Published in The Voice.
Farmers markets offer surprising delights By Sharon Weltz
Farmers markets have come a long way from their stereotypical plywood stalls and dusty roadside locations. Their live music, twinkle lights, gourmet food, shopping and entertainment might fool you into thinking you’re at a high-end shopping destination. Wednesdays, head up 59th Avenue to Utopia Road for the Twilight Farmers Market at Citadella Plaza shopping center. An ambiance of live music and mouth watering aromas set under a spectacular sunset creates a feast for the senses. Strolling along the rows of vender booths, munching on samples at every turn, you’ll find an enticing array of temptations in addition to locally grown organic produce. Don't miss the booth offering the "Best Tamales in Phoenix,” as voted in The New Times. Lard free, gluten free and preservative free, the Tamale Store’s nearly half-pound tamales are available in traditional, vegetarian and vegan varieties. Pre-order online (www.the tamalestore.com ) or by calling 602-435-2604, and you can pick-up your order at the farmers’ market. Bring your well-behaved dog along, too. Leashed dogs are welcome, especially at the "Dessert Dogs" booth offering gourmet treats for man's best friend. Twilight Farmers Market runs every Wednesday from 4 to 7:00 p.m. through May, and 5 to 9:00 p.m. during the summer. Much more an event than an outdoor market, Mommas Organic Market (www.mommasorganicmarket.com) is held the third Saturday of the month, September through April, at Park West shopping center on Northern Avenue at 97th Avenue. Mommas Organic Market features fresh meats and produce from local organic farmers, but the hardest part of your visit will be deciding what to do first. Entertainment for children includes face painting, crafts, a petting zoo, a bounce house and a story-time theatre. Adults will enjoy live music, samples, homemade baked goods, lunch vendors, jewelry and gift items, and a free book exchange (bring books to trade). Preview vendors’ wares by following the vendor links listed on www.mommasorganicmarket.com. The last chance to experience Mommas Organic Market before it closes for the summer is April 16. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and admission is free. Be one of the first 200 people to arrive and receive a free gift bag. For more market locations and times, see the sidebar on this page. |
Farmers Market Locations Twilight Farmers Market
19420 N. 59th Ave., Glendale Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. through May Summer hours, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Westgate Fountain Park Market 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale Second Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Peoria Farmers' Market and Sunday Art Stroll 10510 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria Sundays, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Vistancia Country Club Farmers Market at Trilogy 12902 W. Yellow Bird Lane, Peoria Fourth Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. MOMMA'S ORGANIC MARKET AT PARK WEST 9744 W. Northern Avenue, Peoria Third Saturday, through April, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. NORTERRA FARMERS MARKET 2460 W. Happy Valley Road, Peoria First and third Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Sunnyslope Uptown Market 8801 N Central Ave, Phoenix Sundays, 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Downtown Outdoor Public Market 721 N. Central, Phoenix Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Town & Country Market 2021 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Roadrunner Park Farmers Market 3501 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. |