[Penguin_ie]

So now spring is truly here and outdoor markets are starting up, can anyone recommend some farmers markets in Arkansas which are especially good (because they have lots of home made goods, are large, have good entertainment or whatever)? I live in Rogers so anything up here in NW Arkansas would be of special interest to me, but feel free to post about other area's markets too.

We went to the Fayetteville Farmer's Market last Saturday. It was nice, and I think would be of special interest for those wanting seedlings/ plants to plant into their own yard and garden. Lots of people brought their dogs, which I was surprised about, because people here don't seem to bring their dogs places. There wasn't that much food to eat right away, but what there was was yummy!

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Penguin_ie

So now spring is truly here and outdoor markets are starting up, can anyone recommend some farmers markets in Arkansas which are especially good (because they have lots of home made goods, are large, have good entertainment or whatever)? I live in Rogers so anything up here in NW Arkansas would be of special interest to me, but feel free to post about other area's markets too.

We went to the Fayetteville Farmer's Market last Saturday. It was nice, and I think would be of special interest for those wanting seedlings/ plants to plant into their own yard and garden. Lots of people brought their dogs, which I was surprised about, because people here don't seem to bring their dogs places. There wasn't that much food to eat right away, but what there was was yummy!

the first one that comes to my mind is Fayetteville. It is pretty early to expect to see too much availability. Rogers has a pretty good one, more just for buying produce, but they do have a few other things. We used to go a couple of times a month last summer. I haven't tried many others. We do have a very small one here in BV, it will start up in June I think, but it really isn't much at all, at least not yet. I too would like to know of some.

Nita

[hognoxious]

Originally Posted by Penguin_ie

So now spring is truly here and outdoor markets are starting up, can anyone recommend some farmers markets in Arkansas which are especially good (because they have lots of home made goods, are large, have good entertainment or whatever)? I live in Rogers so anything up here in NW Arkansas would be of special interest to me, but feel free to post about other area's markets too.

We went to the Fayetteville Farmer's Market last Saturday. It was nice, and I think would be of special interest for those wanting seedlings/ plants to plant into their own yard and garden. Lots of people brought their dogs, which I was surprised about, because people here don't seem to bring their dogs places. There wasn't that much food to eat right away, but what there was was yummy!

Without a doubt, the Fayetteville Farmers' Market is a great one. And it changes through the season, from seedlings and crafts to fruits and vegetables later in the summer. Welcome to the Fayetteville Farmers' Market on the Downtown Fayetteville Square

[marmac]

If you truly want to support the local people,ask a few questions.

I attended a farmers market in Mountain Home while on a trip last fall and the vendor who had the most to offer had very little ( garden produce and preserves) that even came from the state of Arkansas.

If I spend my money at any farmers market, I want local producers to benefit ( not "jockeys" who buy, then sell)

[DC at the Ridge]

Fayetteville's is the best. Bentonville has in the past had one on it's square that's quite good, too. Nita, you might have missed that one because construction on the square last year displaced it. But it's a nice mix of plants, crafts, produce, and homemade goods. The Rogers market is mostly produce. The flower lady usually organizes everything, and one nice thing about it is that they hold it three times a week instead of just on Saturdays. I've never been to Bella Vista's. Pea Ridge has been trying to get one going the past few years, but it's very hit and miss so far. There is a gentleman who sells fresh produce from a pick-up in front of the video store most of the year, but I don't think he's the grower. On the way to Eureka there is a house that has in the past set up a fresh produce stand. There's never anybody there, they just set the baskets of produce out, mark the price, and leave a jar for people to pay. There are two produce places on Hwy 62, both look like they are getting ready to open. East of Springdale there's a farm that has a produce market. Plus, they let you pick sometimes. Their peaches are excellent. North of Pea Ridge there's a berry farm that let's you pick. Blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries. There are several area blueberry farms. Lincoln used to be the go-to place for apples in the fall. The big apple places have folded to developers, but there may still be some small operators out there.

