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School has started, and leaves are beginning to change colors, signs that there are just a few more weeks before local farmers’ markets close for the season.
This past weekend we visited one of my favorite farmers’ markets in the state on the Bentonville Square. While there, I thought to myself, “why do I love this so much?” As we walked around, I thought of eight great reasons to enjoy a farmers’ market before the season ends. There are just a few more weeks to spread some local love.
1. Buy from LOCAL farmers. Local farmers have long been the economic backbone of most communities in Arkansas. With agriculture being the No. 1 economic driver of the state, farming is not going anywhere. Buying from a local farmer drives local economies and makes a lasting local investment.
2. Connect with friends. A local farmers’ market is a great place to run into friends or plan a meet-up. Whether you establish an intentional interaction, or it occurs organically, slow down, introduce your family to each other and share the conversation. Maybe even stick around a little longer and let the children play at a nearby park. Most rural towns host their farmers’ markets at a local park or community center, so a park is often nearby.
3. Enjoy a great cup of coffee. My first stop at a farmers’ market is always a coffee spot. And thankfully, so many options usually abound. This time it was a mobile cart with nitro cold brew and dairy-free cream. But walking a farmers’ market is much more enjoyable with a cup of joe in hand.
4. Experience good food from LOCAL vendors. Next is something for breakfast after a cup of coffee, and the farmers’ market has so many options. A breakfast burrito is usually my preference, but cinnamon rolls, energy bars, handmade bread, or even tortillas are great options.
5. Buy handmade Christmas gifts. It’s not too early to start Christmas shopping, and unique handmade wooden and leather gifts, soaps, home decor, or furniture are all great options. Local makers often have items that could fill stockings or buy a unique gift for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list.
6. Try a new vegetable. Here is your big chance! Maybe it’s a bitter melon, colored carrots or peppers, fresh herbs, a random leafy green or a crazy mushroom. Usually, you can buy one item or a small bunch of something without maxing out your produce budget. Use this unique opportunity to ask the farmer how to cook with your new treasure or adequately prepare it.
7. Meet a LOCAL artist. Find great things to decorate your home and get ready to host guests for the holidays. There is nothing more personal than choosing a piece of art for your home or office and exchanging it from the hands of the artist himself. Ask the artist about their work. Does it have a story or unique inspiration?
8. Get outside with your family and dog. This is the best reason to go to the farmers’ market. Make the most of beautiful weather and chill mornings. Make memories and build traditions. This everyday stuff is the thing children remember most as adults.
Do you have a great farmers’ market in your community? Tell us about it in the comments. And search here for a list of farmers’ markets in your area.
Check out some farms and farmers we love:
- White River Creamery | Elkins | goat cheese products
- Anglin Dairy Farm | Centerton | milk
- Natural State Flower Farm | Huntsville | flowers
- KT Produce | Lowell | vegetables and produce
- Dogwood Hills Guest Farm | Marshall | livestock
- Grass Roots Farmers’ Cooperative | several farms across AR | monthly protein box subscription
- Bell Urban Farm | Conway | fresh floral bouquets and market
- Jidonia Farms | Mayflower | beef
- Forevermost Farms | Red Bud | chickens, turkeys, pigs
- Red Roof Cheese Company | Damascus | raw jersey milk cheese
- Serenity Farm Bread | Leslie | bread loaves and pastries
- Ralston Family Farms | Atkins | rice
- Curve Market | Scott | produce, jarred and pickled goods, plans
- Me & McGhee Market | N. Little Rock | collection of jarred goods and produce
- Wye Mountain Mushroom Farm | Wye Mountain | mushrooms
- North Main Farms and Flower and Fiddle | Searcy | florals
- The Crow’s Nest Farms | Paragould | Christmas Trees
Cover image courtesy of Main Street Searcy Farmers’ Market.
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[…] This park, near Bentonville square, is an easy walk over from the farmers’ market. […]
[…] The healthy candy saw some success with placement in 250 Walmart stores, but the face-to-face farmer’s market consumer just couldn’t get over the word […]
[…] could use English cucumbers for this recipe which are popping up at many Arkansas Farmer’s Markets. Or have you heard of the Arkansas Little Leaf Cucumber? Developed by the University of Arkansas, […]
[…] Lawson made her first concoction on her stovetop and served lavender lattes and lemonade at the farmers market on the weekend. It was 2012, long before it felt normal to put herbs in everyday beverages beyond a nightclub cocktail. As word spread about the flavor and taste, she saw her first success with 20 and 30 people standing in line on a Saturday morning at the farmer’s market. […]