Your TL;DR Travel Guide to Shopping at Local Farmers Markets
TL;DR: Local public markets are a great way to check-out an area’s local cuisine, grab fresh produce to snack on during your trip, and find amazing hand-made souvenirs.
- Enjoy a Vibrant Community
- Find Fresh Foods From Local Farmers
- Find Local-Made, Artisanal Goods (AKA The Perfect Souvenir)
- Explore More
Recently, one of my go-tos when planning my travel itinerary is to look up what local markets are in the area. While I always enjoyed shopping around, I never really thought about visiting local public markets outside of the usual famous ones (like Seattle’s Pikes Place or London’s Covent Garden or Vancouver’s Granville Island). However, after meeting a few travelers at my hometown famers market, I realized that markets are an underrated tourist destination. So, here are three reasons you should consider adding a stop at a farmer’s market on your next trip.
Enjoy a Vibrant Community
Local public markets are known for their vibrant, unique atmosphere. In Pike’s Place, Seattle’s most famous market, the classic fish-catching stall attracts travelers from all over the world! And while not every market will involve flying fish, many have music, bustling crowds, and local vendors who are passionate about what they’re selling.
Find Fresh Foods From Local Farmers
Farmers Markets have some of the best produce. Because farmers are bringing the items directly to consumers for sale, the produce are able to be picked closer to ripeness and therefore have much more flavor. If you’re traveling and want to try out truly local cuisine or see what’s in season, then you have to stop by a local market. Not only will it help you eat healthier meals during your trip (if you have a kitchen where you’re staying), but you’ll be enjoying the freshest and most local foods.
You can also find some great things at different stalls or food trucks. One of my favorite market-memories is visiting Portland and eating a pork bun in the rain while checking out the local artwork. And in California, I enjoyed a Peruvian-style Lomo Saltado empanada – can you tell I love talking about food?!
Find Local-Made, Artisanal Goods (AKA The Perfect Souvenir)
Not only have I spent time shopping at local markets, but I’ve had the chance to work at them as well. So many people stop by to grab gifts for family members and loved ones (both out of state and out of the country). Whether it’s hand-crafted wood sculptures, quilted clothing, or sweet-smelling candles, there is an abundance of unique items at local markets. And, you can shop knowing you’re supporting local, small businesses.
There are so many reasons to love a good farmers market. Not only is it a great way to check-out the local culture and cuisine, you can also find some of the most unique artisanal souvenirs to brings back home with you. Do you like to check out local public markets when you’re traveling? Let me know what your favorite part is!
I had the chance to visit quite a few markets over the years, so over the next few weeks I’ll share some additional tips on how you can enjoy these public markets to the fullest, as well as spotlight a few of my favorites from my adventures. Be sure to subscribe to get updates on the rest of the series.
TL;DR Travels 
Leave a reply to Explore O’ahu: 5 Local Markets to Visit – TL;DR Travels Cancel reply