Farmers Market Tips: How to Plan, Shop, and Enjoy Your Fall Market Trip

Crisp air, pumpkins piled high, the smell of fresh bread, fall farmers markets are one of my favorite weekend outings.

To make the most of any trip to the local market, a little organizing and planning goes a long way. In this post, I’ll share some ideas for your next market visit.

5 Tips When Visiting Your Local Farmers Market

1. Plan your visit
When planning to attend the market, it can be helpful to look ahead and see which vendors will be there, what offerings each will have, and which seasonal crops you’d like to purchase. Decide whether you’ll grab breakfast and coffee at the market or eat before you go. I’m always bummed when I eat at home and then spot a tasty breakfast treat I want to try but I’m too full to enjoy it!

2. Make your list
I find it helpful to have a list of things I definitely want to purchase while browsing through the market. For example, I’ll look ahead to see which vendors will be present and what types of produce will be available. Then, I plan my meals using some of the items I want to purchase. Once the meals are planned, I add those shopping items to my market list. This keeps me on track during my visit.

I also check my calendar for any upcoming special events such as birthdays or holidays. If we have something planned, I’ll make a list of people and events I may want to purchase for. While browsing, I keep this list handy in case I see something perfect for someone.

Bonus points if you organize your list into categories for easy shopping (produce, gifts, décor, etc.).

3. Pack your gear
This one is so important, and until recently I often found myself unprepared at the market.

• Pack your market shopping bags. Many vendors provide plastic or paper bags, but they don’t work well for produce, dairy, meat, etc. I like to pack reusable canvas bags, insulated bags, and cold packs for perishable items. Too often I skipped cold items because I had no way to keep them chilled.

• Keep your shopping bags in your vehicle so you’re never left without them. I store mine in the rear storage compartment of my car.

• If you have little ones, bring a stroller or wagon. It makes shopping more enjoyable when they have a place to sit and ride, and those wheels are also handy for carrying pumpkins or large squash!

• Bring your phone and some cash. Many vendors now accept digital payments through QR codes, so make sure you’re logged into apps such as Venmo, PayPal, or Apple Pay. But also carry cash in case cell service is spotty or you encounter a vendor who only accepts cash.

4. Plan your time
When deciding what time to go, consider temperature, rain, entertainment, crowds, and vendor availability. For example, if it’s going to be hot or rainy in the afternoon, I’ll opt for a morning visit. If there’s an entertainer I want to see, I’ll go during their performance time. And if I know certain items will sell out quickly, I make sure to arrive early so I don’t miss them.

5. Stay organized while shopping
A little organization goes a long way while at the market.

• Keep your shopping list handy.

• Keep like items together in bags. you don’t want your new candle tossed in with your lettuce or your pumpkins sharing space with your eggs!

• Open the notes app on your phone and jot down vendors you’d like to follow on social media or visit again in the future.

Local farmers markets are a wonderful way to celebrate and support farmers and artisans. They’re also a great chance to connect with your community, catch up with friends (new and old), and enjoy time outdoors when the weather is beautiful.

If you live in the Hammond, Louisiana area, be sure to check out the Hammond Farmers and Artisans Market, held each Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. [You can check it out here.]

And if keeping your home and life organized feels harder than navigating a Saturday market crowd, my course Peaceful and Productive can help bring that same sense of calm and order into your daily routine.