With the first couple weeks of warmer weather, everyone at DU is thinking spring, and nothing says spring more than a sunny weekend morning spent at the farmer’s market. Fresh spring and summer fruits and vegetables like peaches and watermelon draw in families and college students alike. This is exactly what students stuck in a Ramen noodle or dining hall sandwich ruts need for a pick-me-up. Add a plethora of baked goods and other specialties and the result is a perfect way to spend a Saturday or Sunday with friends.
Luckily there are numerous options in and around the Denver area each summer and a few are starting to open up.
The Boulder County Farmers Market, with the longest running season in Colorado, has been in full swing since April 5 and is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Wednesday evenings. This extensive farmer’s market boasts fine art and fine craft events, featuring handcrafted works from Colorado natives once per month with the next coming up on May 10. This market hosts over 120 vendors, including First Fruits Organic Farm in Boulder, Aromatics, Boulder Popcorn, Arrowhead Dahlias and Boulder Ice Cream.
The next farmer’s market to open is just west on Highway 285 in Littleton at the Southwest Plaza Mall. This market will open for the season May 3 and will run on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. This market hosts not only numerous fruit and vegetable stands, but also vendors such as Avanti’s Winery and Big Soul’s Catering, which sells items such as nachos and chili cheese dogs, making the 20-minute drive well worth it. One vendor not to miss is Honey Gal with spreadable honeys from the Rocky Mountains.
Featuring similar vendors and also a quick drive away in Highlands Ranch is the Highlands Ranch Town Center market on Sundays starting May 4. This market features unique types of vendors such as Clay Inspirations, which offers handmade and wheel-thrown pottery, and Diné Creations’ handmade jewelry.
Students without cars looking for a relaxing way to spend a Sunday morning just down the street from campus can visit the Pearl Street Farmer’s Market, which opens May 11 and runs from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. This market has over 60 vendors, including Ela Family Farms, whose Colorado Western Slope peaches and apples have been drawing in customers since the first farmers market on Pearl 12 years ago. A couple stands that DU students might already be familiar with are Buffalo Doughboy Bakery located on Colfax and Watercourse, a vegetarian restaurant located on 17th Street. The Pearl Street Farmer’s Market opening day also happens to be Mother’s Day. Other special events throughout their season include GreenFest/ Homesteading in the Hood on May 18, Healing Fest on July 20, Harvest Fest on August 17 and a Pet Adoption Fair on September 21. They also have flea markets the last Sunday of every month.
