It's Almost Farmers' Market Time!

As the days are now longer and we are starting to see more temps above 70 degrees. I am reminded
that it’s almost time for the Farmers Markets to open for the summer. Each year my husband and I look forward to spending Saturday mornings walking down the vendor aisles looking for items to try. The peak of our summer is when the melons come in from Rocky Ford.

Denver has some amazing markets to choose from for fresh and locally grown fruits, vegetables and wines, each with a different personality. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, some have music, some have chef event and some have local eateries. If you are a regular at your local market, maybe this is the year you check out a market that isn’t in your neighborhood. If you’re looking for a new place to try, here is a roundup of some of these great markets.

CHERRY CREEK FRESH MARKET 

E. 1st Ave. and University Blvd.

The Cherry Creek Fresh Market is called the “Cadillac of Farmers Markets,” and for good reason. Not only can you find locally grown produce and food vendors, you can also enjoy live musicians, chef events, and gardening tips from Master Gardeners and Master Composters. Parking is free during the market.

WHEN: Saturdays, May 5–Oct. 27, 2018, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.; Wednesdays, June 13–Sept. 26, 2018, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

CITY PARK ESPLANADE FRESH MARKET
E. Colfax Ave. and Columbine St.

This is a great farmers market located at the historic Sullivan Fountain is the City Park Esplanade Fresh Market. This market focuses on a strong agricultural market so you will find a great selection of locally grown fruits and vegetables. There's also plenty of free parking.

WHEN: Sundays, June 3–Oct. 28, 2018, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

THE FARMERS' MARKET AT HIGHLANDS SQUARE

32nd Ave. and Lowell Blvd.

In its fifth year, The Farmer’s Market at Highlands Square not only has farm-grown fruits and vegetables, and live music but a charming location. While there you can also visit the local boutiques and eateries.

WHEN: 2018 dates not available yet

STAPLETON FRESH MARKET

E. 29th Ave. and Roslyn St.

Located at the Founders' Green, the Stapleton Fresh Market has the typical local produce but also freshly popped kettle corn. As opening day is Father’s Day, wouldn’t this be a great place to spend it?

WHEN: Sundays, June 17–Oct. 14, 2018, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

UNION STATION FARMERS' MARKET
Denver Union Station Plaza

As the name indicates, the Union Station Farmers’ Market at the historic Union Station, It features local produce, meat, dairy, coffee, baked goods as well as chef demos and live music.

WHEN: Saturdays, May 12–Oct. 20, 2018, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.


OLD SOUTH PEARL STREET FARMERS' MARKET
On the 1500 block of Old South Pearl St., between Florida Ave. and Iowa Ave.

The charming South Pearl neighborhood is host to the Old South Pearl Street Farmers' Market every Sunday in the summertime. There is fresh produce, ready-to-eat treats, artisan cheeses, just-out-of-oven baked and freshly roasted chilies.

WHEN: Sundays, May 20–Nov. 18, 2018, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

HIGHLANDS RANCH FARMERS' AND STREET MARKET

9288 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch

A potpourri of fresh produce, garden décor, cooking equipment and handbags can be found the Highlands Ranch Farmers’ and Street Market.

WHEN: Sundays, May 6–Oct. 28, 2018, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

LITTLETON FARMERS' MARKET
7301 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton

The Aspen Grove Lifestyle Center hosts the Littleton Farmers Market. Great shopping can also be found in the Aspen Grove shop. Try the Bistro for breakfast or lunch while you are there. If you don’t want to deal with the traffic on Santa Fe, take the light rail to Aspen Grove.

WHEN: Wednesdays, June 13–Oct. 10, 2018, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

FOUR SEASONS FARMERS AND ARTISANS MARKET
7043 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge

Although the Four Seasons Farmers and Artisans Market has year-round indoor shopping, it offers an open-air option during the summer. The focus of this market is healthy, high-quality foods such as fresh fruits and vegetable, raw goat milk, preserves, baked goods duck eggs, flower and local meats. Artists, jewelers, and photographers also display their work.

WHEN: Saturdays, May 19–Oct. 20, 2018, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

SOUTHWEST PLAZA FARMERS' MARKET

Southeast Parking Lot at Wadsworth and Bowles Ave.

This is my neighborhood market. You will find the usual fresh produce, baked good, and honey. One of my favorite wineries, Avanti, also has a booth where you can try samples of their wine. Sometimes the Tupperware lady is there also.

WHEN: Saturdays, May 5–Oct. 27, 2018, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

LAKEWOOD FARMERS' MARKET

Mile Hi Church, Alameda Ave. and Garrison St., Lakewood

The Lakewood Farmers' Market, features kettle corn, cheese samples, as well as fresh produce. While there you can also check out the knitted shawls and handmade soaps.

WHEN: Saturdays, June 16–Sept. 29, 2018, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.