Farmers markets are back in full swing, offering fresh, locally grown produce and handmade goods nearly every day of the week in Bluff Country.
Seasonal offerings vary, starting with rhubarb, asparagus, and lettuce in the spring. Summer brings strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, and peppers. Come fall, expect to find pumpkins and crisp apples.
Thanks to a growing number of local flower farms, fresh flowers are available weekly. Honey is available from May through October, with honey sticks being a favorite treat for kids. Shoppers can also find fresh mushrooms and farm-raised meats, including beef, pork, lamb, and chicken.
Farmers markets provide the perfect opportunity to buy directly from local growers and artisans. Moreover, farmers markets offer a fun, family-friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy live music, chat with neighbors, and support local businesses.
In addition to produce, many markets feature handcrafted goods, and artwork from local makers. Shoppers will also find baked goods, jams and jellies, and local cuisine.
Below is a list of area Farmers Markets.
Tuesday
La Crescent Farmers & Artisans Market: May 14 through October 15, 4-7 p.m., 595 Veteran’s Parkway
Rushford Peterson Valley Farmer’s Market: May 20 through mid-October, Tuesdays from 3:30-6 p.m., St. Joseph’s Church, 103 N. Mill Street
Wednesday
Spring Grove Music & Market: May 14 through August 27, 4-7 p.m., Viking Memorial Park
Decorah Farmers Market: May through October, 3–6 p.m., Lower Oneota Community Co-op parking lot
Thursday
Chatfield’s Growers and Makers Market: May through October, 3-6 p.m., City Park
Fountain Farmers Market: May through September, 4-8 p.m., City Park
Saturday
Decorah Farmers Market: May through October, 8 a.m. to 12 noon, Lower Oneota Co-op parking lot
Lanesboro Farmers Market: May through October, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Sylvan Park
Preston Pop-up/Farmers Market: September 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Downtown
Upcoming events in Bluff Country
- State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony, Sunday, May 25, Preston
- Music in the Bandstand, May 31, Peterson
- Free Iowa resident fishing, June 6-8, Iowa
The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.
For information on upcoming town festivals and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining, and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.
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