21 Reasons to Visit Farmers Markets

Bright red tomatoes, yellow & green squash, potatoes, eggplant, yellow bell peppers and beets

Last week was my first visit to the farmer’s market. It’s downtown, tucked in a great spot under a freeway. After about three times around the block, I found a free parking spot two blocks away. It was the kind of cloudy day that came with long peeks of sunshine followed by a quick minute or so of hard rain. 

The first thing I saw was an arepa vendor. Google says that they are “cornmeal cakes that originated hundreds of years ago in a region that now makes up Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama. Traditionally, they were cooked on a pan called a budare. But they can also be grilled, baked or fried.”

My son Jud - aka Artsy Chief, raves about them. He is a foodie in every sense of the word and can talk about a spice for 15 minutes straight. Immediately I broke out in a big smile. I’d returned from a visit with him a few days earlier, seeing them made me feel close to him again. I took a video and sent it to him. 

Garden Goodness and More

Surprisingly, the next several vendors sold clothes, jewelry, paintings, waist and shoulder bags, oils, soaps, and incense. In the distance, the ready-to-eat food vendors had quite a crowd. Close to them was a clearing with several sizes and colors of hula hoops, all ages were giving it a try. In another direction were various-sized trailers, doors flung wide showing off their flower inventory. The color burst was magnificent. There was an impressive setup selling dog gear and treats.

My need for fresh beets is what led me to the farmer’s market. Beets have been a part of my diet for many years, but recently I discovered a love for whole, fresh ones and went looking for them at the market. They are incredibly sweet. The greens are great in a salad, I use the juice from steaming them for my protein shake; sometimes I’ll throw in a few chunks. 

What I didn’t know is how good they are for you. According to healthline, The health benefits of this vegetable include improved heart health, the ability to reduce blood pressure, and enhanced exercise capacity. They shared a few great recipes, too.

A kind farmer told me that they would be available starting in mid-summer. So I strolled amongst the sights, smells and sounds of people chatting/kids playing. A one-man band played music. 

There were several food trucks that I wanted to try but the lines were too long. While the great smells wafted through the air, I took deep breaths and added them to my ‘next time’ list.

Over the years, my food diversity has become extremely boring. Walking and smelling my way through the lanes reactivated my desire for a diverse diet. 

With all the different items, the market reminded me of those California swoop meets that I used to love. I didn't find my beets, but I had a ton of great experiences.

Here’s  21 more reasons a visit to your local farmers market is a great activity for all ages:

1. Support Local Farmers: I always feel good knowing that I’ve helped an entrepreneur. Shopping here, I can  support farm-to-table, small-scale farmers and the local economy. 

2. Eco-Friendly and satisfies my environmentalist: Another plus for me is knowing that the food was not transported hundreds of miles away, lessening air pollution.

3. Fresh Produce: It’s just better for you and is often more nutritious and flavorful than store-bought.

4. Unique Foods: There’s bound to be something new to try -  like homemade jams, cheeses, and baked goods.

5. Cultural Experiences: Increase your ‘culinary diversity’ with a variety of cultural foods and products like arepas(!).

6. Tasting Events: Get free samples of new food; I love ‘try before you buy’ ops! 

7. Live Music: Often there are several musicians playing for tips - another way to support our entrepreneurs!

8. Community Vibes: Connect with your community and meet new people, especially if you’re having trouble ‘getting back out there.’

9. Family Fun: Family-friendly environment with activities for kids, like face painting and hula hoop areas.

10. Outdoor Activity: and Voila! You’re getting Vitamin D to boot.

11. Educational Opportunities: Learn about where your food comes from and the benefits of different types of produce.

12. Handmade Crafts: Lots of these - crafts, jewelry, and clothing. If you’re a crafter, set up your own spot!

13. Cooking Inspiration: Get inspired to cook new dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

14. Seasonal Variety: In case you need a reason to return to the market🙂, different foods come all through the summer. I’ll be checking back for figs soon! 

15. Reduce the ‘food desert’: Encourage healthier eating habits by having access to fresh, whole foods for communities with limited no grocery stores nearby.

16. Interactive Learning: Kids (and adults) can learn about farming and nutrition in a hands-on way.

17. Stress Relief: Enjoying the relaxed, open-air market atmosphere is a great stress reliever.

18. Art and Culture: Experience local art and cultural performances. Remember to tip!

19. Social Interaction: Great opportunity to socialize with friends, family, and neighbors and expand your circle.

20. Healthy Eating Advocate: Defy the SAD diet and be a part of a ‘fresh foods’ revival.

21. Make it a Date: Learn about your date’s food choices. Food is a great conversation-starters, there’s no telling what their choices will reveal!

Garden goodness, socializing opportunities and a plain ole good time awaits. So grab your reusable bags, your kid’s wagon or other rolling cart and get out there! Oh - don’t forget the kids.

Having trouble finding a market near you? Plug in your zip code here!