Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

All through the winter, area farmers tailgate markets are full of provisions from vegetables to meats, fruits to cheese, bread to eggs, and everything in between. Through the month of December, in addition to all the great food there are even MORE craft and gift vendors than throughout the rest of the year, so that you can do your holiday shopping while you buy your groceries!

In these weeks leading up to the holidays, we’re highlighting a range of gift ideas to be found at markets, but there are only so many we can cite — be sure to visit them yourself, and see what you can discover!
Holiday decorations: Wreaths are a beautiful, botanical way to decorate your home for the season, as well as a way to support local farmers’ endeavors that aren’t edible.
Crafts: Locally-made body products are a delightful and thoughtful gift. For friends and family that want (or need) to relax more, bath soaks or aromatherapy salts might be perfect. Or perhaps a soothing salve to go in an all-natural first aid kit for the safety-oriented people in your life.
Agritourism opportunities: Gifts don’t have to be physical items. Throughout the growing season, many farmers host on-farm dinners, often in collaboration with celebrated regional chefs. Some farms are offering tickets now to give as gifts. Ask farms at markets if they have agritourism opportunities you can purchase tickets to such as farm dinners or other activities.
Value-added/ shelf-stable foods: No gifts are sweeter than honey and sorghum. For that someone special with a big sweettooth, local sweeteners can be magical.
Gift certificates: Farmers market tokens or gift certificates for markets as stocking stuffers – give your loved ones the gift of choosing their own local present this year.
Farmers markets shift this time of year to holiday schedules, closings, moving inside, changing hours, and in some cases changing names or adding more gift-oriented vendors. To find out about your neighborhood farmers market, visit ASAP’s online Local Food Guide, or you can check out each market’s website, newsletter, or social media pages for updates. You can certainly always find produce farmers and other food vendors to fulfill your grocery needs in addition to keeping an eye out for great gifts.
Area farmers tailgate markets take place throughout the region. As always, you can find information about farms, tailgate markets, and farm stands, including locations and hours, by visiting ASAP’s online Local Food Guide.

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