I’m always pretty bummed about the end of Farmers Market season. I miss getting up on Saturday morning, excited to see what fresh goodies are going to be for sale this week. I miss getting a treat from a local baker and munching on it as I stroll down Washington Street. I miss bringing my daughter with me, chatting with her about the changing seasons, favorite foods, school…just about anything. And I miss sometimes leaving the kids with Daddy while I take some me-time and shop, blissfully unencumbered.
When the New Leaf Winter Farmers Markets started 8 years ago, I was pumped. I was confused, but excited. What could farmers be selling in the winter? It’s not like there’s any new produce coming up. But it’s not like farmers just sit on their hands for 5 months of the year.
So what do they sell? All kinds of stuff! My husband, a chef, loves browsing the artisanal meats and cheeses sold at the Winter Farmers Market. I’m more of a baked goods and crafts person. They also have coffee, veggies, and specialty foods. (Last year, I bought a jar of incredible mustard. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.)
The event is all indoors, at the KI Convention Center. You can park for free across the street in the ramp, take the covered skywalk over (my kids love it!) and shop through the conference halls. No snow boots required, no pushing strollers through snow.
I especially love the first market of the season; it’s a special Holiday Market. They have an additional 30 holiday craft vendors, so you can pick up a one-of-a-kind gift or ornament at the market. I’m always blown away with the talent of these crafters! Also, bring your kids along–there will be free photos with Santa from 10 a.m to noon! Why pay $50 for a photo with Santa when you can save that cash for another gift for the little ones!
Unlike the summer markets, the Winter Farmers Market isn’t every Saturday. The first one (the Special Holiday Market) is Saturday, December 9. Then there isn’t another one until January. They run from 8 a.m to noon. The dates are:
- December 9, 2017
- January 13, 2018
- January 20, 2018
- February 3, 2018
- February 10, 2018
- February 24, 2018
- March 3, 2018
In addition to over 80 vendors, you can also enjoy live music and cooking demonstrations. And check out a free yoga class with Jenstar Yoga at 9 a.m. in the private ballroom next to the market–just bring your own mat.
I’m so excited about seeing what new artisanal foods are at the New Leaf Winter Farmers Markets this year. What are you most excited about?
Chryssy is the owner of WellRoundedMom.com, a site dedicated to helping parents make the most of life. She lives in Green Bay with her husband, five-year-old daughter, and one-year-old son.
Check out these other links from Well Rounded Mom:
Why I’m Not Ashamed My Kids Watch TV — And Science Backs Me Up
TV with Alexa: Fun Television Easter Eggs with Amazon’s Alexa
