If you’re searching for delicious goodies for the whole family, head to your local farmers market. You can’t go wrong with a trip to this fabulous destination. It’s the place to go for locally grown foods by neighborhood growers and Colorado’s family ranchers. The area around Thornton offers a wide range of markets to explore. Use this list of our six favorites to get started.

The Orchards Farmers Market

Fruits and vegetables line tables at a farmers market in Thornton, Colorado

“Dallas Farmers Market” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by jdtornow

The Orchards Farmers Market takes place in the Orchard Town Center Macy’s parking lot off 144th and I-25 in Westminster. It’s a terrific place to stock up on fresh food every Sunday from June through mid-September. It opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 2 p.m. Shop for a variety of wholesome goodies such as dairy products, produce, and baked goods. They’re so delicious, you’ll forget they’re good for you. This market’s long list of vendors includes:

  • Miller Farms.
  • Palisade Peach Shack.
  • Trujillo Family Farm.
  • Rockin 4d Meats.
  • A.J.’s Roasted Chilis.
  • Longmont Dairy.
  • Styria Bakery II.
  • Six Grill Jerky.
  • J&J Burritos and Salsa.
  • Summit Sustainable Goods.

Palombo Farms Market

The Palombo Farms Market on Havana Street in Henderson is a family-owned operation. For years, they have grown and sold farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products to Thornton families. Freshness is the key here. These farmers pick their ripe produce daily, so you know that the food you take home is at its nutritional peak. Consider stocking up and buying in-season foods in bulk, freezing your leftovers to save big on your family’s grocery bill.

Shop the holiday market for festival items like fresh-cut trees, evergreen wreaths, and handmade gifts. The growing season starts at the end of June, and the winter market begins after Thanksgiving. Browse its offerings Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 to 5.

Berry Patch Farm Market

If you enjoy feeding your family organic foods, get to know the Ferrell family at Berry Patch Farm. Located on Potomac Street in Brighton, the U.S.D.A. certified that this place is an organic producer with over 40 acres of land. That means that the food you purchase here is grown without growth hormones, antibiotics, synthetic pesticides, or G.M.O.s. Since 1994, it has served as a pick-your-own garden and farmers market.

There is no membership fee to join the fun here, and you can shop at the barn store anytime during open hours. These growers also offer a summer and winter C.S.A. box. Community Supported Agriculture programs are a terrific way to support your local farmers. The Ferrell’s include discounts on the farm’s children’s social activities, like birthday parties and crafting classes for school-aged children 6 to 10. Pick-your-own produce includes delicious options like:

  • Strawberries.
  • Raspberries
  • Currants.
  • Pie cherries.
  • Plums.
  • Basil.
  • Seasonal flowers.
  • Pickling cucumbers.

Westminster Farmers Market

You can find the Westminster Farmers Market in the Northwest Church of Christ’s parking lot on West 98th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard. This market generally opens the first week of June and runs through September. Hosts open the event on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This center offers something for everyone beyond the usual produce. You can pick up Colorado-themed goods, health and beauty products, home decor items, and pet supplies.

Check out the market’s online blog. It features loads of educational articles on various subjects your family may be interested in. For example, find tips about eating right and advice on how to increase traffic to your website. The organizers also offer an informative podcast entitled the Edible Economy.

Don’t miss its annual Holiday Market in Olde Town Arvada. This event takes place on the first three Saturdays in December from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Santa will visit kids at this gala occasion, and everyone in the family will love the carolers, delicious foods, and entertainment.

Broomfield Farmers Market

Broomfield Farmers Market is a terrific pet-friendly option for those families that have busy weekends. Don’t try to jam another errand between football practice and the dry cleaners. Instead, head to this pick on Tuesday evenings between mid-June and September. Vendors open their booths at 4 p.m., and you can wander the aisle in leisure until 7 p.m.

This market is a bit unique in its extraordinary tradition of giving back. All proceeds go to local charities, and farmers donate the surplus produce to Broomfield FISH’s food bank. Families with little ones can use your W.I.C. and Double Up Food Bucks here, too. Organizers set up in the parking lot of the Holy Comforter on West 10th Avenue. Park behind the building, grab your eco-friendly shopping bags, and head over. This community gathering spot is an ideal place to:

  • Browse loads of healthy seasonal food direct from local growers.
  • Listen to live music.
  • Grab a bite to eat from local food trucks.
  • Enjoy special events for the whole family.
  • Learn about the Church’s commitment to stewardship.

Lafayette Farmers Market

Community leaders in Lafayette saw a need for fresh, seasonal produce in the area and decided to establish the Lafayette Farmers Market in 2008. It’s a top choice if you’re in search of organic and heirloom produce, bedding plants, and other gardening needs.

Located on West South Boulder Road, this destination features just about everything you imagine you’d find at a well-stocked farmers market. Growers of all kinds, including expert family farmers, backyard gardeners, weekend hobbyists, and school-aged children, sell their wares in Lafayette. You can stock up on goodies like:

  • Fair Trade fruit.
  • Nuts.
  • Grains.
  • Vegetables.
  • Meat and poultry.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Coffee.
  • Cut flowers.
  • Herbs.
  • Potted plants.
  • Pastries and pies.
  • Bread and rolls.
  • Pickles.
  • Salsa.

So, there you have it. Crème de la Crème of Lone Tree just informed you of the six best farmers markets to try in the area. Did you like our list? Did we miss a favorite market of yours — one that Colorado families would love? If we did, let us know! Drop us a line; we’ll be sure to add it to our growing guide.