Oct 4, 2018

Local farmer’s markets seem to spring up everywhere nowadays. People from all walks of life are enjoying the benefits of freshly grown produce and grass-fed meats. Chances are, there’s a farmers market within a few miles of your home in New Mexico. Here are three farmers markets you need to visit this fall around Albuquerque. 

  1. Downtown Growers’ Market

Discover Downtown Growers’ Market at Robinson Park on the corner of 8th Street and Central. It’s open to the public every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Get there early and get great deals on local items, with everything from food vendors, farmers, and artisan’s wares.

This dog-friendly market has a nice grassy area in the middle that’s perfect for resting and enjoying a snack. Grab a scoop of homemade strawberry ice cream or an authentic burrito. You’ll also find regional honey and bee pollen, often the perfect remedy for those who are battling seasonal allergies. 

The Downtown Growers’ Market’s mission is to support local agriculture and promote community engagement. Every week, there’s a live band, a yoga class at 9:00 a.m., bike valet service, and plenty of community spirit.

  1. Rail Yards Market 

Come on out to the Rail Yards Market for food, art, and music for the community, by the community. Located in the heart of the city on First Street SW, this market is tucked under the roof of the historic Blacksmith Shop.

Rail Yards operates each Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from May through October. So much more than just a typical grower’s market, this market celebrates the heart of New Mexican culture. Vendors provide shoppers with tokens, so you don’t need to worry about pulling cash out of your wallet at every stall.

Shop Albuquerque’s finest local arts and crafts, meet with native healers, and dance to the music of live performers. Leave the market with more than just delicious, wholesome foods. Come away with a better understanding of the native people through the market’s educational demonstration zones.

  1. Los Ranchos Growers Market 

The Los Ranchos Market at 6718 Rio Grande Blvd. NW offers shoppers a casual, laid-back experience on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. It’s one of the area’s favorite markets with a bit of everything for everyone. There’s also plenty of convenient parking that other markets may lack.

This is a wonderful place to find unique handcrafted products including jewelry, pottery, and glass mosaics. From batik t-shirts to soap and other personal care items, there’s always something new and wonderful to find at Los Ranchos.

Stop by on Saturday, Oct. 20 for costume day or Saturday, Nov. 10 for the last market of the regular season. There will be an abundance of fresh local produce such as sweet peppers, corn, and tomatoes. Get your fall fruit favorites like apples, pomegranates, and figs, and stock up on New Mexico grass-fed beef and Alaskan salmon.

Get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Shop these three farmers markets around Albuquerque this fall before the harvest season is over.

Image via Flickr by katerha used under CC BY