If you read my bio, you know I love a good farmer’s market. Fresh produce, local eats and an assortment of canvas bags to carry the spoils in. I have had the opportunity to visit farmer’s markets as far away as Munich, Amsterdam, and Singapore as well as many right here in the United States. The only difference I have found between markets is the weather and available produce.

An open market sparks the foodie inside and can inspire the meals you prepare. If you’re lucky you might start a collection of canvas bags which will remind you of those market trips.

The corner of 3rd and Fairfax

I recently made a trip to Los Angeles where I had the chance to visit one of my favorite markets. Of course it didn’t hurt that when I made the trip out West it was 70 degrees and sunny. It was a far cry from the wet and unpredictable weather of the Midwest I was experiencing. The LA market at 3rd and Fairfax was started back in 1934. The market is a combination of old and new LA. Each time I return the market shows me something new and current while still making me feel like I’m visiting an old friend.

The marketplace provides its visitors with the Hollywood experience while still reminding them of the rich history this city holds that extends far beyond its television and movie industry. I start each day of my visit to LA with breakfast at Charlie’s. It’s been a staple at the farmer’s markets since 1976 and is run by a red-headed woman named Charlie. Once I finish up there I take a stroll through the stalls that will surely satisfy both the tourist and someone who wants to enjoy the local vibe. It will also give you a chance to taste something sweet or savory that is unique to LA while also highlighting California’s agricultural offerings.

California’s agricultural industry is one of the largest in the country. When many regions of the country are at a period of rest because of weather, California continues to produce many of the fruits, vegetables and nuts we consume. It is reason enough for all of us to sit up and pay attention when the state experiences drought and too much precipitation. It also reminds us what our local farmers must go through given the unpredictable weather patterns they face each growing season.

Taste local fare and support small local vendors at the farmer’s market

The thing about farmer’s markets is that they give you the opportunity to taste local fare and support small local vendors. At a time when everything around us seems to be getting bigger and less personal, farmer’s markets offer us a chance to reconnect with our neighbors and more importantly the larger community we live in. When you support your local markets, you make the decision to participate in building a better community. So the next time you travel whether it be in your own community or a far away place take a moment to enjoy the local flavors a farmer’s market can offer.