Do you know where your food comes from?

Bluff Country farmers markets are the perfect opportunities for consumers to purchase directly from farmers.

Shopping at the local farmers market allows consumers to stretch their grocery dollars. Shoppers can also feel at peace knowing that they are feeding their family nutritious, chemical-free, and scrumptious food. In addition, farmers markets are enjoyable activities for families and friends to do during spring, summer, and fall. 

The outdoor venues offer the perfect environment to enjoy the sounds of local bands, chat with neighbors and meet new friends. Farmers markets are also a great place to purchase handmade crafts and art from local artisans while enjoying an entrée from area restaurants and nonprofit organizations that offer local fare for sale.

Another benefit of shopping directly from farmers is the variety of products available. At the beginning of the growing seasons, shoppers will find rhubarb, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, greens, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and strawberries. Mushrooms are also a treat that can be found at farmers markets. The list of produce changes throughout the summer and fall. A variety of fresh mushrooms can be found at the markets as well as a farm-raised beef, pork, and chicken.

Tuesdays

• La Crescent Farmers Market – Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m. at 509 N. Chestnut St. Purchase fresh and canned produce as well as handcrafted art, framed embroidery, potholders, dishcloths, handmade soap and fresh, dried, and canned produce.

• Rushford Peterson Valley Farmer’s Market – Tuesdays from 3:30-6 p.m. at the Rushford Area Historic Depot, 501 S. Elm Street.

Wednesdays

• Simple Living Farmers Market, Spring Grove – 4-7 p.m. from May through August and 4-6 p.m. September and October, on Maple Drive near Viking Park, downtown Spring Grove. Stay for music and enjoy the local fare.

Thursdays

• Chatfield Growers Market – Thursdays 3-6 p.m. in the Chatfield City Park. Produce, baked goods, canned goods sold from May 5 through October.

Saturdays

• Lanesboro Farmers Market – Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Sylvan Park, 202 Parkway Ave. S., Lanesboro. Featuring fresh produce, canned goods, baked items, mushrooms, honey, maple syrup, goat milk soap, and flowers.

• Preston Pop Up Market – Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on select Saturdays: June 11, July 9, August 13, September 17 and October 29. The market is held on Fillmore Street by the courthouse. You’ll find crafts, fresh flowers and produce, bread mixes, toys and books, jewelry, succulents, soaps, jams and salsa, homemade candy, and more. Stay awhile and listen to music from local bands.

• Simple Living Farmers Market, Hwy. 44 at Mabel – Saturdays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Shoppers will find fresh produce, homemade baked goods, plants, canned goods, and crafts.

Upcoming events

Add these upcoming events to your calendar.

• July 15-17, Rushford Days, Rushford, Minn.

• July 15-17, Summer Fest, LeRoy, Minn.

• July 15-17, Root River Antique Engine & Tractor Show, Spring Valley, Minn.

Look for even more things to do in Bluff Country at visitbluffcountry.com/events/.