It's become a bit routine for me, so it was a joy to set out on this particular Saturday morning to visit the Lawrence, Kansas farmers' market with a mission to share its quality and energy with The Kitchn community. It was the hottest day of the year, but you wouldn't know it by looking around. Things were buzzing as usual: curious shoppers chatting with local organic farmers, tasting the samples of artisan food makers' products, and even enjoying the driving music of a fiddler:
The Lawrence, Kansas downtown farmers' market is one of the best in the region, making it clear that this town takes local food seriously (while having a lot of fun). More than a few restaurants on the nearby Massachusetts Street are known to shop the market for their menus, all while shoppers get to know the farmers from whom they're buying their produce, meat, eggs. Heck, they might even be neighbors! Some farms are within the city limits or only a mile outside of town.
Do you live in Lawrence? Who are your favorite local food producers?
More Information: The Downtown Lawrence Farmer's Market
Related: Food-Lover's Guide to Kansas City
(Images: Regina Yunghans)
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Awwww....Lawrence made apartment therapy! I don't live there anymore, but I went to college there and lived there for years after school. They have a great farmer's market that's right in the heart of downtown too so a lot of other stuff to do!
I live in Lawrence and LOVE the farmer's market here!! ( So excited to see it posted on my favorite site!!) One of the best things about Lawrence (and Massachusetts Street especially) is the number of fantastic local restaurants that use as many local ingredients as possible. And, if you're passing through the Lawrence neighborhood, might as well stop by the amazing City Market Farmer's Market in Kansas City's Rivermarket district. Biggest day is Saturday, but they're open every day!
Oh, Yay! I live in Kansas and love Lawrence. Our favorite spot is the Wheat State Bakery. It's right off of Mass. Ave, and has the most amazing breads.
*it's actually called Wheatfields bakery.
I grew up in Kansas and went to KU for undergrad. Lawrence is a great town and they have a really vibrant local foods movement. I grew up on a farm, so of course I have to list my family's farm, although we don't market our produce or beef. Parideaza Farm (outside of Wamego) is owned by a friend and is fantastic; MJ Ranch is great for grass-fed beef. I miss Central Soy Tofu like crazy, and Local Burger is wonderful--and has the best veggie burgers I've ever eaten.
There are a few nonprofits that do good work in ag around northeastern Kansas. The Kansas Rural Center comes to mind. Also, the Kaw River Valley Our Local Foods project: http://www.kawrivervalley.org/. Kansas Organic Producers is a grain cooperative, so not what most consumers are looking for, but it you need to source organic grain or you just have some questions about getting started with organic farming, they're good people to call.