Last weekend my local Farmers Market opened for their Summer season!

In honor of this important occasion, I’ve put together some of the best things about weekend mornings at the farmers market.  As well as a couple tips to help make your trip leisurely & enjoyable!

Family Time

The farmers market is about so much more than where to get the most delicious kale. It’s a chance to get your children interested in where their food comes from and why it so important to support our local farms. You can also use a trip to the farmers market to teach them about making sure we don’t waste food. Meeting the person that grew their food goes a long way to understanding why we need to appreciate what’s on our plates.

Also, it’s easy to turn a trip to the farmers market into enjoyable outdoor family time! If you don’t have a lot to buy, add a bike ride there and back or stop on the way home for a nature walk.  Another fun thing to do is bring a picnic blanket, napkins and drinks then buy food at the market to have at a nearby park for lunch!

Brunch

I love having breakfast/brunch at the market! It’s a great excuse to splurge on the decadent pastries from your favorite bake stand. Lots of farmers markets also now have food trucks! At my farmers market they often buy food from many of the vendors so it’s a fun way to see the produce in action.

Alone Time

While I normally love my family trips to the farmers market, sometimes I like to go alone. I sneak out right when the market opens and everyone in my house is still asleep. It’s sort of restorative to wander around by yourself in the morning sunshine while you explore every corner of the market enjoying one of those delicious pastries.

Farmers Market Tips & Tricks:

1. Get to know your farmers! Here in the midwest, these first few weeks aren’t normally that busy and they are a great time to strike up a conversation with the farmers. Ask them what they’ve planted or are planning for the season. Find out when they expect your favorite tomatoes to be in season so you can mark your calendar.
2. Call Ahead! Do you need something specific? Call {or even Facebook message} your favorite vendor and they will likely set aside something for you so you don’t have to worry about them selling out by the time you get there.
3. Bring small bills! With ATMs pumping out $20s, small bills leave a farmer’s hand faster than those stellar tomatoes.
4. Ask if they take square! If you are buying a large quantity {or especially if you are buying meat or dairy items} ask if they take credit card. Many do and that allows you to save your cash and grab a bunch of basil on your way out.
5. Bring a cooler and two bags! A cooler so your purchases stay nice and fresh on the way home. Two bags so you can keep more delicate produce separate from the more durable. If you plan to purchase garlic or onions, bring a plastic grocery bag or two so you can keep these separate from all of your other produce.

Your local farmers markets often have so much to offer beyond produce. Search out what’s available in your area!!