Farmers market magic
A common misconception is that farmers markets are only for vegan moms who make their own soaps and bring at least two small children, preferably in front carriers. But this isn’t true…there is something for everyone (but those moms rock, for the record)! In addition to our purchases, other local favorites include fresh goat cheese, homemade salsas, Korean tacos, made-to-order wood fired pizza, fresh donuts, and fresh tortillas. My friend, Amanda, is firstly, a lover of all things farmers market, as well as an active participant in the markets. She articulated her feelings about it so well, I just had to quote her:
“Where else can you know the name of the person who churns your peanut butter, harvests your lavender, hand carves your spoons, makes your jams, presses your juice, makes your lunch, assembles your furniture and garden crates, bakes your dog treats, hand roasts your coffee, harvests your honey, kneads your breads, bakes your desserts, hand milks the cows for your cheeses, sharpens your knives, makes your pasta, crochets your gloves, sews your kitchen towels, forages for your mushrooms, formulates your soaps, picks your flowers, blends your smoothies, and tends to your starters and vegetables?”
The largest market in Southern Oregon is the Rogue Valley Growers Market. They can be found in Ashland on Tuesdays at the National Guard Armory and on Saturday in downtown (Oak St). Medford days are Thursday and Saturdays both at Hawthorne Park. RVGM weekday markets run March-November and Saturday markets run May-October. Additional markets include Jacksonville Market (Sundays, May-Oct) on the lawn of the historic courthouse, Talent Artisans & Growers (Friday evenings May-Sept) across from City Hall, and the Grants Pass Growers Market (Saturdays, year-round) in downtown Grants Pass.
Bringing small town culture to the middle of busy cities, farmer’s markets are a valuable addition to any community. I encourage you to make visiting and shopping our farmer’s markets part of your weekly routine!
*Thank you to Amanda of Thursday Market Mom Gift Crates for her contribution!
Sammy and I recommend and purchased from:
Pennington Farms (cookies)
Sweet Stuff (cupcakes and sweet breads)
Tamales Rosa Maria (tamales)
Barking Moon Farm (salad blend)
Rise UP! Artisan Bread (sourdough)
Dutchman’s Peak (cheese)
View the RVGM complete list of vendors!
