In my opinion, the author of today’s guest post did just that! I remember first discovering Brittany’s blog Eating Bird Food when I saw her comment on another blog. I thought the name of her blog was adorable and just had to see what her blog was all about.
I’m so glad I clicked over because her blog is such a fun place full of beautiful photography and delicious, healthy recipes.
I hope you enjoy her guest post!
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Guest Post: Eating Bird Food
Hi, I’m Brittany from over at Eating Bird Food!
I’m honored to be guest posting for Julie as I’ve been a PB Fingers reader for quite some time now. Julie’s ability to work a full-time job and have the energy to blog as much as she does is truly inspiring and I’m always smiling by the time I finish reading her posts.
So while Julie’s traveling through Europe with her fam and finding a good deal on Longchamp bag, I have the pleasure of providing a fun little guest post for you.
Spring has officially sprung! This means farmers markets are in full force. My Saturday ritual of working out early and hitting up the farmers market for goodies is about to begin.
I love shopping at my local farmers markets, however I can see how it could be a little overwhelming for those who have never been before…
Here are my top 10 tips for those new to the farmers market scene.
1. Arrive earlier rather than later. Popular items tend to sell out fast so head to the market early – you’ll beat the crowd and get the best selection.
2. Bring a reusable bag (or 2) and stash some cash $. We live in a credit card world, but some vendors only accept cash. 
(http://www.eatingbirdfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Produce-Stand.jpg)
3. It’s fun to come hungry – often times farmers markets have coffee, food trucks and samples. If you come hungry you’ll be more likely to try something new.
4. Talk to the vendors/farmers – how is their produce grown, what’s the best way to cook a particular item? They might even have recipes available to share.
5. Try at least one “new-to-you” item. Farmers markets have some obscure items that you might not know what to do with. Pick one out, ask the farmer about it and then research recipes online. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite fruit/veggie.
6. Go beyond the produce. One of my favorite items to buy at the farmers market is flowers but you’ll also find meats, eggs and dairy. The best part is that they’re usually from local, eco-friendly farms.
7. Most markets also sell crafts and baked goods. Handmade artwork, jewelry, candles and sweets make great gifts!
8. Shop around before deciding to buy. Nothing is worse than buying produce at one stand and finding the same item is cheaper and looks better from a vendor 2 booths down.
9. Bring a list with a few ideas of what veggies you need/want, but also be willing to comprise once you see what vegetables are available and look the best that week.
10. Make a date of it! Go with your hubby/boyfriend/best friend and enjoy yourself. It’s fun just to walk around and take in all the sights.
Questions from Brittany
- Do you shop at farmers markets?
- Do you have any tips for newbies?
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I love our Farmer’s Market — and you are so right, there is so much more than produce — I love the craft booths so much. And the vendors are always so excited to talk about their products!
Love the tips Brittany!
I actually worked as an intern for our county’s farmer’s markets one summer and learned a WHOLE LOT.
I was surprised that the prices we’re always great – for some reason I thought buying locally would mean saving money. But the cost of fresh, ripe produce is definitely worth it!
What a fun internship Claire. That’s awesome!
Wow Britt, these photos are gorgeous!! I love the farmers’ markets in my area and it’s just warm enough now to go and shop at them while soaking up some sun at the same time. I tend to buy as much of my produce there as possible, then get everything else from my regular grocery store. I agree – it’s fun to go hungry and taste all the samples!
Farmers Markets are so happy and nice.
I love getting sweet corn when it’s in season.
I love Framers Markets in NYC. They’re so much more reasonable than grocery store prices. Because the Farmers Market in Union Square is so big, I usually do a lap before I buy anything 🙂
I went to the Union Square market while I was in NYC in February and loved it! I got a vegan carrot raisin cookie that was amazing. 🙂
I love farmers markets! There are quite a few where I live. Thank you for the tips!!
Love this post! I have only been to the farmer’s market a few times, and I have no idea what to buy. This helps!
Great post! Sadly, here in Montana our FM doesn’t open until mid July!!
Thanks for the tips.. I am excited for the Farmer’s Markets to open up around here. I have never been! But my new healthy/clean eating has me itching to go!
