As summers closes, some local farmers markets are keeping their doors open
Though the heat of summer is beginning to dissipate, one of the best parts of the season remains — farmers markets. St. Louis has an array of farmers markets in different neighborhoods, each full with fresh and local produce, meat, cheeses and prepared food. Unfortunately, most of the markets are seasonal, opening sometime in spring and closing in late October. But, don’t worry — here are four St. Louis farmers markets offering plenty of food on the cheap for most, or all, of the year.
Soulard Farmers Market
Soulard is probably the first market that comes to mind when a St. Louisan mentions the words “farmers market.” The market began operation in 1779 and is one of the largest farmers markets west of the Mississippi River. This market has everything: fresh produce, local meats, baked goods, a spice shop and restaurants. They even have a pet shop for furry friends. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the market is only open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May to September. However, you can come any time of the year from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Soulard Farmers Market is located at 730 Caroll St., St. Louis, Mo. 63104.
Sappington Farmers Market
At 8400 Watson Road is the Sappington Farmers Market. The market has the typical components of any farmers market, but what makes it special is its focus on ethnic ingredients to help serve the Latino, Asian and Eastern European populations of St. Louis. The open-air market also has a special gluten-free section, a garden department and a section featuring Missouri wines. The market is open every day of the year, except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Normal hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. New Year’s Day hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Olive Farmers Market
The Olive Farmers Market is not so much a farmers market as it is a dreamland filled with Asian foods. Not only does the market feature a variety of fresh produce, but they also have a large selection of freshly-made items in their frozen food section — potstickers, steamed buns, veggies and more. In the back of the market, you’ll find the seafood section where the fish, lobsters and crabs are still alive when you get there. Perhaps most important, at least to a college student, is the selection of ramen — it takes up an entire aisle of the supermarket. Olive Farmers Market is located at 8041 Olive Blvd. in University City. The market is open from 9 a.m.
to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
Kirkwood Farmers Market
The Kirkwood Farmers Market is located in the heart of Kirkwood’s downtown business district at 150 E. Argonne Street. Along with a selection of local and organic produce, and meat, there is also a wide array of freshly prepared food from St. Louis vendors, including: The Blue Owl Bakery, Great Harvest Bread Co., and Russ’ Ribs and BBQ. On the west side of the market is a greenway that was opened in April 2011. There, shoppers can find hand-made soap, crafts, hair accessories, yarn and local art. The market also has a pumpkin patch during the fall, and a winter market complete with a Christmas tree lot. From April 9 to Sept. 24, the market is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday hours vary by vendor. In October, the Pumpkin Patch is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. In November and December, the Christmas Market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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