season with even more vendors and dates in Northport, Melville and Garden City.

"It all started when I was volunteering with my brother, who works with farmers markets upstate," Graepel said. "I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to continue on Long Island, but all the markets closed in November. My brother suggested opening up a winter market and, voila, the Long Island Winter Market was born!"

What started as five vendors has become more than 20, featuring locally-sourced produce, meat, dairy, beer, baked goods, crafts, and handmade provisions. Some locations, such as Northport, also feature occasional music performances and book signings, and offer kids crafts tables for parents to drop off their children while they shop.

Seven vendors are new this year, including Blind Bat Brewery out of Centerport; Sweet to Lick vegan pastries from Westbury; and Goodale Farms dairy products and winter produce from Aquebogue. A full list of vendors can be found on G&G's website.

The market offers a wide variety of items, though availability of some produce differs from the summer months. There are no strawberries or blueberries and no fish vendors because unpredictable local catches during winter months make consistent sales difficult. Root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and parsnips take center stage in produce, with some varieties of fresh leafy greens available.

"Many people have taken to greenhouses and can grow year round," Lona explained.

Though a majority of the items offered are organic, a small number are not, so be sure to ask the vendor beforehand if it is a concern to you. "If it's not organic, then use of of pesticides and hormones are kept to a minimum," said Lona. "I make sure of that."

The G&G Winter Farmers Market runs through mid-March and takes place at the following locations:

• Northport: St. Paul's United Methodist Church on 270 Main Street, 1-5 p.m. every Sunday.

• Melville: Sweet Hollow Hall on 98 Gwynne Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday (Jan. 14 market cancelled).

• Garden City: 223 Stewart Avenue, 1-5 p.m. every Sunday. 

For an up-to-date list of special events, schedule changes, and vendors, visit the winter market website at www.winterfarmersmarketlongisland.com. The market is always looking for volunteers.