6 Reasons to Visit a Farmers Market This Fall
As the cold rolls into town and the “Seattle freeze,” starts to seem more applicable to the weather than the people, many Seattleites start to migrate indoors and attempt to keep warm. But no one can stay inside forever, and a farmers market is worth embracing the gray weather for.
- Pick up fresh, delicious produce
All of the produce at the farmers markets comes directly from Washington farms and vendors each week. The farthest they travel from is Eastern Washington, so everything you pick up is guaranteed to be fresh. Being fresh and in season means that the veggies are packed with extra flavor that you can’t find at a grocery store.
- Find shorter lines
The farmers markets are bustling all summer long, but the lines get shorter as the days get shorter too. The fall is your chance to try the vendors who were always sold out on your summer visits. As long as you dress warmly, the crisp fresh air is a pro and not a con of the fall markets.
- Grab some great gifts
Our markets are farm and food only, but there is still a wide range of shelf-stable goodies that make great gifts or stocking stuffers. Honey, hard cider, oils, cured meats, and more makes the market a great place to stop for your holiday shopping.
- Talk to a farmer
Shopping at a farmers market gives you the unique opportunity to ask questions about the food that you’re eating. You can chat about growing practices, what’s in season, what’s coming or going in the next few weeks. You can even ask your farmer their favorite way to prepare the produce.
- Discover something new
Many local farmers bring goodies to the markets that you can’t find in a grocery store. Have you ever heard of paw paws? Or ground cherries? Or hardy kiwis? Take a walk through the booths and try to pick up something you’ve never seen before. You might just discover a new favorite!
- Engage with your community
From buskers to community groups, the farmers markets are home to more than just farmers. Just taking a stroll through the market is a great way to get to know your neighborhood. The markets showcase the people and produce that make Washington so special.
To plan your next market visit, check out SeattleFarmersMarkets.org
