Use this weekend as an excuse to browse through one of North Texas’ many farmers markets. With a variety of produce, farm-to-table dinners, and a carrot contest, you’ll find something that piques your interest and tastebuds.
8 a.m. to noon, Saturday
This Saturday, the market will host “Avenue of Artisans,” featuring more than 20 vendors. This special section will feature children’s books, succulent gardens, handmade jewelry, food products, and more. Lavender Lane Skincare will have items such as bug repellant, lip balm, and bedtime hand cream. See the full list of artisans here. Also, aside from the usual produce, the market will have fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, and cilantro. Shoppers can find salmon from select vendors, too. Here’s a full list of what the market will have this weekend.
The Market |10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday – Sunday
The Shed |10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Sunday | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
If you haven’t already, explore the market’s 26,000-square-foot food hall and vendor market that houses restaurants and a mix of local specialty foods, artisanal food vendors, and seating areas. Because the size of the market can be delightfully daunting, here are a few tips on how to navigate the space. This week, you can find peaches, new potatoes, and blackberries. The market’s 70-plus vendors often vary but a list of current vendors can be found here. Looking ahead, the market will host a Farm Shed Dinner at 7 p.m. May 26. The Cuban-inspired feat,”Viva la Cuba!,” will feature dishes such as Braised Pork Bacàn and Guayaba flan. The four-course meal comes with three drink vouchers. Tickets are $80, and you can buy them here.
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday – Saturday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday
Don’t let rain or heat keep you away from this market. With its new indoor facility, the Grapevine Farmers Market can be enjoyed despite weather-related circumstances. The market offers seasonal fruit from a family-run farm in Waxahachie and strawberries from a 65-year-old farm in Mexia. Recently, the market added Full Quiver Farms and Texas Hill Country Olive Oil Company to its list of vendors. Browse before you go via the market’s Facebook page, and–once there–try samples.
Historic McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square
8 a.m. to noon, Saturday
This Friday, the market is hosting a Farm to Table dinner featuring top chefs from Patina Green Home and Market, Harvest Seasonal Kitchen, and Rye Craft Food & Drink. This spring-inspired dinner will take place in McKinney’s Chestnut Square and will support the market and local farms. Tickets are $125 per person; get them here.
If you head to the market Saturday morning, browse the selection of organic fresh produce, jams and jellies, honey, fresh-cut flowers, baked goods, and grass-fed beef. Take a break at Dixie’s Store at Chestnut Square. They will be selling soda, old-fashioned candy, ice cream, crafts, and classic toys if you’re looking for some nostalgia.
8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday
This Saturday, the market will host a carrot contest, where participants are encouraged to bring their best carrot-based dishes, including cookies, cakes, casseroles, salads or soups. Prizes will be awarded for the best sweet, savory, and most creative concoctions. The contest is free to enter but $3 to taste. The contest kicks off at 11 a.m. Also, Chef Brian C. Luscher, of The Grape and Luscher’s Red Hots, will return to the market with his custom Luscher’s Red Hots trailer.
