Farmers' markets are a great way to spend an afternoon and also offer access to locally-grown produce, arts and crafts and live entertainment. Here in Denver we are fortunate to have multiple farmers' markets throughout the metro area. Following is a list of farmers' markets where you can get out and mingle with the locals, spend time with family and friends and get to know your local vendors. So get out there this Spring and Summer and explore what lies beyond your grocer's aisles. More information can be found at www.denver.org/what-to-do/museum-art/denver-farmers-markets.
Cherry Creek Fresh Market
When: Saturdays, May 1 October 30, 8 a.m. 1 p.m.,
Wednesdays, June 16 September 29, 9 a.m. 1 p.m.
Where: E. First Ave & University Blvd., Denver
Consistently named by locals as their favorite farmers' market, the Cherry Creek Fresh Market is devoted to Colorado producers. Shopping here helps local family farmers stay in business, preserves quality local food sources for Colorado while using fewer resources, and most importantly, provides you with access to the freshest and most nutritious produce available. Get some just-popped kettle corn or a fresh-made tamale, mingle with the crowd and start shopping!
More Info: www.coloradofreshmarkets.com
City Park Esplanade Fresh MarketWhen: Sundays, May 16 October 31, 9 a.m. 1 p.m.
Where: E. Colfax Ave. & Columbine St., Denver
The lush, green expanse of City Park is the perfect spot for a good old-fashioned Farmers' Market. The City Park Esplanade Fresh Marketboasts the same vendors as Saturday's Cherry Creek's Fresh Market, but is usually a little less crowded. It's also a perfect spot for a picnic just grab some fresh fruit, some bread and cheese and find a nice spot in the sun.
More Info: www.coloradofreshmarkets.com
Highland United Neighbors Farmers MarketWhen: Saturdays, June October, 9 a.m. 1 p.m.
Where: 1500 Boulder St., Denver
The only market in Northwest Denver and is easily accessible from downtown, Sloans Lake, Sunny Side and the Highlands, the United neighbors Farmers Market celebrates its second year in 2010. The Highlands is a neighborhood that is committed to supporting local businesses and leading sustainable lifestyles, so residents embraced this expansive market last year. The Farmers Market is on the 1500 block of Boulder St., in front of well-known local restaurants Vita, Lola and Shangri-La.
More Info: www.hobnobevents.com/calendar.html
The Market at Belmar
When: Sundays, June September, 10 a.m. 2 p.m.
Where: Alaska Dr. and Teller St., just east of Alameda Ave. and Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood
This European-inspired marketplace is a great way to spend your Sunday morning or afternoon. For the best fresh picked basil pestos, marinated Italian cheeses and balsamic vinaigrettes this side of Tuscany, head to Loredana's Pesto. Morton's Orchard offers Colorado vine-ripened organic fruitthe peaches are to die for. And if the sight of all that food makes you ravenous, pick up an order Sister's Pantry's Asian Dumplings with soy lime and cilantro. Or show up early for the fantastic pancake breakfast!
More info: www.belmarcolorado.com
Old South Pearl Street Farmers' MarketWhen: Sundays, June 6 October 31, 9 a.m. 1 p.m.
Where: On the 1500 block of Old South Pearl St., between Florida Ave. and Iowa Ave., Denver
Super-fresh produce, ready-to-eat treats, artisan cheeses and just-out-of-oven baked goods this is what a Farmers' Market is all about! The quaint Old South Pearl neighborhood hosts this splendid Farmers' Market every Sunday in the summertime. The irresistible smell of freshly roasted chilies will lead you over to Pope Farms' booth. If you're looking for tips on what to do with your haul, show up around noon for the weekly œNibble At Noon chef demonstration featuring recipes, cooking tips and more. And don't miss the August 16th Kid's Festival, with plenty of fun activities for the young ones.
More info: www.oldsouthpearlstreet.com
Golden Farmers' MarketWhen: Saturdays, June 6 October 3, 8 a.m. 1 p.m.,
Where: 10th St. and Illinois St., (Parking lot just west of the library on 10th), Golden
Golden's farmers' market is more like a weekly block party, than a traditional outdoor market though there's plenty of food to buy here. The market features live music and free horse-drawn carriage rides through Historic Golden each week. Garden dÃcor, specialty treats, flowers and plants, and hard to find items fill up many of the booths. Come early, get yourself a breakfast burrito and get down to businessvendors often sell out of their wares well before closing time. Note: The Market will not be held during Buffalo Bill Days, July 25-26.
More info:www.goldencochamber.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17&Itemid=30
Highlands Ranch Farmers' MarketWhen: Sundays,May 2 October 31, 10 a.m. 2 p.m., May October
Where: 9288 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch
Made up almost entirely of farmers and producers from the areas surrounding Denver, this is a fun, fresh market that is worth the drive to Highlands Ranch. Fill all of your fruits and veggie needs and then explore some of the other, more unique booths, like Body By Lynne, featuring natural bath and body products, or Taste of Denmark, with danishes, strudels, tarts and coffee cake.
More Info: www.denverfarmersmarket.com
When: June 2 September 28, 9 a.m. 2 p.m.
Where: At the corner of 15th St. & California, Denver
Inspired by Michelle Obama's organic vegetable garden at the South Lawn of the White House, Tiri's Garden, which opened in July 2009,occupies 8,000 square feet in the heart of the urban center of the City of Denver. Located in a former parking lot and literally surrounded by concrete, the vegetable garden is an organic oasis in Downtown Denver. Every participating vendor will donate a portion of their proceeds to Concerts For Kids, who will donate that money to Denver Public Schools Foundation's A to Z Fund, a program that provides funding for students to further their learning experiences through literary trips and after school activities.
More Info:www.concertsforkids.org
When: Tuesdays, June 15 August 31, 11 a.m. 2 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Park
The perfect lunch hour break, Civic Center Eats takes place every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the shadow of the Colorado Capitol Building. Experience Civic Center Park, enjoy a delicious outdoor lunch, purchase fresh Colorado produce and goods, listen to live music, and connect with the community!
More Info: www.civiccenterconservancy.org
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