A Grazing Feast at the Farmers' Market

Some of the baked goodies sell out, like buttery croissants, muffins and brownies, so you might want to make those types of vendors your first stop. Photo by Michelle Calloway.

Remember the advice to never go grocery shopping when you’re hungry because you will grab the wrong things? You can forget that suggestion the next time you head to the farmers’ market. Bring your appetite along with your shopping list, because our local markets offer a wide range of dining options. If you’ve got companions with you, an outing to a farmers’ market is ideal for grazing adventures to satisfy all palates. The most challenging part may be deciding what your meal should be, with all the unique offerings.

Is the scent of freshly baked bread tickling your nostrils? With the boom of sourdough bakers since the pandemic, each market showcases one or more vendors with a selection of bread, focaccia, rolls and more to eat as you stroll or take home for later. Some of the baked goodies sell out, like buttery croissants, muffins and brownies, so you might want to make those types of vendors your first stop.

Be on the lookout for a taste of seasonal treats, like apple cider donuts made from fruit grown in Georgia and maple sugar candy from Vermont. Local produce like figs, muscadine grapes and persimmon are not around very long, so don’t snooze on the prepared foods made using these fruits. Grazing at the market can also provide inspiration for cooking at home by observing how vendors are using seasonal produce in their weekly menu.

Craving global flavors? You can find food trucks and stands with dishes from around the world, like Ukrainian pierogies, Indian butter chicken, Thai panang curry, Ecuadorean pork sandwiches, Mexican tacos, sambusas and more. The markets are the perfect stop for grab-and-go options to either eat there or take with you to enjoy later.

Don’t be deterred by inclement weather. Unless there’s a hurricane or severe conditions, local markets are held rain or shine, which means food vendors are preparing for a steady supply of customers. So venture out and be open to the joy of discovering something new. As you wrap up your mobile feast, make a mental note to return the following week, eager to discover what new culinary delights the market has to offer.