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Health & Fitness

Travel to Farmers' Markets in Clayton and Beyond for Local Flavor

I love farmers' markets and when I travel, the first thing I look for (besides restaurants and coffee ;) is what's in season at the local market.

From Connecticut to California and Michigan to Arkansas, I’ve made it a point to
visit Farmers Markets when I travel. All Markets are unique to their community,
literally providing local flavor and color.

Visiting a region's local farmer's market is great way to immediately connect with what makes that community special.  From the produce to the people to the crafts each farmer's market reflects the nuances of a town or city's local flavor.

In the homogenization of today's world with the proliferation of big box stores and their factory made products, it's easy to forget that it's also our differences that bring us together.  Historically, farmer's markets in village squares were meeting places where people went to get what they didn't make or grow themselves.

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Grower and producer only farmer's markets today are the same--places where each farmer, artisan producer or craft person brings something unique and different to market. People like to greet their favorite green grower, soap lady or bread guy in person each week; often becoming farmers' market friends.

When I'm visiting a local Farmers Market, I also visit the surrounding area’s shops and restaurants and take a stroll to look at the region's architecture.Twelve years ago I brought home the best bottle of herb-ed olive oil from an Italian deli  in Pleasanton, CA and in 2010, I had some very delicious fried cod, served with a shredded beet salad at a Norwegian restaurant in Fayetteville, Ark.

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I discovered both of these locally owned small businesses and enjoyed each town's historic houses and buildings, because I went to both towns’ Farmers Markets as my intended destination. 

Even in my hometown of St. Louis where we're fortunate to have many farmers' markets, I make sure to expand my local flavor exposure by visiting  a book store here, a specialty food store there, and several little shops just around the corner when I'm on my way to or from the market. 

As I said, "I love farmers' markets!" Amazing community meeting places where our different and unique qualities are celebrated on common ground.

This week at the Clayton Farmer's Market

Music at Ten:  The Hot Flashes
Talented All Girl Band Playing Standards from the 50's-80's

Children's Activity: Crafts with St. Louis Mid-County Library

Culinary Demonstration Extraordinaire:

Chef Dave Owens of Bissingers--VP of Taste/Chief Chocolatier
Brings his Talents to Market Creating Savory Chocolate Dishes

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