Shop Smart - Shop Your Local Farmer's Market

Your local Farmer's Market is the perfect way to spend your summer afternoon. Live music, fresh produce and fun people—why wouldn't you swing by?

Here are a few tips on getting the most out of your Farmer's Market trip:

Shop early for the best selection

Farmer's arrive to the market bright and early with their trucks full of fresh produce. The closer to opening time you arrive, the better your selection will be.

Shop late for savings

Once the market slows down and closing time approaches, you may have a good chance of getting a bargain. Some, not all farmers would rather sell all of their produce rather than haul heavy loads all the way back to their property. You may score a few bargains during the last hour of the Market.

Have a taste

The best part of the Farmer's Market is that you are ensured quality. Many of the farmers hand out samples of their produce for you to taste their delicious goods. This is a great time to try new things! If something looks different, try it, love it and cook it for dinner!

Stock up

While supermarket produce is harvested weeks before it arrives in stores, the items you see at the Farmer's Market are usually picked from the ground the day before you buy them. That means your produce purchases will have a longer life expectancy so load up and take home your favorites along with a few newbies!

[caption id="attachment_8180" align="alignright" width="420" caption="Chef Karla giving a cooking demonstration at the Farmer's Market of Bluffton"][/caption]