I like shopping at our Farmers markets markets whenever I can because I love the fresh produce, home made preserves, baked goodies, etc. plus I want to try and support our local farmers as much as possible. I have noticed the last year or so that there aren't as many real shoppers but rather people come only to "window shop" and/or buy some of the take out foods available. I'm wondering if these markets will eventually be phased out and we will be forced to shop only at the supermarkets in future.
Every few weeks, we go to our local "Farmers" type market. It's called that, but it's located within the city, not out in farm land. We don't get a whole lot, because they sell stuff in fairly large quantities and there is just the two of us. For example, their carrots are sold in such a large bunch, it's looks more like someone would be buying the bunch to feed to their horses! Can hardly wait to move back to REAL farm land in Colorado or Wyoming!
Our Famers Market covers 16 acres in the downtown area. 150 farmers and merchants bring there products on average. You can buy a bushel or one item, as you like. 14 locally owned restaurants and shops in the main Market House. You can have a great time sampling just about anything. Today is the 'Turnip Green Festival' with bands and of course turnip greens and cornbread. ( and yes, you can get a MoonPie and RC Cola... )
We have a farmers market every Friday night in old Clovis. Ive gone a few times just for the fun with my ex but it's not cheaper at all. This is the one in Clovis... http://oldtownclovis.org/farmers-market There's also a big one in Fresno...I'm about equal distance from both since I live in the border of Clovis and Fresno.
We don't have a lot of farms around here because we don't have the soil for it, but one farm about twenty miles from here has a farm stand on weekends, as long as they have produce to sell, and we always drive to a self-pick strawberry farm when they are in season, although strawberries are sold out within a week.
Looks absolutely amazing, to say the least! We also have one in our downtown core but we rarely go. It's not as large as my favourite, ie. the "outdoor" market (in a nearby town) plus finding suitable parking downtown is often an issue for us.
Farmers markets are big in my county. The town I live in has a year round Saturday market. I understand the Wednesday market is supposed to be year round now when previously it was seasonal. They have a weeknight market downtown that runs in the spring, summer only. I don't like that one. It's too crowded, kind of a scene and I'm sorry to say too many of the homeless around when you have to park. They are all outdoor so weather permitting only. They do seem to make a nice business.
There are three here that I know of, and none are any cheaper than Safeway. I only go for the rare stuff not sold elsewhere. Fresh Medjool dates all gooey and soft (mummified everywhere else). Peppercress. Freshbaked shoo-fly pie. Mutton.
A truly wonderful farm-market is located in Tipton, Missouri, on Highway 50. Owned and operated by local Amish folks. Very reasonable prices, amazing selection. I bought bulk-packed Blackstrap Molasses in a gallon jug for $7.59! Ever taste beer made with molasses? MMMMM, different! More on the store: https://www.facebook.com/Dutch-Bakery-and-Bulk-Food-Store-LLC-597998923651913/