By now we all know there is something special about shopping locally. Not only is the food as fresh as food can be, it also feels good to support local growers, sellers and makers because you are giving back to your community.
Almost all vendors at these local markets grow or make the food they sell, which gives it an extra special flavor! Here are some of our favorites.
Pearl Farmers Market
The mother of them all, the Weekend Market at Pearl is not only the biggest, it is the most festive farmers market in town. Shop fresh produce, sustainable meat and eggs, handmade teas and baked goods while enjoying live music. Saturdays are dedicated to local farmers, ranchers, growers and purveyors of delicious, prepared foods, then Sunday is a Makers Market, featuring local artisans who sell pottery and other handcrafted wares. Named one of the Top 10 Farmers Markets in the country by USA Today, Pearl Farmers Market has also been our readers’ pick for Best Farmers Market for the past three years. Saturday, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 312 Pearl Pkwy., atpearl.com/weekend-market
Alamo Heights Farmers Market
Small but mighty, this Sunday gathering in the Alamo Quarry Market parking lot has a little bit of everything you need and then some. The Alamo Heights Farmers Market features fresh produce, doggie treats, soy candles, fresh baked organic bread and conchas, Texas ranch–raised beef and delicious prepared foods. Of special note: Aurelia’s chorizo and the Dumpling Diva, which features a variety of handmade dumplings and weekly specials such as dan dan noodles. Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 255 E. Basse Road, alamoheightsfm.com
The Farmers Market at Herff Farm in Boerne
A visit to historic Boerne is a nice way to while away a Saturday afternoon. Hit the Farmers Market at historic Herff Farm in the morning—just one mile from downtown Boerne. Local ranchers, growers and artisans showcase their wares to the sound of live music, and visitors can enjoy beautiful gardens, pollinator fields and hiking trails. The historic Herff House, owned by German settlers from the 1850s, is open to visitors. After you’ve browsed the market, see if you can catch an afternoon event, like birding or a watercolor class, at the Conservation Center next door. Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 33 Herff Road, Boerne, cibolo.org/locations/herff-farm
New Braunfels Farmers’ Market
This is what folks out in the country call a lollapalooza! There are 60 vendors, give or take, and visitors can find farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy and handmade cheeses, sustainably raised meats, baked goods—even good old Texas wine. Plus, enjoy prepared food and drink, live music and plenty to entertain the entire family, including pets. Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 186 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels, nbfarmersmarket.com
Garcia Street Urban Farm’s Farm Stand
A 4-acre organic farm on San Antonio’s East Side, Garcia Street Urban Farm is the result of a partnership by San Antonio College Eco Centro and Opportunity Home San Antonio. It works to educate students and residents about growing food. The farm stand sells produce, herbs and flowers grown on the farm. Visitors, in accordance with their sustainability practices, are encouraged to bring a reusable bag. September through December, Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m. 218 Garcia St., alamo.edu/sac/about-sac/college-offices/eco-centro/eco-centro-garcia-street-urban-farm
