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If you are like me, you are probably pretty budget conscious when you travel. When we travel as a family, every cost is multiplied by 6. We’ve learned to be a little savvy when we travel, and look for free events and inexpensive food. One of our favorite places to visit is the local farmers’ market. Last month, when we were visiting family in Salem, Oregon we stopped by the Salem Farmers’ Market.
That day the Salem Oregon weather was phenomenal. Most of the year it is! Salem is located in Marion County, and the weather in the Willamette Valley allows for the gorgeous flowers and amazing fruits and vegetables to thrive! We attended the Saturday Market, but the Famers Market in Salem is also offered on Wednesdays in a different location. You can find their hours, months of operation and dates on their website. We were able to pick up food (although restaurants in Salem Oregon are plentiful!), flowers and even a rock for my little gem loving son! You can even find compost worms at the market!
We like visiting farmers' markets because we can usually find food for all our picky palates. The produce is locally grown and you can try many varieties that you may not find elsewhere. You learn a lot about the local area from the artisans and stand owners (ask them what restaurants and touristy things you should do!). You can usually pick up a memento fairly inexpensively. If you are traveling to the Salem, OR area you won’t want to miss out. Here are some shots of our lovely day downtown!
The market is good size, with several rows taking up a whole city block.
The market is well organized and lots of people take them up on the “pet friendly” policy!
I think my boys liked seeing the dogs more than the veggies, but who can blame them? Cute!!!
The amount of fresh produce was overwhelming.
The colors and quality were superb!
Bins and bins of all the veggies and fruits you could imagine.
I miss living in the Willamette Valley for the berries alone! Marionberries are a local variety that you don’t want to miss out on!
There were several areas where live music was featured.
My son loved running into this guy! He was there to garner support for a local theater running a live version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
The flowers are picked fresh from the fields. They are as fresh as fresh can be, and the bouquets are surprisingly affordable.
This was at a paella booth! My husband was looking forward to filling his belly with this mixture of chorizo, chicken, olives and lots of spices and veggies! My boys also got their fill of fresh strawberry lemonade!
Have you ever gone to a Farmers Market while traveling? What about a flea market? I’d love to hear some of the out of box adventures you’ve had!
Looking for more travel posts? You might be interested in these!
How to Pack Lightly! A Before - Your - Trip MUST READ!
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Maria PastelsAndMacarons says
These markets look AMAZING! So much delicious fresh produce! Love your photos. Just lovely. I feel like I'm right there. Thanks for stopping by my blog 🙂 x
Jemma@athomewithjemma says
Beautiful markets and photos!!
Thank you for your sweet visit:)
xo
Jemma
Mira Cookinglsl says
Love Farmers Markets! Can't stop looking at the wonderful produce! Great post!
NC Sue says
Great shots.
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks Maria!
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks Jemma!
MrsMajor Hoff says
I love them too! I wish we had a good one here. Thanks for stopping by!
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks Jeannette!
Carlee Scharnhorst says
When we were in Madison, WI for a weekend we stopped by the Farmer's Market. It is HUGE and wonderful. It was so much fun to walk around and people/site see. I am a little jealous of that paella stand though, that looks amazing!
jeannettestgermain says
I reserve going to markets & flea markets for when I'm home, and painting and hiking for when I travel:) Like the blogpost am having up this week:) Great captures of fresh veggies!
Shanice Bannis says
Awesome post!
Atta Girl Amy says
We love visiting farmer's markets when we travel. My son always groans about it, but I secretly think he enjoys it. We had a great adventure once at the Farmer's Market at the University of Tennessee. Got caught in a thunderstorm and ended up waiting it out under the salsa guy's tent. Got to sample lots of salsa and hear some interesting stories from him. The Williamsburg, Va., farmer's market is another favorite. So many cool vendors. But your paella vendor may take the cake!
MrsMajor Hoff says
I love that you never know what you are going to see! I'll add Madison to our list! Thanks for stopping by!
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks for the invite!
MrsMajor Hoff says
That is a great story Amy! I love it! And yes, who would think there would be a paella vendor?!!! And composting worms!