I love the farmer's market!

I love the whole farmer's market experience, from the vendors selling locally grown produce and vegetables and handmade goods, to the diversity of people that visit the farmer's market. There is nothing like venturing out in the early morning on a beautiful spring day, driving, biking, or walking to the farmer's market, enjoying the light traffic flow and the birds singing their joyful songs. There is something peaceful about the whole experience to me and then once I get there, the hustle and bustle of the market is invigorating and stimulating to my heart and soul.

I always feel like I am in a foreign land or at least another state when I visit the farmer's market. The variety of languages spoken is so interesting and just draws me in every time. To me, diversity in life makes life more interesting, but unfortunately, I don't get to experience that on a daily basis, so that makes it even more exciting to visit the farmer's market.

If you've never been to the farmer's market, you really must try it sometime. Not only will you find a multitude of locally grown produce, but you will meet a ton of interesting people who come from all over your state as well as people who are originally from other countries. It's fascinating to talk with them about the goods they are selling, or the proper way to cook a Mexican, Asian or Indian dish. Though our market is pretty small in comparison to ones I've heard of in other states, I still feel blessed that we have one in our small city of Syracuse, NY.

Not only will you meet interesting people, but you will find top quality goods for less than you would pay at your local grocery store. You can usually hand pick the items that you want to buy and some vendors even offer free samples. And if you are lucky and they are not too busy to chat, you can discover all kinds of information about growing certain plants yourself as well as hidden secrets of the trade.

What I've found at the farmer's market:
1. All kinds of plants from annuals to perennials, shrubs and herbs.
2. Fresh veggies
3. Fresh fruits
4. Fresh Seafood
5. Handmade woven baskets
6. Local Beeswax, honey, and products made from both
7. Handmade soaps, lotions, and other beauty items
8. Fresh breads and other baked goods
9. Crafts of all types
10. Homemade foods and treats for your pets
11. Hand sewn items of all types
12. Imported items from Mexico, India, and other countries (not all were handmade)
13. Fresh eggs
14. Locally made cheeses
15. Local bison and other meats
16. Amish goods
17. Locally made wooden furniture
18. Organic fruits, vegetables and meats
19. Cooked foods to order
20. Beverages of all kinds (local wines, juices, etc)
21. Fresh and dried herbs and spices

I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but as you can see, it's not just for farmers anymore. Many people are taking advantage of the low booth rentals and the convenient location and selling their wares on the weekends.

So next time you need to shop for produce, or anything else, consider supporting your local economy and shop at the farmer's market, where the money you pay goes directly to local businesses.

Some tips on making your farmer's market experience a successful and pleasant one:
1. Bring small bills to pay for purchases, especially if you go early in the morning when vendors may not have a lot of change already. Many items are only a dollar or two and the vendors really appreciate small bills. Depending on what I plan to buy that day, I usually take at least $20 in small bills (10-1s and 2-5s).

2. Though I don't feel comfortable bargaining on small purchases, feel free to ask for a better price when buying in bulk, but please remember to be fair. Don't be insulting by offering too little and always be nice when asking. The worst they can say is no, and if you don't like it, then thank them and move on.

3. Bring your own bag or basket to carry your items in. Not only does this help the environment by recycling, but the vendors really appreciate not having to purchase so many bags. They are not cheap, let me tell you, and plastic bags are very harmful to wildlife and the environment. I purchased a collapsible basket from Amazon (made by Coleman) and I use it on days that I may be purchasing a lot of items or items that I don't want rolling around in a bag that could get damaged. I also use a canvas tote bag on days when I am not buying quite as much. By the way, I use this basket nearly everyday in most stores that I shop in and only plan to purchase a few items.

4. If you have never been to a farmer's market before, you may want to walk around the entire market before making a purchase. This way, you can see everyone's prices and get an idea of what is available if you are on a limited budget. Make notes of places you'd like to shop, then return to make your purchases. For example, we love blueberries and tried all the vendors at least once, but now only purchase from one vendor because he seems to have the freshest tastiest blueberries around and they are usually the same price as most of the other vendors.

5. Produce in season will cost less than produce that is not in season, so consider cooking with those items if you are on a tight budget.

6. Don't forget to ask questions if you are unsure how to cook or store an item that you purchased. You'll be surprised at what you will find.

7. Smile and say thank you to everyone you encounter or have a transaction with. The farmer's market is a wonderful place and I find I am naturally happier when I am there. Help make this a positive experience for everyone by smiling and saying thank you, even when you don't feel like it. You don't have to say another thing, but I will guarantee that you will feel better before your trip at the farmer's market is through.

Not sure where to find your farmer's market. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce. Check your local paper or even ask at the public library. Have a favorite nursery or farm stand nearby, ask them too...many times they may have a booth at the farmer's market also.