You must admit that children are the best at creative feats. So, why not take your kids with you to the market to have their faces painted, splash in the waterparks and get in on some hands-on crafts? Many open-air markets have more than just vendors. They often include live music which will only add to the energy that kids already exude.
Take for instance the Farmers Market in Vernon, B.C., they send the market outside from late April through October. Every Monday and Thursday over 100 growers and artisans offer everything from fresh baking to that farm fresh Okanagan fruit as it ripens throughout the summer. Learn more here.
Specialty markets
Don’t forget about the markets where professionals shop! Chefs, artisans and farmers often find their own inspiration from farmer’s markets. The melding of those great minds is awesome. Get in on some conversations and learn from the pros. Many specialty markets also have off-the-cuff vendors that you might not see at ‘regular’ markets, or vendors that bring along unique produce and arts. Try Vancouver’s Main Street Station Farmers Market.
If you are in Medicine Hat, every Thursday from 4:30 – 8:30 pm from May through August stop in and grab a bite to eat while picking up fresh produce for the weekend. There’s even a cash bar and live music to kick-off your weekend in style. Find out more about Medicine Hat.
Large Markets
Several outdoor markets also span across a large area – take Saturdays in Penticton, for example, where two farmer’s markets collaborate to cover four city blocks! You can get your exercise in while shopping for neat gifts and finding creative stimulation.
Whatever your tastes, farmers markets are great places to sample, excite your senses with colour and aroma and learn something new while conversing with the producers. Not only will you come away with fresh and organic food, you’ll come away with inspirational ideas on how to use them.