Kansas may be known for the wheat fields, but in Wichita there seems to be quite a market for fresh, locally grown produce of all kinds.
Enter our weekly parade of Farmers' Markets. They're the perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday morning, get a break from the evening commute with a stop and sample of a fresh peach, or just to people watch.
But let's be honest, if you come just to people watch, you know you're leaving with a loaf of fresh bread and maybe some preserves to go with it.
TUESDAY
On Tuesdays, you may not have to go any farther than the Green Acres Market parking lot to get your fresh produce and local goods fix.
The added perks to already being in the parking lot of a natural grocery store; live music out on the patio and their chefs grilling up gourmet burgers made from such novelties as bison meat and portobello mushrooms.
Kansas Grown Farmers' Market
Where:
21st and Rock Road
When:
Tuesdays, 3:00 to 6:30 p.m.
What:
This Kansas Grown Farmers' Market is located in the Green Acres Market parking lot. It may be small, but is worth the stop. You'll find between 10 to 12 vendors offering everything from fresh Kansas-grown peaches to Little Bits, "the top selling cookie in Wichita."
WEDNESDAY
I brake for old Volkswagen Bugs surrounded by tie-dye... yep, I said it.
Keep an eye out for Elderslie Farms next time you're at the Farmers' Market. Heading to their farms for their next berry "You-Pick" is definitely on my to-do list.
This chalkboard may look familiar... many local farmers will hit multiple Farmers' Markets in a week. Which means you can always track down your favorites.
Lincoln Heights Village Farm & Art Market
Where:
Douglas and Oliver
When:
Wednesdays, 7:00 to 11:00 a.m.
What:
This Farmers' Market is the perfect morning walk for those living in the College Hill and Crown Heights neighborhoods. Its located at the Lincoln Heights Village. What does that mean? Well, it means that if you can get away with it at all, you should probably just make a day of it and head into Watermark Books & Cafe after the market for some book browsing and lunch.
Normandie Center Farmers' Market
Where:
Central and Woodlawn
When:
Wednesdays, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
What:
This Farmers' Market, located in the Normandie Center parking lot is another perfect stop on your way home from work. Expect to easily find a parking spot, browse the six or seven tents quickly, and pick up something fresh, delicious and unexpected for dinner.
Delano Community Farmers' Market
Where:
200 S. Walnut
When:
Wednesdays, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
What:
What else would you expect from the self proclaimed trendy Delano District? Fresh produce, cool local artists and their work, and, of course, people watching. "Get Fresh" at the Delano Community Farmers' Market.
Kansas Grown Farmers' Market
Where:
21st and Ridge Road
When:
Wednesdays, 3:00 to 6:30 p.m.
What:
West-siders need some Farmers' Market love too! And man, do they have it. This Kansas Grown Farmers' Market in the Sedgwick Co. Extension Center parking lot is said to be the largest in Wichita. Wednesday may be a little slower than the Saturday market, but you have to have some fresh produce love to get you through the week.
SATURDAY
The Old Town Farmers' Market is the place to be on a Saturday morning!
With the hustle and bustle, food trucks, and handmade jewelry and pottery, some Farmers' Markets can feel more like a party than a day at the market.
Where:
First and Mosley
When:
Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. to noon
What:
Stop off for a cup of coffee first because you are going to need it. You thought Old Town was crowded on Saturday night? Check it out in the morning at the Old Town Farmers' Market. It is the place to be. I recommend picking up some homemade pasta, jamming to the live music, and grabbing a bouquet of flowers for someone special in your life.
Kansas Grown Farmers' Market
Where:
21st and Ridge Road
When:
Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. to noon
What:I said it before, West-siders may not have quite as many Farmers' Markets to choose from as those on the East-side, but they've got the big one. If you are an early riser and can pace yourself, you may just be lucky enough to hit the Kansas Grown Farmers' Market and still make it to Old Town too. But like I said, pace yourself.
What Farmers' Markets are your favorites? What about vendors? Do you have any tips and tricks for shopping Farmers' Markets? Let me know in the comment section below.
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