10 Reasons to Visit the Farmer's Market | Boone, NC


Bucket of Sunflowers @ the Farmer's Market


This is such an exciting time of the year for me because I've been waiting months for the growing season to begin again. I'll admit that my household's healthy eating habits have been in decline since winter began. There's really no excuse either. It's not like we can't go and buy veggies at the grocery store, but it's just not the same. The quality is far less superior than what we can obtain directly from the local farmers in our town. You'd be surprised by the noticeable difference.

Last week I talked about “Celebrating Spring” and how I plan on getting outside and taking photographs of some of my favorite subjects, flowers. Over the past week, I have been doing just that. However, I celebrated spring in a different way recently by heading to the opening weekend of the Watauga County Farmer's Market here in Boone, NC. Judging by the amount of other shoppers shuffling around the stalls, they really missed the weekly market, too! 


Cherry Tomatoes @ the Farmer's Market


{10 Reasons to Visit the Farmer's Market}

  1. Support the Local Economy – Investing your dollars back into the community by shopping at the Farmer's Market helps to keep small farms thriving while also supporting sustainable growing practices.

  2. Get to Know your Farmer – Having the ability to cultivate a relationship with our local growers is an opportunity that I relish. I feel a deeper connection to the food that I am putting in my body as a result of the friendships we have forged. 

  3. Freshest Food Available – One of the greatest benefits to shopping at the farmer's market is having the ability to obtain fruits and vegetables that were picked just the day before or, in some cases, that same morning! The same surely can't be said for something shipped from California.


    Blueberries @ the Farmer's Market


  4. More Bang for your Buck – There are many misconceptions about how expensive produce from the Farmer's Market can be. In my experience, I have found that shopping at the local market is significantly cheaper than the grocery store. Buying directly from the farmer cuts out the middleman (putting money straight into their pockets) and it also eliminates additional expenses incurred from shipping items from miles away.

  5. Organic Options a Plenty – Organic is not a gimmick for farmers who genuinely care about the environment and are aware of how harmful pesticides can be to it and our bodies. Many of the growers at our farmers market don't chemically treat their crops and they've been doing it that way before eco-friendly became a buzz word. Just be sure to clarify before assuming they organically grow their crops.


    Blue Potatoes @ the Farmer's Market


  6. Connecting with the Community – One of my favorite things about going to the farmer's market is the chance to see some friendly faces. There are many times when trips to the market will include more socializing than shopping! The Watauga County Farmer's Market has such a lively atmosphere, it's a great way to spend a Saturday morning regardless of whether or not you need to shop :D

  7. Better for the Environment – Shopping at the Farmer's Market will prevent you from purchasing items that have been shipped in from miles and miles away. It's more sustainable due to the fact that less resources are used, such as those required for packaging and fuel. Plain and simple, food that is grown in your community doesn't have to travel as far, which puts less stress on the environment.


    Avocados @ the Farmer's Market


  8. Try New Things – Seeing all of the bountiful baskets overflowing with fresh produce may be a great way to encourage you to eat more fruits and veggies. But it's also a good way to expand your culinary horizons, too. You're bound to find something you weren't familiar with that piques your interest. Don't be afraid to experiment with uncommon items!

  9. Reduce Supermarket Shopping – Going to the Farmer's Market can significantly reduce how often you venture to the grocery store, which can help save you money and assist you in making healthier choices as well. Grocery stores are filled with processed foods that aren't good for you, so it's better to avoid them as much as possible. 

  10. Much Much More – Along with fresh fruits and veggies, specialty items can be found at the Farmer's Market as well. You can find basket makers, flower growers, bakers, photographers, the best coffee in Boone, and a whole lot more!

There are so many great reasons to venture to your local Farmer's Market. It offers a unique shopping experience to say the least. I could probably keep going with this list if I thought about it long enough, but I'll stop here.


Do you go to the Farmer's Market? 
Please share your experience in the comments!


Want to know if there is a farmers market in your area? Go to localharvest.org and with a zip code entry, you will get a list of local farmers and other sustainably grown food vendors.



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    12 comments:

    1. I'm looking forward to ours starting up again. These are some great shots. I especially loved the blueberries in the containers with the sign. Happy WW!

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    2. I LOVE this post! Actually, I was preparing a tiny photo essay on the farmer's market of where I'm currently living in Switzerland. I go every saturday (even during winter!)

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    3. The Boone FM is one of my all time favorite places to be. Cruising around with coffee in hand and a bag full of goodies is guaranteed to make any Saturday better.

      This Saturday I am hoping to stock up on starter plants for our garden! Hooray!

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    4. We have a few options as far as farmers markets go, which adds a nice variety to what it available. I go as often as I can!

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    5. the only farmers market is a little place called charlie browns about 20 miles from here, and there produce is not the best, but one more reason to ready healthy, my husband went from junk, to good fruits and veggies, lost over 50 pounds...

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    6. Those are definitely the best reasons I've ever seen! ;)

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    7. @Alicia: Thank you! So glad ours is back, I missed it so.

      @Katerina: It'd be awesome if our farmer's market ran during the winter. I'd love to see this post when you complete it! Thank you :D

      @Andi: Bald Guy Brew is the first stop we make upon hitting the FM! Love those Bald Guy Elixir's! We've been planting our starters this week. Yay! for garden time :D

      @Patchie: There are a few other markets around where we live. I don't often visit any of those, but maybe I should?! Glad to hear you shop at the Farmer's Market :D

      @DDD: Fresh fruits and veggies is definitely the way to go! Too bad you don't have a better market to shop at. Maybe there are farmers in your area?

      @Stacy: Thanks for stopping by!

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    8. I am so excited to begin shopping at the market again. This Friday I'm heading to the downtown where a local farmer's market is...I get fresh honey, and homemade jam. Nothing beats summer for market shopping!
      xoxo

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    9. Seriously, your pictures are to die for. I want to hang that blueberry picture in my kitchen.

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    10. wonderful post. I have a long wait until any farmers markets are out by me in WI yet. I am already longing for fresh tomatoes! thanks for the link too, I hope I can find a big market with more things available. Happy WW! Faythe fromGMT

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    11. Farmers markets are grand, I love the photographs you captured there!

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    12. These are great photos! I love the blueberry pic.

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