There is almost nothing that compares to the taste of fresh, locally grown sweet corn drizzled with butter and kissed with salt, or that delicious tang of a ripe tomato in just about anything or with nothing at all. We thought we’d give you a heads up on local farmers’ markets and where you can find these—and many more—sure signs of summer.
Excelsior
Thursdays, May 3–October 25
Come one, come all, to the 18th season of the Excelsior Farmer’s Market, located in the parking lot of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church every Thursday from 2–6 p.m.
This large market features all the corn, beans, potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, rutabagas and frankly almost every other vegetable you could ever need for those summer meals and get-togethers, as well as salsas, chili sauce, beef, lamb, herbs, perennials and much more. Check out the seedless melons (new this year) and don’t forget the perfectly-sweet-salty-and-oh-so-delicious kettle corn. Hungry? Get yourself a cone or cup of delectable ice cream made on-site, a berry blend fruit smoothie or a fresh sandwich to top off the day. 301 Cty. Rd. 19, Excelsior; excelsiorfarmersmarket.com
Mound
Saturdays, May 19–October 13
Kick off your weekend with a bounty of goodies from the Mound Farmers’ Market every Saturday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
At this family and dog-friendly market, you’ll find rows of delectable vegetables, fruits and flowers as well as yummy baked goods, maple syrup, kettle corn, jams, salsas and much more. Not to be left out, your four-legged friend will love the natural home-baked treats also sold at the market. To add to the festive experience, there is face painting for the kiddos and music for all. 5515 Shoreline Dr., Mound; moundfarmersmarketandmore@gmail.com
Hopkins
Saturdays, June 16–October 27
Gather up your baskets or grocery bags and head to the Hopkins Farmers’ Market every Saturday from 7:30 a.m.–noon.
With items including veggies, fruits, artisan breads, granola, honey, cheese, free-range meats and poultry, scrumptious bakery treats, jams and jellies, handmade soaps, cookbooks, and more, this is no ordinary farmers’ market. June 16 is opening day, so be prepared for free cookies and drinks; August 4 is Customer Appreciation Day and giveaways, drawings and deals are on the docket. 9th Avenue one half-block south of the Mainstreet clock tower, Hopkins; hopkinsfarmersmarket.com
Minnetonka
Tuesdays, July 3–October 2
What better way to make a Tuesday extra special than by hitting up the Minnetonka Farmers’ Market, located at the Minnetonka Civic Center Campus every Tuesday from 3–7 p.m.
According to Jacque Larson, community relations manager for the City of Minnetonka, this quaint market is “small but friendly.” What they might be lacking in size, however, is more than made up with variety, including fresh produce, hot sauce, canned goods, black beans (a crowd favorite), frozen meat, apples and snack mixers. There are also skin care products, jewelry products and agates—something for most everyone. After you are stocked up on goodies, head to Music in the Park, which runs every Tuesday at 7 p.m., beginning June 5. 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka; eminnetonka.com
Plymouth
Wednesdays, July 11–October 10
Need a little mid-week excitement to get you through to the weekend? Mosey up and down the rows filled with delicious fare at the Plymouth Farmers’ Market, located in the Plymouth Ice Arena parking lot every Wednesday from 2:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
This market features locally grown tomatoes, beans, corn, lettuce and myriad other veggies that taste so good and keep you healthy as well as fresh breads, honeys and jams. Besides fabulous food, there are also be different local musicians performing each week, and weekly drawings for farmers’ market baskets which you can enter at the information booth. 3650 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth; plymouthmn.gov
