A good farmers market is a foodie’s gold mine. Veggies and fruits, organic meats and eggs, artisan breads and organic honey brought to the market directly from the growers and producers are as fresh as you’ll find. The Farmers Market of the Ozarks (FMO) brings all of that, and more, to you each week, year-round. The impressive market opened in April of 2012. Only one year later it was named the number 15 farmers market in the country by The Daily Dish.
On our visit at the end of March, spring greens were beginning to show up in the market, including fresh lettuce by Pruitt’s Produce. The Pruitts have been selling at the market since July 2014. What started as a gardening hobby became a business when Gary Pruitt added a greenhouse to their property. They began growing more than they could consume themselves, so Robin decided to sell at the FMO.
Spring is time to plant your own gardens. You can pick up tomato plants, herbs and seed potatoes at the market.
I couldn’t pass up the popcorn at Nana’s Kettle Korn. A single big 12-ounce bag was $6 or 2 for $10, so I picked up one bag each of cheddar cheese popcorn and sweet-and-salty kettle corn.
Fresh-baked foods include everything from artisan breads and pizza crusts to fried pies. After sampling, we bought a seasonal strawberry-rhubarb fried pie.
Being in the Ozarks, of course there has to be moonshine.
Besides foods, several artisans sell wares like pottery, scarves, and natural bath and body products. One vendor sells soaps and lotions handmade from goat milk.
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After perusing the indoor area we wandered outdoors where several concessionaires were selling ready-made foods, including gourmet coffee, wood-fired pizzas, and British foods like bangers and mash.
Our spring visit, of course, preceded the Midwest produce season. As the weather warms and more fresh vegetables and fruits are ready for harvest, the outdoor area will grow. We’ll be back through the area later this summer. The FMO is already on my list for a return visit.
The Farmers Market of the Ozarks is located at 2144 E Republic Road in Springfield, Missouri. From March through October the market is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The winter market, November through February, is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Disclosure: My visit to Springfield, Missouri, was hosted by the Springfield Missouri Convention and Visitors Bureau, but any opinions expressed in this post are my own. Photos by Skip Reed and Connie Reed.
Other articles that may interest you:
A Nostalgic Stay at the Route 66 Rail Haven Motel in Springfield, Missouri
Visit the World’s Only Precious Moments Chapel, Carthage, Missouri
Branson: Where to Dine after the Shows
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