Soulard Farmer's Market

Yay, it's been a while since I last went to the Soulard Farmer's Market, but it is as awesome as ever, if not even better! There are the obvious signs of improvement; previously abandoned buildings redone as "Soulard Market Lofts", and the old parking lot across the street repaved and turned into an electronic pay lot.


Man, I forgot how much I love that place! I made sure to get up early Saturday morning, and got there a little after 8 am. I definitely wanted to try to beat the heavy crowds and the oppressive heat. Even at 8 am it was still pretty hot, by the time I left at 9, it was almost too much for me to take. When I got there, I did a quick walk around the market to see what looked good and who had the best prices, and also hit up the (potentially dangerous due to overspending!) ATM. Got some blueberries, peaches, plums, a watermelon, some fantastic beef jerky, and some delish cinnamon almonds. Oh yeah, and 4 half-moon carpets for $10! Almost bought some earrings made out of peacock teeth too, but (luckily?) ran out of cash. There are people there who make their own jewelry, their own flavored pasta, their own soaps, clothing, flowers and plants, beef jerky, cheese, and pastries. You can get freshly butchered rabbits or chickens, and who knows what other type of animal. There is a superb spice shop that people swear by for finding elusive spices. There is plenty to snack on while you are shopping: pastries, freshly baked bread, hot glazed doughnuts, pretzels, beer, lemonade, hot dogs, yum!


Some people say that there are some things they don't like about the Soulard Market; the fact that farmers hire people to do their selling on Saturday mornings, and the fact that farmers shop for some of their produce on Produce Row instead of growing their goods, and that not all the money goes directly to the farmers. The fact remains that this is the best place to find a good deal on freshly grown fruits and veggies.


A few tips: Walk a quick circle around the market when you arrive to take note of variations in price and product quality. Go early to avoid the thick crowds and heavy heat. Bring your own carrying bags, wagon, or push cart to carry all of your buys, you will be sure to find a lot!