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Austin's Farmers Wednesday Market
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
10 reviews for Austin's Farmers Wednesday Market
On a Wednesday night, the lady called saying she was very very excited about the Farmer's Market, and let me tell you, when she gets excited, it's a sight to see. We headed down and I have to say, it both was, and wasn't what I expected. I expected a handful of good folks and a few hippies selling fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade soap, and patchouli to the new-yuppies who live in the Triangle, and that was certainly happening. There was also a significant presence of companies, restaurants and retailers who sell locally produced products, including a gelato stand, which I did not expect. Texas French Bread has it's own stores, fer cryin' out loud, i didn't expect to see them hawking their wares alongside the dirt worshipers. I have nothing against the folks who get down in the dirt to grow these veggies, and I know for sure they are delicious. It's also nice to keep my money close to home, if I had actually spent any money. These things are typically cash only, so I was outta luck that day. They also typically make me uncomfortable, as I will admit that vegetarians and vegans make feel judged in some way. People who collectively and adamantly deny themselves something that is such a fundamental part of my diet and my life, I have to admit it feels like they are saying that I am making a mistake, even if they really are not. So I took away a star for that, even though it's my own personal B.S. and not their fault.
But what it all came down to, for me, was Sarah Beth. She was so very excited to be buying fresh veggies, homemade soap, even fresh shrimp, and I was tickled pink to see her so happy. If you have someone who loves the kinds of places, remember to get over your own B.S. and have fun watching them have fun. It's always worth it.
Hopefully, this Market will grow in the coming months/years. I would love to see more vendors and a greater variety of produce and products available here. As of now, things are just starting out and are a bit limited.
As a concept, however, it's fantastic and worthy of local support. Buying local produce has so many benefits...I would love to see this take off. And, contrary to popular misconception, buying locally grown produce is not always more expensive. For example, we found fresh herbs like basil and mint for cheaper than HEB or Central Market.
Oh, one last thing...on a hot Wednesday afternoon, the fact that there's a Jim-Jim's Water-Ice vendor at the Market is a huge plus!
i am biased as this farmer's market is four blocks from my house. but i love that it takes place during the week, so i can get my veggies (and goat cheese) when i'm thinking about work and real life rather than when i'm in full-on weekend mode. the produce is always spot-on. the other options or coffee, bread, goat cheese, meats, honey, etc are all fantastic. there are always lots of people, kids and dogs in abundance, and music to keep the mood lively most weeks. i hope this market continues to attract vendors and grow, because it's awesome.
I'm a regular! I even have a dorky sign in my yard "Join Me at Farmer's Market"....My neighbors make fun of me, but I don't care. I love this place. It's a perfect way to break up the week and enjoy some great produce shopping, local music and see friends.
First off the produce is great. Not a huge selection....but it's all fresh and we should all try to buy from local farmers as much as possible. Just about everyone has tomatoes, squash, peaches and onions. But, find your favorite vendor and just take it home and enjoy! Then there are vendors that have honey (awesome!), herb soaps, Texas French Bread, goat cheeses, Jim-Jim's frozen ice and just about the most fantastic Mint Hibiscus tea you will ever taste. Buy it and the wonderful African vendor sends proceeds from his sales back to his tribe. There are also non-food vendors worth checking out too.
Take the kids, a picnic and a bottle of wine (the food there is really good but expensive - you'll blow $20 bucks fast) and enjoy the local music and on a hot day the kids can play in the water fountains.
See you there!
The 5 stars are not relative to other Farmers Markets, but rather to my food buying experience. It's almost peaceful to get out of the cubicle on Wednesday's and do my shopping here. The family picnics in the park, live mediocre singer/songwriter music, and people shoving clipboards into my chest while asking for a political donation remind me that I am alive and living in Austin. Free and easily accessible parking is also a plus.
What a great way to spend a lovely evening! It's sure in line with my schedule as it's hard for me to get up early enough on Saturdays to drive from Cedar Park to downtown or Sunset Valley. Plus, Wednesdays is usually date nite with my bff and we love coming here for ingredients for a healthy dinner. Strolling along, buying fresh produce, maybe some scrumptious marinated feta cheese, maybe a fresh roasted, farm-raised chicken, maybe some hibiscus tea. Watching the cute kiddos playing in the fountain. Lookin at the different kinds of dogs. Sometimes even hearing some live music. Definitely an Austin thang!
small number of vendors, but i got everything i needed: local honey, ravioli, and a melon.
the man selling melon was the only one with fruit. he was sexy. we made him pick a ripe one for us.
all of the vendors seemed friendly.
tried the jim-jim, quite delightful.
definitely a "stuff white people like" candidate, not much diversity.
I really like this farmers market. Not only are they positioned conveniently near my work but they are open at a time which is realistic for me to go. Its not often I'm up at 9 am on a Saturday which is when the downtown farmers market is, and if I am you dont want to meet me. The selection is small but they have plenty of fresh fruit and some on site food vendors. The meat selection and cheese variety is somewhat limited but very good for what is available. Defiantly a must see if your in the area and like supporting your local farmers. (that's not a guilt trip if I ever heard one)
I headed to the Austin Farmer's Market in the Triangle for the first time this past Wednesday. It's a smaller version of those held in Republic Square Park and Sunset Valley and doesn't have nearly the selection, but the hours (4-8pm) and central location (The Triangle, off Guadalupe and Lamar) are more convenient for us work-a-day slobs. I was happy to see Texas French Bread (TFB), Jim Jim's (frozen ice) and Hibiscus Tea booths present. The boy and I waited for a late delivery of sourdough (white) from TFB (my favorite bread in Austin) and the bread dude was nice enough to give me a few bucks off for waiting. There were plenty of salmonella free tomatoes, carrots, garlic, chard and beautiful, differing varieties of squash. I was surprised only one vendor had basil. As always the vendors are friendly and there's a warm I'm-Shopping-At-The-Farmer's-Market vibe...though recently, it's more of a I'm-Sweating-Through-My-Clothes kindofa feeling. Despite the intense heat (and little shade to be found), this is good for the kiddos - there is a fountain that's perfect for them to play in (ground is flat, not like the super dangerous tooth-chipper at Republic Square Park). The "Little Kitchen" staff creates free, healthy snacks for the kids and passes them out as "taste tests" along with recipes. I think my little guy was offered at least four different snacks (smoothie, peanut butter ball, carrots, spring roll) in a half hour. Parking is free, close and plentiful.
