Why you should go to the farmer’s market downtown

At 100 Water St. on Saturdays. April-October 7:00-12:00pm, November-December 8:00-1:00pm.

There are many good things about coming back to Charlottesville after a long summer break. You get to see all of your friends again, start new classes and, most importantly, go back to the downtown farmer’s market. For those of you who don’t know why the market is so great, or by some chance have forgotten the magic that is the downtown farmer’s market, let me enlighten you.

Fresh Local Produce

Sure you can go to the grocery store and buy a head of lettuce, or a basket of strawberries, but you can do that all year round. When you buy produce at the farmer’s market you are supporting your local farmers and getting the freshest quality produce of the season. You don’t have to worry about buying produce that has been flown in from another country or state because it was grown just down the road. You have the freshest produce at your fingertips and for a cheaper price too!

Homemade Baked Goods

There are a few things that you truly miss when you go away for college, and fresh homemade baked goods are definitely high on the list. When you buy a pie from the vendors at the market you are not only helping people in your community, but you are also getting a piece of home without all of the work. The pies are made from fresh produce so the flavors change with the passing seasons. One thing is for sure though, no matter what season you buy a pie in, it will always taste delicious.

Flowers

I am not one who spends money on flowers. I love to admire them but am never willing to fork over the money. But when you go to the farmer’s market you can’t help but change your mind when you see the bouquets. All of the arrangements are put together every morning just in time for the market. Each bouquet is unique and makes a perfect addition to any space. The best thing about getting your flowers at the market is they are such a great deal! You can’t find them cheaper at grocery stores because these flowers are local and cut by the people who are selling them, not shipped to you in boxes.

Unique Gifts

Figuring out what type of gift to get someone is stressful. You want to get something unique but personal and sometimes you just cannot find that at a chain store. At the market you can find all sorts of small businesses that are making everything from handcrafted jewelry to purses and license decorations. There is no end to the type of unique gifts you can find here. Whatever you decide on you can rest assured it is a one-of-a-kind you won’t find anywhere else.

FOOD, FOOD and more FOOD

The only thing that drags me out of bed early on a Saturday morning is the promise of good food. The main draw for me is the endless choices of things to eat when you go to the market. There is everything from breakfast tacos to fresh French croissants. No matter what you choose you are sure to be feeling like you just bit into a little bit of heaven.

Free Samples

The vendors are so nice and love talking to their customers. Because there are so many food vendors, everyone needs to find a way to stand out and some do that with free samples. As a college kid there is nothing that gets me as excited as when I hear the words “Free” and “Samples” put together. The vendors want you to buy their items, so for jams, chips and honey you might just get to try them before you make the commitment. Just don’t be afraid to ask!

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