Shop Local / Eat Local: Farmers' Markets

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. 

I got new kicks.

This past weekend I decided to go get new running shoes. It was one of those perfect days. The fall weather had hit, we ate breakfast at a great place called Eggcetera, went to the farmers and art market, did some shopping, etc.

I’m testing my endurance and entering a race this coming weekend. Not just any race, an adventure race, called the Wakarusa Off-Road Challenge. 

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The challenge involves 6+ miles of running, 17+ miles of mountain biking and 4+ miles of paddling. This is why I needed new shoes. 

There is a local running store located in downtown Wichita, called First Gear. They have this 'mind-reading-shoe-wizard' who can tell you exactly what type of running shoe you need based on how you walk. I also got a camelback for the race, on ebay. 

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If you need some new pumped up kicks, head to First Gear in downtown Wichita. I’ll let you know how the race goes, that is if I can feel my legs. 

Go local at the Farmers' Market

Wichita has great sources for locally grown goods. We visit the Farmer's Markets quite often for farm fresh eggs, herbs, squash, tomatoes, and my wife loves the flowers. 

Three Fresh Tips: 
1. Buying honey from the region you live in is best controlling allergy problems you might have. 
2. If you eat the brown farm fresh eggs, Farmers say its best in keeping your cholesterol down.
3. The color of the egg is based on the color of the earlobe on the chicken. Weird, but true. 


See the varieties below of Farmer's Markets we have here in Wichita.  


Kansas Grown Farmers Market (West, East, and Derby locations) 
Kansas Grown has three locations: Derby, East and West side. The West side location is probably the largest. See the photos below and check out their website for locations and times.