A visit to a local farmers market is a fun way to spend a morning with the family, friends or a date. With a wide variety of food and beverages, artisan products, handmade items, clothing and pet treats and supplies, there is usually a little something for everyone at the farmers market. When planning a trip to the market, it’s important to be prepared. Sphinx Date Co. offers some quick tips to ensure a successful trip to the farmer’s market.
Packing a pet? For those fluffy family members, the farmers market can be a great place to meet other four-legged friends, sniff around and hopefully snag a treat or two. But before heading out with Fido, check the market’s policy/FAQ page to make sure they are pet friendly. Generally dogs should have good social behavior and be leashed at any market. Even if pets can’t make the trip, it’s likely there will be something there to bring home... in a doggy bag, perhaps?
Bring a bag. Speaking of bags, it’s always a good idea to come equipped with reusable bags, a tote or even a backpack to carry out goods. Local farmers markets are often chock full of vendors featuring local produce, dairy, meat, breads and more. With so much good stuff, who needs the grocery store? But without carts, having some way to tote your goods is helpful. As the weather heats up, cooler bags are ideal for perishables.
Come hungry. Farmers markets aren’t just packed with produce and packaged items for the pantry and fridge. They are generally a good place to check out hot local food trucks and other vendors that have food ready to serve. Whether coming for a breakfast burrito and a scratch-made cold brew or grabbing a lobster roll and a giant lemonade, farmers markets are just as much about eating there as they are about getting some groceries to go. Many vendors offer free samples of their goodies too!
Check their hours. As the seasons change, so do the hours of local farmers markets. Some get started quite early in the hotter months and close up earlier while they may stay open later into the afternoon in the autumn or winter. Be sure to check the website or Facebook page of the market before making a trip.
Consider gifts. Beyond groceries and food, farmers markets are treasure troves of local artisan items from handmade soaps and lotions to jewelry, baby blankets and clothing and so much more. When perusing the booths, keep loved one’s birthdays and holidays in mind. The farmers market is the perfect place to find a unique, locally made gift that a friend or family member can cherish for years. Of course, it’s not a bad idea to bring a little something home for oneself either!
There are a host of farmers markets taking place all around the valley and each has unique businesses that thrive on local support. Sphinx Date Co. Palm & Pantry serves much like a mini farmers market — stocking the shelves with local gifts and items from Arizona-grown pistachios and dates to salsas, sweet treats and more. Stop in anytime to say hello and pick up some great homemade Arizona products!
