Local farmers markets give you access to fresh, seasonal produce grown on nearby farms as well as artisan food goods from local makers. Shopping at these markets is a great way to support local producers and small businesses. Plus, you can find unique items you can’t get elsewhere. In the Lone Tree area, many of our local farmers markets are only open during the spring, summer, and early fall. So when the weather is right, head over to one of these awesome local farmers markets to stock up on fruits, veggies, dairy, meats, and other ingredients.
Metro Denver Farmers Markets
Image via Flickr by gmtbillings Licensed CC BY 2.0
The Metro Denver Farmers Market hosts a series of seasonal local farmers markets around the Greater Denver area throughout the week. On Wednesdays from mid-June to late September, you can shop at the Littleton market. On Saturdays, you have the choice between Southwest Plaza from May through October and Mile Hi Church in Lakewood from June through September. And if you want to shop on Sundays, visit the Highlands Ranch Town Center from May through October or at STEAD School from June through September.
The vendors at each market can vary, so it’s worth visiting each market at least once. Expect to shop for fresh produce, handmade jewelry and clothing, books, restaurant-quality food, baked goods, specialty coffee and tea, and home and bath goods.
South University Farmers Market
The South University Farmers Market takes place between early May and late October at two locations around the Lone Tree area. The namesake South University Farmers Market is located in Greenwood Village and takes place on Fridays. The Centennial Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays at the University Towne Center in Centennial. Both markets specialize in fresh produce, offering unique items like microgreens and different varieties of tomatoes, including Cherokee Green and Purple. You can also find bath products, like homemade goat’s milk soap, and other artisan goods.
South Pearl Street Farmers Market
The South Pearl Street Farmers Market operates between May and November. This market, which is open on Sundays, spans a whole block of South Pearl Street, so there are plenty of vendors to shop from and many amazing goods to buy. However, this market is solely focused on food goods and does not permit vendors who sell handmade goods, jewelry, clothing, or crafts.
But the South Pearl Street Farmers Market is a fantastic alternative to shopping at the grocery store because you’ll find everything from fresh fruits and veggies to meat and dairy products to herbs, berries, honey, and other fresh food items. You can also purchase baked goods, jams and preserves, smoked meats, and prepared foods.
Cherry Creek Fresh Market
Located in the Cherry Creek North district near Denver’s downtown, the Cherry Creek Fresh Market is one of the best farmers markets in the area. This market includes vendors like local farmers and growers selling produce and animal products as well as food vendors selling prepared foods and artisan ingredients of all kinds. What’s more, this market frequently hosts special guests like professional chefs and Master Gardeners who demonstrate their skills and educate visitors.
You can even enjoy live music and other special events, too. You can check out this market on Wednesdays from June through September and Saturdays from May through November.
Green Valley Ranch Farmers Market
Held at the Green Valley Recreation Center, this local market is open from June or July until September. It’s held on Wednesday evenings, so it’s a great spot to do some after-work grocery shopping or pick up fresh ingredients for dinner. In addition to restaurant-quality prepared foods, fresh produce, baked goods, and food trucks, this market also hosts family-friendly events and activities, like caricature artists, live music, and face painting.
You can shop at the Green Valley Ranch Farmers Market for fresh produce from local growers, eggs and dairy products from neighborhood farms, baked goods from home and professional bakeries, prepared ethnic foods or ethnic ingredients for cooking international recipes at home, and more. Plus, local food trucks and restaurants, like Toby’s Poboys and Cheese Love Grill, are frequent vendors, too.
Denver Union Station Farmers Market
The Union Station Farmers Market is an amazing local farmers market located in downtown Denver at Union Station Plaza, operated by Boulder County Farmers Markets. This family-friendly event is a convenient stop on your way home from a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Centennial Gardens, or the Downtown Denver Skate Park, all of which are within blocks of the market.
This Saturday market is a must-visit spot for weekend warriors in the Mile High City because there’s much more than just local vendors. Listen to fantastic live music while you shop and watch chef demonstrations to learn how to make your ingredients into a fabulous dish. Grab fresh produce, eggs, cheese, coffee, homemade sauces and jams, fresh-baked treats, and practically everything in between.
Evergreen Farmers Market
The Evergreen Farmers Market is a Colorado Outdoor Market event located at the Evergreen Country Day School. This is a bit more of a drive for Lone Tree families, but it’s well worth the 30-minute-or-so drive. It takes place on the first Tuesday of every month from June to August, so it’s rarer than other markets on this list.
Mark your calendars so you can shop fresh produce, just-cut flowers and bouquets, handmade goods, and much more. Make the most of your drive to the market by taking part in fun activities, like ping-pong, chess, train rides, and other family-friendly fun.
There are dozens of other local farmers markets all around the Greater Denver area, hosted seasonally throughout the week. While you may not need to visit one every week, a farmers market can be a fun way to immerse your family in the grocery shopping experience and educate your kids about where food comes from with the help of the growers who sell it.
So there you have it, seven of the best farmers markets around the Lone Tree, Colorado, area. Did we miss your family’s favorite local markets where you get fresh produce and artisan goods? If so, contact Crème de la Crème of Lone Tree today. We’ll be sure to add it to our list!