Texas Farmers Market mecca for local produce
Handmade chocolates, tomatoes, eggplant, OH MY!! And it’s all in one place for all your Fourth of July picnic needs—at the Texas Farmers Market. This popular family friendly market is a mecca for locally grown fresh produce. In addition, handmade soap, homemade salsa and jam, sausage, spice, egg, coffee, and meat vendors line the aisles. If you like to buy local and live in Travisso, you are in luck. The Cedar Park location is a 20 minute drive.
The year-round mild Texas weather makes it ideal for the market to operate in both rain or shine. As the familiar saying goes, it’s always bigger in Texas, and the Texas Farmers Market at Lakeline Mall is no exception. On a recent visit well over 80 booths lined a portion of the mall’s parking lot to accommodate both vendors and shoppers. Finding the market is easy. Upon entering the mall entrance signs pointing you in the right direction are very visible. The exact location is between Dillard’s and Sears. But, you can’t miss it because there is both excitement and activity in the air. Or, you can follow the aroma of deliciously prepared foods and coffees such as those from Tacodeli or Ladybird Provisions Coffee Bombs.
This Saturday morning market is fun for everyone, and, of course, four-legged patrons too. Pooches on leashes are everywhere and mix in perfectly with the family-friendly atmosphere. The market is also a great opportunity to learn new tips and procedures to grow your own fruits and veggies. Vendors are always willing to engage in conversation and educate shoppers on best practices in addition to sharing recipes.
Texas Farmers Market produce is 100 percent verified
Products are artisanal, unique, seasonal, gluten, and preservative free. The Texas Farmers Market folks inspect all products for sale to verify they are local. Many of the vendors operate within a 30 mile radius of the market and all are from the state of Texas. Vendors cannot repackage or resell foods. They can only sell what they grow or produce. As a result, all foods are direct from producer to consumer which means they are literally farm fresh.
Products for sale vary from week to week. But, on any given Saturday you may find fresh duck, charcuterie, and eggs from Belle Vie Farm and Kitchen or microgreens from Austin food recycler Joe’s Microgreens, or delectable award-winning artisan confections from Delysia Chocolatier. In addition to fruits and veggies other products abound. Those products include honey, pottery, jewelry, health and beauty products, organic vegetable oil soaps, fresh dog food, doggie treats, and more.
Texas Farmers Market special events calendar
Finally, before you pack your reusable shopping bag going don’t forget to check out the special events calendar. A variety of events are held throughout the month. One such event is Market Sprouts, a monthly program for kids sponsored by the Health Start Foundation. Or, mark your calendar and attend the Seasonal Best Series with market chef Maggie Perkins. Under the demo tent Chef Maggie prepares delicious recipes with seasonal produce. Plan to attend this week for a special Independence Day Grilling Demo with Chef Perkins. Sampling is encouraged!
The Texas Farmers Market at Lakeline Mall is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. However, if you can’t attend on Saturday, the organization operates another market on Sundays at Mueller from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Austin.