COOKING FRESH, St. Louis Area Farmers’ Markets, 2008

Whether you are a visitor or a resident, this summer is a great time to take a tour of some of our local outdoor markets. Don’t forget to bring your own bags and plenty of change to facilitate transactions. People watchers are welcome, as long as they realize that they, too, are being watched.

Tower Grove Farmers’ Market
Tower Grove Park, West of the Pool Pavilion

Tower Grove Farmers’ Market and Bazaar is a joy to visit. Their setting in one of the City’s most beautiful parks is enviable. This May will mark their third year of operation. Located in one of the area’s most beautiful parks, this rapidly growing venue is now officially a 501(c) (3) corporation with a “wide variety of local produce, meats and other local food products.” Visit http://www.tgmarket.org/ to read about the market, their mission, goals and activities. There is so much going on at TG Farmers Market on a Saturday morning that you will probably linger for awhile and enjoy the ambiance, and the live music.

1. Among the attractions are the Harvest Sessions that feature free live music performances in the pavilion.
2. The Home Eco Sustainable Living Series is back for 2008. Look forward to another interesting series of green living discussions.
3. Free yoga will be starting on May 10.

The Market in The Loop
6655 Delmar Blvd., University City
For information: 314.991.3300

Enjoy the ambiance and cosmopolitan feel of the Delmar Loop as you shop at this year-round market. Since the 70’s, this vibrant shopping venue has been a fixture in the neighborhood. Local farmers, food vendors, craftsmen and artists all display their wares. Some set-up outside while others prefer to occupy spaces inside, but all have interesting offerings and often act as incubators for new enterprises.  
Be sure to visit Bob’s Seafood, it’s loaded with fresh treats to prepare at home. But if you can’t wait that long, sample some of the BBQ at Mama’s Coal Pot, real St. Louis style food. The smoke shack is humble, but the meat is fit for a king.


Clayton Farmers’ Market
Corner of Maryland and North Central avenues, Clayton
For information: 314.645.5807

The center of Clayton, the seat of St. Louis County government, may seem a bit urban for a farmers’ market, but there it is. This is no small enterprise; it occupies a full block of prime real estate. The Clayton vendors know that there is no better way to sell food than to offer samples, so they do, liberally. Another nice touch is that cooking demonstrations are offered to the shoppers.


Soulard Farmers’ Market
7th Street and Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis
For information: 314.622.4180

The oldest farmers’ market west of the Mississippi River, Soulard, is the benchmark of its kind. Founded in 1838, this landmark exudes history. Fortunately for those of you who are unfamiliar with it, they have a beautiful web site complete with directions, offerings and architectural shots. Some of the merchants even offer coupons on the site.  http://www.soulardmarket.com. The market is as rich in history as it is in local produce. The best source of the background information can be found at http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/soulardmarket .


Kirkwood Farmers’ Market
East Argonne Drive and Taylor Avenue, Kirkwood
For information: 314.822.0084

This charming market sits right near the railroad tracks in downtown Kirkwood and gets a lot of foot of traffic. Locals frequent and support their little treasure trove. Several offerings of on-site foods are available. And some of the specialty sweets are irresistible. Events are a part of the market’s tradition, so call and ask about their schedule.

North City Farmers’ Market
14th Street and St. Louis Ave. Across the street from Crown Candy

A newcomer, North City offers local produce, baked goods and fun activities for neighborhood kids. Several community groups pitch in to support this market including the Urban  Studio, New Roots Urban Farm and ONSLRG. Not merely a market, this endeavor is part of a major urban renewal effort in the neighborhood known as Old North.