one of my favorite things to do in the summertime is explore new farmer’s markets. Living in the twin Cities, it seems there’s always a new one to visit, but I think it can be especially fun to visit farmer’s markets in other cities. When I was back in my hometown in Iowa, my child Eli and I stopped at their farmer’s market with some of my family for a morning outing. because they’re a few weeks ahead of Minnesota in spring produce, it was fun to see the different things they already had out. We went with my father and brother and sister-in-law and their two kids, best when it opened in the morning. As we looked around we realized that it was 90 percent parents with strollers there with us – the only people who are forced to get up at 7 a.m. every morning and need something to do.

Of course, coffee was the first thing on the agenda, as well as a breakfast sandwich. (But I failed to take a photo of that because my hands were too busy pounding it before Eli took too much of it away from me.)

Contrary to what this photograph will lead you to believe, Eli wasn’t tired, (just not particularly smiley that morning) and a few minutes later, Eli was crawling around all over the street, playing with balloon animals and fussing for me to help him walk up and down the street. He’s crazy about walking with assistance, and I seriously think the kid could walk a few miles if I’d let him, but my back starts killing me about 100 yards in. good thing his Papa was there and we could take turns helping Eli to walk – and take turns having sore backs.

I love taking a look at the displays the farmer’s put out – but I always have to be sure to keep Eli a safe distance away or produce like those beautifully stacked radishes would be on the floor in a hot second.

I ended up picking up a few interesting tomato plants for our home garden, and as always, I had to taste test the honey and bring home a jar. I’m so thrilled that Eli’s one and can finally try honey! You can bet a put a squeeze of it in his smoothie the next day and he sucked that sippy cup dry.

It was so fun to explore another market, and now that the Minneapolis ones are open, I’m betting the farmer’s market will be a weekly occurrence. but hopefully Eli starts walking on his own soon to save my back a little more, or else I’m going to have to find at least three other people to choose me each time so we can divide up the pain!

[All photos by me, Laura Wifler, all rights reserved]

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