I love this post! =D
Great tips! I love farmer’s markets for veggies that I know are fresh and local. My favorites are small farmer’s stands on the side of the road though, and there’s one near my family’s lake cabin that’s run by the cutest old man ever. He’s there half the time, and the rest of the time, it’s by the honor system.
From where I come from, farmer markets are way more popular than groceries stores or malls. So I just can t imagine my life without going at least 2 days a week at a farmer market.
My best tip? Bargain. ALL THE TIME. At least that s what my hubs does and It works every time. He has a way of asking, then pretend that he s going to walk away after hearing the price. The vendor will down the price and my husband will return to buy.
Great tips for a successful farmer’s market voyage! I go to the one in Des Moines every week during the summer. My plan of attack is usually to go hungry, grab an iced coffee and wander around until something catches my eye for brunch! Usually that means fresh made Salvadorian pupusas or a lemon currant scone from my favorite bakery!
I haven’t been to the markets in Richmond yet, but I always loved going back in Michigan. I’m hoping to check them out this weekend if the rain stays away. I love to sample all the different treats!
Definitely check them out – I have a list of some good ones on my blog.
Great tips! I went to our local farmer’s market for the first time last weekend. I was happy about the produce, but I was super excited about the pork I got – cage-pigs roaming on pastures w/o pesticides. Woohoo!
I appreciate the tips! I have an amazing farmers market in Union Square in NYC and reading this has inspired me to go check it out today. I will have to remember to bring my reusable bags 🙂
SO funny that you post this because I just made a date with a friend to visit our local Farmers Market this weekend!! I’m so excited because I’ve never been to one before. These are great tips and I think I feel a little more confident now in going! Thanks so much!!
Yay! Have fun Joanna.
Great tips! I love shopping at Farmers Markets! The produce and other yummy goods are infinitely fresher and tastier!
I wish I went to farmer’s markets more often, they’re so fun and full of such great finds! Looks like your market is awesome!
the farmer’s markets are definitely starting to pop up in new york city so these are fantastic tips 😀 I always forget to bring my reusable bags!!
I LOVE going to the farmer’s market. we have several in SC, but the downtown one started last weekend and that’s the one with all of the fun home made stuff. i personally like the home made soap!
Me and my boyfriend love shopping at our local farmers market, it is out fave thing to do on a Sunday morning 🙂
I love going to the Farmer’s Market. Such a great way to spend a Saturday morning! I can’t wait for it to open here!
I go to the Farmer’s Market all the time! It is actually a little Saturday morning ritual that my mother and I have. 🙂
I LOVE farmer’s markets!! I’ve definitely made the mistake of buying the first thing I see, and then seeing a riper, more colorful, cheaper one a few stands down. DOH!
Another tip or two: if eating locally and organically is important to you, ask the vendor how the produce is grown. The local thing sounds like a given at a local farmer’s market but there’s a farmers market in Charlotte that sales bananas and oranges, which is definitely not local and it makes me question there other produce. It’s also important to ask about any animal products your purchase if you prefer free-range/organic/grass-fed/humanely raised products. Don’t be afraid to ask! Thanks for a great post. Your farmer’s market looks amazing. 🙂
Great tips Kelly! I wish these all these photos were from my local market. They’re actually from a combination of markets I’ve visited- Hollywood farmers market in LA, the San Fransisco Ferry building market and local Richmond markets. 🙂
i can’t wait to use these tips when my boyfriend and i go to a farmers market this weekend!
Thank you so much for opportunity to guest post Julie!!
If you’re unsure about an item, ask if they have a sample. Farmers are usually more than willing to let you try their produce before buying.
These are suuuuch great tips! I always do a lap around the market before I buy…. kind of follows the approach for eating at a buffet!!!
Love the tips. I LOVE farmers markets but often get intimidated when I cant figure out what to do.
Are all prices set or could you bargain on the prices?
I love heading to the Farmer’s Market. Our town’s market is quite small compared to most but worth the visit. This weekend I bought eggplant for the first time and made eggplant lasagna. It was so good! My husband and I both had seconds and then the next day I took the leftovers and had a picnic in the park with my Mom. Great times and making memories. <3
~Kari
kariburghardt.blogspot.com
Great tips! I love going to the farmers markets!:)