[DC at the Ridge]

By the way, I know people are planting right now. Just a comment, but there's a nursery between Eureka Springs and Berryville with fantastic prices, and a very good selection of plants. I mention this only because in Benton County the nurseries tend to be high-priced.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by DC at the Ridge

Fayetteville's is the best. Bentonville has in the past had one on it's square that's quite good, too. Nita, you might have missed that one because construction on the square last year displaced it. But it's a nice mix of plants, crafts, produce, and homemade goods. The Rogers market is mostly produce. The flower lady usually organizes everything, and one nice thing about it is that they hold it three times a week instead of just on Saturdays. I've never been to Bella Vista's. Pea Ridge has been trying to get one going the past few years, but it's very hit and miss so far. There is a gentleman who sells fresh produce from a pick-up in front of the video store most of the year, but I don't think he's the grower. On the way to Eureka there is a house that has in the past set up a fresh produce stand. There's never anybody there, they just set the baskets of produce out, mark the price, and leave a jar for people to pay. There are two produce places on Hwy 62, both look like they are getting ready to open. East of Springdale there's a farm that has a produce market. Plus, they let you pick sometimes. Their peaches are excellent. North of Pea Ridge there's a berry farm that let's you pick. Blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries. There are several area blueberry farms. Lincoln used to be the go-to place for apples in the fall. The big apple places have folded to developers, but there may still be some small operators out there.

between you and Rogmar I can always get the answer:: As for the one in BV, it started last July (early) and is on Sat mornings at the by the hardware store on 71 going north just before you get to the recyling center..It is very small and I thought very pricey..

What about the one in Gravett? I just spotted that on the farmers market wetsite location? Now, I will ask you if you know of any farms that grow pickling cukes? I searched and searched last summer..I did find one guy who was able to sell me enough pickles to make several jars, but I have lost his address and phone number. I know I found him on line and he was located in tonitown or about there. of course there is the farm produce place just as you go into Tonitown, but they are really expensive and don't have enough in quantities..

We are running low on all our home canned jars I put up last year and will be glad when July gets here so we can start all over again. I usually do pickles, okra, some corn relish, jams and peaches plus love to do apples in the fall. My favorite is making lots of spicey pacante sause, but I usually go to Texas for that. My daughter and I go to the Dallas farmers market, tomoatoes are super cheap.. Last year I couldn't find enough here to bother with.

Nita

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by DC at the Ridge

By the way, I know people are planting right now. Just a comment, but there's a nursery between Eureka Springs and Berryville with fantastic prices, and a very good selection of plants. I mention this only because in Benton County the nurseries tend to be high-priced.

I put my squash and bean seeds in yesterday. I have tomato plants but it was just to cool today to dig in the garden. I will give it a shot tomorrow. I don't have room to grow enough stuff for canning..

Nita

[DC at the Ridge]

My mom looks for those little cukes, too. At the Rogers Farmers Market you can sometimes find them. Ask the flower lady, if you don't. She'll probably be able to help you. I've always managed to find what I need in Eastern Benton County, so I really can't help you much with Gravette and Siloam Springs. But I'd bet the one in Gravette is similar to Rogers, and it might even be better since it's more farm-y out that way. I'll ask my mom about the pickling cukes. Since they moved to Washburn, she might have found an alternative place, or she might even be growing them herself. Plus, her neighbor used to have a farm in Avoca and might know a source. I'll let you know.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by DC at the Ridge

My mom looks for those little cukes, too. At the Rogers Farmers Market you can sometimes find them. Ask the flower lady, if you don't. She'll probably be able to help you. I've always managed to find what I need in Eastern Benton County, so I really can't help you much with Gravette and Siloam Springs. But I'd bet the one in Gravette is similar to Rogers, and it might even be better since it's more farm-y out that way. I'll ask my mom about the pickling cukes. Since they moved to Washburn, she might have found an alternative place, or she might even be growing them herself. Plus, her neighbor used to have a farm in Avoca and might know a source. I'll let you know.

Thanks, my one granddaughter would have a cow if I didn't do pickles every year...Of course if she had a cow, she would be rich and make the papers, just like the octomom did. I think having a cow would be more interesting than have 8 kids at once...