One of my favorite things about the summer season is shopping at the local farmer’s markets. There is something to be said about locally sourced food and the experience itself. I like to wake up early, head down to the market, stop at my favorite pop up café and then scope out the scene before I start 
shopping. Speaking of scoping out the scene, that’s one of the eight pieces of advice I am going to elaborate on in today’s post. While wandering aimlessly around the farmer’s market is enjoyable, it can help to go in with a plan. Here are my top eight tips (in no particular order) for an optimal summer market experience.
- Research Ahead of Time
There is nothing worse than heading to the market super excited to buy something only to find out that it isn’t available. I’ve done this before. I was looking forward to candy like strawberries only to realize they weren’t in season. Total bummer. Be sure that you know what is in season in your area so you don’t plan recipes using something that you can’t get. Also, remember that you may not be able to get your entire grocery list from the market. You’ll likely have to head to your favorite store as well.
- Scope the Scene
I like to take a lap before I start shopping. You’ll find that some vendors will have similar offerings. Compare quality and price before you start making any purchases. Plus, lots of places will offer free samples and who doesn’t love free samples? During your lap, it’s important that you stop by the market information tent as well. They’ll be able to tell you if there are any irregular vendors who won’t be around every week which will allow you to take advantage of the times they are there.
- Bring Cash
In today’s world, you’ll be surprised at how many market vendors actually can take credit or debit cards. But you certainly don’t want to risk it. In many markets, you won’t find an ATM and how frustrating would it be to show up, grab a bunch of amazing stuff, and then have to put it all back and leave empty handed? Smaller bills are better too, especially if you show up early (which I also recommend).
- Bring Bags
Depending on the vendor, you may or may not have access to plastic bags. I recommend bringing reusable bags or a basket. I actually bought my favorite shopping basket AT the farmer’s market last summer. Nothing feels more like summer than carrying around fresh fruit, veggies, and flowers in a handmade basket. Also, if you’re planning on buying meat, fish, or dairy, it may be a good idea to bring a cooler bag.
- Get to Know Your Favorite Vendors
This is your community after all! Get to know the farmers and artisans running stands at the market. Wouldn’t you love it if people shared what amazing things they did or created with something that you worked really hard to make? Form relationships with vendors, especially those that you plan on shopping with regularly. Remember how I said that I always swing by my favorite pop up coffee stand as soon as I get to my local market? Well at this point, I know everyone that works there by name and vice versa. I’m even spoiled with tastes of new offerings and every now and then a free cup of coffee. If you have a specific recipe that you have in mind for an ingredient you’re purchasing, let the farmer know because they will likely have some great tips on how to prep that specific ingredient.
- Don’t Bargain
Your local farmer’s market is not full of illegal street vendors. Prices are non-negotiable and honestly, they’re already going to be pretty low compared to a major grocery store Contrary to popular belief, leftover product will not go to waste. Many markets deliver leftovers to the local food bank or use leftovers to feed animals on the farm.
- Be Open Minded
You’ll likely come across some stuff that you’ve never tried before – I know I have. That doesn’t mean you should avoid it! Ask questions and step out of your comfort zone. You may even find a new favorite.
- Get Social
While I think it’s really important to be present and stay off your phone while actually browsing, I also think it’s a good move to follow your market on social media (if applicable). You’d be surprised at how many markets create Facebook pages or Instagram accounts to let shoppers know who will be around each week as well as any special events or changes. For example, there’s a market down here in Saint Pete that does what they call “Sausage Saturdays,” and each weekend, a new sausage dish is created and revealed on Instagram. It’s definitely gotten me up and moving many times!
Summer is finally here and weekend mornings at the farmer’s market are definitely one of the best things about the season. I know you’ll have a wonderful experience no matter what but I think that these eight tips will help you take that experience to the next level.
Rebecca McKinney
I wanted to create this blog for a few reasons. First and foremost, to share tips, tricks, and knowledge about the food and beverage industry in general but also to help people see a different side of the restaurant world. Every restaurant has a totally unique culture and world within it. I want to help open people’s eyes to more than how fast the service is or how easy or hard it is to secure a reservation.
So, thanks for stopping by! I welcome your ideas, input, and feedback and hope you enjoy!
Eat well & travel often,
Becky McKinney
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