The Des Moines Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, in the historic Court Avenue District in downtown Des Moines until October 25.
The Des Moines Farmers Market is one of the best in the nation. It was recognized by Midwest Living Magazine as “One of America’s Best Farmers Markets” in 2012, was featured on RachelRay.com and listed as the “Best in the Midwest” by Country Living Magazine. It hosts over 300 booths over the course of the five months it’s open, supporting family farmers, bakers, artists and crafters from around the state.
Due to the affordability of the items sold at the booths and the free parking, the Farmers Market is a hot spot for Drake students on Saturday Mornings.
Emeila Fabel, sophomore accounting and finance major, said “The Farmers Market is a great way to get off campus and get some fresh air on a Saturday morning. It’s really affordable and fun.”
Next time you visit The Farmers Market, check out these local favorites:
Best Cup of Coffee : Iowa Coffee Company
Court Avenue, between 4th and 5th Streets
The Iowa Coffee Company is at the market every Saturday. The Company was founded in 1991 by Tom Sibbernsen, whose vision was to create a company that would provide the freshest coffee experience in Iowa paired with his own brand of friendly, personal service.
“Ten Horses is one of my signature blend coffees, and it’s a crowd favorite here at the market,” Sibbernsen said.
Roxie Menke, a frequent Farmers’ Market attendee added, “He roasts about the best coffee beans I’ve ever had.”
Best Breakfast Sandwich : Rinehart’s Family Farm
Court Avenue, between 4th and 5th Street
The Rinehart’s Family Farm vendors travel from Boone, Iowa every Saturday to attend the market. Their merchandise includes home grown produce, honey and prepared chemical-free food.
“The breakfast sandwiches are top notch, and we usually have a line down the street. People really like tomato or zucchini sandwiches,” Rinehart’s employee James Arentson said.
Sophomore Mark Kelly likes to enjoy a Rhinehart’s breakfast sandwich on early Saturday mornings. “The breakfast sandwiches are my favorite thing about the whole market,” he said. “They’re always fresh, and better than Hubbell.”
Best Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice : The Rotary Club of West Des Moines
Court Avenue, between 3rd and 4th street
The Rotary Club of West Des Moines has a booth sponsored by Johnny’s Hall of Fame, and is known for their freshly squeezed orange juice, which they sell to accompany their breakfast pizza.
The money raised every Saturday helps various philanthropic endeavors. The Rotary Club provides dictionaries for a third grade class in the West Des Moines School District, assists with road side clean up and organizes a bike drive for Des Moines youth.
Best Sweet Treats : Grandma’s Fudge
Location varies
Grandma’s Fudge is a booth that features baked goods, specifically homemade fudge, Dutch letter bars, and peanut brittle.
Pat Wite runs the stand, which can be found at many other area markets including the Johnston Farmers’ Market, the Polk City Farmers’ Market, the Four Mile Farmers’ Market, Ankeny Unplugged and other craft fairs.
“Grandma’s Fudge is my favorite thing at the Market. I got it with my mom one weekend when she came to visit and now I’m hooked,” Fabel said.
Best Lunch Sandwich – “Say Cheese” Grilled Cheese
4th Street on Sept. 6 and
“Say Cheese” Grilled Cheese serves award-winning gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. The business was created by uncle and niece duo Jake Whipple and Sydney Williams. They serve their sandwiches at various events around Iowa.
The Popper, a sandwich consisting of various kinds of cheese, cream cheese, and jalapeños, won first place in the Anything Goes Category in the Living History Farms 2014 Grilled Cheese Fest.
For more information about the Des Moines Farmers Market, visit www.desmoinesfarmersmarket.com.
