Tripping Locally – Farmers Market
As we are gearing up for our last summer trip, an upcoming birthday party, and the beginning of school, no day trips (or “special days” as they are called around here) have been in the works lately. Amy and the Q Family, who have been doing backyard camping, have inspired me to talk more about our local adventures.
I am lucky to live in a town that that is both small enough to be missed on most travel destinations, yet big enough to have lots of local gems for kids. One town feature worth bragging about is our farmer’s market. Two days of the week, Saturday morning and Wednesday afternoon, a large downtown park lines its walkways with local farmers, artists, non-profit agencies, local politicians, and even animal shelter representatives (the four-legged kind).
When they were younger, I often took my kids to our farmers market even if our fridge was full, just to snack on some kettle corn and listen to whatever musical group happened to come out and play that day. The hustle and bustle of merchants and the smells of fresh fruits and vegetables proved a dependable distraction. If not, the sounds of the musicians spaced throughout the market gave the kids pause, no matter how fussy.
Now the kids have grown beyond babyhood we aren’t looking so much for eye candy. As a toddler boy and (almost) school aged boy, their needs are to run around in circles as fast as possible. Still our farmers market comes through. Since it is located at a park, there are lots of kids and play areas around and a big square of grass in the middle. Often on Wednesday evenings vendors set up bounce houses, pony rides, and even a rock climbing wall you can try (for a small fee). Also on Wed evenings, organizers of the market have booked local bands to play. Sometimes packs of kids gravitate to the area right near the band and form a mosh pit of 3-year olds, jumping and spinning to a beat. (Could be the band’s beat or one in their head, who knows!)
Bottom line, regardless of whether you decide to pick up your groceries here or not, the farmers market can be a great day out. Even if your city doesn’t turn farmers market days into an event as our city does, most offer unique vendors not to mention free samples everywhere. Follow this link if you aren’t sure where to find one in your area.
For more fun travel photos, see the Photo Friday gallery at delicious baby!
Yes! I LOVE the farmer’s market. So many good eats and great stimulation for young kids (and adults.)
A lot of people who have never been, probably don’t realize it’s not just about herbs and green beans.
A family could easily kill a morning there.
I love farmers markets both because they support the locals and because it’s a literal feast for the eyes (and stomach). Though they are pretty much year-round here in Seattle, they are far more fun in the summer!
We have a couple of farmer’s markets here and we need to go visit them. Thanks for the reminder. Looks like a fun place!
Like Amy, I really like Farmers Markets because of the food, variety and sometimes being able to sample the goodies. Those grapes are making me hungry though.
Guatemala is full of them!!! This has to be my favorite thing to do. We usually go on Market days, when it’s 100x more insane than on normal days, but it’s such a thrill!
So nice to appreciate the best from the place you live
I love to find farmer’s markets both at home and when we travel. They are great for the kids and are so bright and colorful!
I love farmer market but I also love to sleep in. So I’m so bad that I don’t think my kids have experience this great local event yet. Maybe one of these days.