What image comes to mind when thinking of the typical farmers market? Fresh produce waiting to be taken home, tents featuring homemade goods, families with children and pets, food samples, and plants. Farmers markets are more than an errand—they are a destination, an experience, and that is certainly the case for three of our own local markets.
The Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogan’s Mill
Featuring over 10 countries, the Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogan’s Mill offers a chance to travel the world through food and conversation. Peru, France, Argentina, Mexico, India, and the Philippines all share products and stories. The Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogan’s Mill exemplifies what it means to give back to the community, too. Through the Grogan’s Mill Village Association, profits from the farmers market go toward philanthropic programs like college scholarships and Interfaith of the Woodlands’s food pantry. The Woodlands Farmers Market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. grogansmill.org
The Courtyard Collective
The Courtyard Collective is “small but mighty,” says the owner of Parkers Pickling Co., and the woman behind this thriving market. With plenty of seating and a small play structure, bringing young ones or meeting friends here makes coming to this boutique event more of a destination than an errand. Hearty gluten-free Moroccan egg rolls alongside a fresh squeezed mango-strawberry lemonade is the perfect combo. Although this market has dozens of vendors, there is space for new purveyors—just head to thecourtyardcollective.org. The Collective is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Theiss Farms
For over 25 years, Theiss Farms has been a year-round, family-owned and operated space featuring plants, produce, and locally-made canned goods. A “one stop shop” for responsibly grown products throughout the year, beginning in March, Theiss Farms places rows of plants and herbs for sale, the store expands in September to include regional produce. In winter, the Theiss family embraces the holidays: they host various family-friendly events, partnering to provide Michigan Cherry Christmas trees, maple syrup, and more. Theissfarmsmarket.com
What imagery comes to mind when thinking of the typical farmer’s market? Fresh produce waiting patiently to be taken home, tents featuring local homemade goods, families with children and/or leashed pets, food samples and plants. Obvious and endless reasons to frequent a nearby market exist. But, these markets are more than an errand. They can be a destination, an experience.