Exploring Minnesota and Beyond
While Lowertown Saint Paul and Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis host great farmers markets featuring locally grown produce and goods, there are ‘berry-good’ other spots that tend to be less busy and get you the same fruits, veggies and flowers. Here are three I’ve attended which are worth the trip:
When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. through October 19, 2019
Where: St. Boniface Church, 629 NE Second Street, Minneapolis 55413
What you’ll find: plenty of vegetables, fresh-baked bread, cold-press coffee, salsas, sausage, and food trucks that typically rotate
Organizers also host a winter market held inside once a month starting November 18, 2019.
When: Thursdays through October 24, 2019, 3 – 7 p.m. May thru September, 3 – 6 p.m. in October (closed July 4)
Where: Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove 55369
What you’ll find: meat, eggs, dairy, artisan choices, Chef Earl’s BBQ (recommended) and of course, produce
An indoor market is held select Thursdays from 3 – 6 p.m. from November through May.
Before you go: know that many vendors accept credit cards, and if they don’t, head to the information booth to buy tokens with a credit card. Those tokens are accepted by all vendors.
When: Thursday, 3 – 7 p.m. through September 26, 2019
Where: Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Avenue, Edina 55435
What you’ll find: about three dozen vendors selling berries, corn, melons, strawberries, jams, honey and confections
Make it a date night: Centennial Lakes offers plenty to do, including paddle boat rentals (worth it), a putting course (think mini-golf combined with regular golf) and lawn bowling. If you don’t find a bite to eat at the farmers market, there are plenty of restaurants next to the park, including Q.Cumbers, a buffet focusing on healthier options (PS – on Monday nights, kids up to 12 years old eat for $.99).
