-Markets operate rain or shine and are typically closed only when Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall on a market day.
-If you drive to the market, put your keys away before you begin shopping or you may end up searching stalls when you’re ready to head home.
-At farmers markets, it is best to shop with your eyes and not a list, except, of course, for staples such as olive oil and eggs. Let the seasonal harvest inspire you and buy what looks good.
-Do not bring your pampered pups to certified farmers markets, no matter how well behaved. County ordinances prohibit pets and markets can rack up stiff fines for violations. This has become a huge problem at nearly all our markets.
-A farmers market is not a supermarket and functions best when customers relax, show patience, and enjoy themselves. Being rude to other customers or vendors has no place at a farmers market, something that shouldn’t need to be said but, sadly, does.
-Bring reusable bags and baskets. If you plan on eating at the market, bring your own plate, flatware, napkins, drinking glass, and a reusable to hold them. Trash from foods eaten on the spot produce most of the waste at farmers markets.
-In hot weather, bring a cooler for cheese, fish, poultry and meats. You might want water and a sturdy container for bouquets, too.
-Leave your cell phone off while shopping. It is rude to talk on your phone while conducting business with a vendor. (The same is true for vendors, who should not chat on a phone while conducting business.)
