Farmers’ Market frenzy

When you live in the Valley of the Sun January-April is a glorious time. Not only is the temperature near-perfect but it’s Farmers’ Market season. No matter where you live in the Valley, chances are you are not too far from a market at least one day of the week.

Peppers for purchase in Glendale.

One market that I frequent is the Twilight Farmers’ Marketat the Citadelle Plaza in Glendale. This market held every Wednesday evening hosts anywhere
from 10-20 vendors. There is also a range of shops and dining options in the same plaza.

Another market that just started up at the end of January combines local growers and producers with local artists. The Peoria Farmers Market & Sunday Arts Stroll is the best of a farmers’ market and an art show. I plan on visiting this one on an upcoming Sunday.

You can find beautiful flowers at Roadrunner Park.

One of my all-time favorite farmers’ markets can be found every Saturday at Roadrunner Park in Phoenix. They have been connecting local vendors with the community since 1990. There is always a great variety of produce, flowers, honey, baked goods and other treasures to pick from. The park also has a great playground and a lake where you can feed the ducks.

Another market that has been around for a while is located on Center Street near downtown Mesa. After you spend the morning perusing seasonal produce and artisan breads, you can spend the afternoon in downtown Mesa at one of the fabulous museums or take in a play at the Mesa Arts Center.

Produce isn't the only treasure you will find in downtown Mesa.

If you are near downtown Scottsdale, you will find the Old Town Farmers’ Market every Saturday. They offer a wide variety of organic and pesticide-free produce. Then you can take your foodie treasures and have a picnic at Civic Center Mall.

These are just a few of the many farmers’ markets that can be found throughout the Valley. The Arizona Community Farmers Markets has an extensive list with locations and times as does the Arizona Farm Bureau. Shopping at a local farmers’ market is good for the growers and producers in the area and it is a great way to teach kids about where their veggies come from. Mine has actually been known to try a new vegetable because they picked it out themselves and met the farmer that grew it!