Saturday, April 16 at 6:00a sharp, I joined my fellow hippies-at-heart in celebrating the return of the outdoor Dane County Farmers Market, described as "the country's largest producer-only farmers market in the country." Vendors' tables and wares gleamed in what seemed like the first rays of sunlight we've seen in the upper Midwest since last autumn.
tips and techniques
- Get there early to get the best parking, selection of goods, taste-tests, and customer service
- Bring cash and/or plan to use the ATMs located around the square
- Counterclockwise. That is all.
- Take a lap before committing to a purchase; about half of the vendors sell identical goods (like a pound of spinach) and you might as well buy from the one closest to your car
- Ask the vendor's permission before taking a photograph
I spent $10 on a pint of grape tomatoes, a loaf of semolina bread, and an organic raspberry-and-oats breakfast bar, and nearly all of my time taking photos and chatting with my neighbors.
Get up early and take your pick of parking spots.
Looking northwest on Fairchild
This early in the season, many vendors have staked their claim on a slab of sidewalk by offering preserves.
On W Main between Hamilton and MLK
Bringing new meaning to the term "grilled cheese." Bread is for suckas.
At Main and MLK
Hi Frank! (That's of the Almighty Lloyd-Joneses to you fellow architecture geeks.)
On Main looking south along MLK
These little babies sent out a scent that traveled nearly a block away.
On E Main between MLK and King St
Meet Dale Marsden, of Marsden's Pure Honey. He might have the sunniest smile on the Square.
On E Main at MLK
The fine folks at Silly Yak create Madison's tastiest semolina bread.
He kindly tidied the tea towel and removed the glass dome to make this delicious product extra-photogenic.
On E Main between MLK and King St
Tulips peek through the soil.
At E Main and Pinckney
My camera didn't do justice to the intense red of these hothouse tomatoes.
On S Pinckney between E Wash and King St
Meet Lori, of Chris and Lori's Bakehouse, whose talented hands created both
these adorable Easter cookies(above)
and the healthy and filling raspberry breakfast bar I enjoyed (below).
On Pinckney and E Wash
Proof that the sun shines on the Sconnie Nation.
Political commentary: THIS IS WHAT $750,000 IN DAMAGE LOOKS LIKE...?
On E Mifflin
Music to my... eyes.
Terry and Julie of Allen Creek Trout have brought their amazing product to DCFM for 25+ years.
I broke farmers market cardinal rule #1 and ran out of cash before getting this far.
Trust me, I shall not make that mistake twice.
I will only tell you where to find Terry and Julie because I know I'll get there first.
At W Mifflin and Wisconsin Ave
Pause with the other gawkers to enjoy the live entertainment.
This guy jams out to classic rock, seemingly unaware of his audience.
I suggest he sell advertising space on the side of his SUV.
On N Carroll between W Wash and Mifflin
Lake Monona, our own little inland ocean, spruced herself up for this pic.
On John Nolen
Thanks for the tour Siobhan! Really do you have to get there at 6 to find a parking spot though???
ReplyDeleteMan do I miss the Farmers Market!!!! In all the places I have lived, Madison has had the best Farmers market ;o)
ReplyDelete@Anonymous, you certainly don't have to get there so early to find a parking spot. Vendors are up and running by 6:00a. Madison public parking ramps offer free or cheap spaces on the weekends and there's ample street parking available.
ReplyDeleteTo avoid the crowds, you'll probably be in and out of the market before 9:00a. To see and be seen, aim for the after-brunch set closer to 11:00a.
@Heather, Madison's farmers market is definitely among the best. It misses you too!
ReplyDelete