Dane County Farmers' Market

Madison highlight for sure, make sure to check it out if you’re around on Saturdays. My first time it was quite the experience because everyone was walking around so slowly, but now it’s endearing and part of the experience. I’ve been in May and June several times and the rhubarb is abundant with all the pastries and pies. Lots of fresh rebar too and asparagus.

The Dane County Farmers Market is one of the markets that are so amazing in all the states. The beautiful location on the Capitol and the amazing amount of vendors and music and events going on is awesome. I love going there and even though I don't live in Wisconsin anymore I try to go back at least two or three times just to get a chance to go to the market. Don't forget to stop at Stella's and get your hot and spicy cheese bread!!

The farmer’s market is worth a visit when you are in town. They have a huge selection of produce, artisan goods, food trucks, handmade goods, etc. I’ve made an effort to go every Saturday and every time it’s been fantastic and there are so many people there too! There are street musicians and it’s right by the capitol, so if you have visitors in town I highly recommend taking a nice Saturday morning and exploring downtown Madison and the farmer’s market!

A must see in Madison. Incredible vendors. So much to sample and delight in! Great energy and kind people.

The best farmers’ market in America! I have been to a lot of markets, but this is a true farmers’ market. Everything is handmade, local farmers or Wisconsin made. Everything I buy from here is the BEST…tomato plants, honey and of course, the hot, spicy cheesy bread. This bread will make you close your eyes and reflect on what foods you hope are available in the afterlife. If it ain’t Wisconsin made or grown, it is just secondary.

5 stars! The Dane County Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh, local produce, meats, and other products. The market is held every Saturday, and there are over 150 vendors. The produce is always fresh and delicious. The prices have gone up so I don't do my regular shipping here, but from time to time it's a nice treat. The vendors are all local farmers and producers, so you know you're supporting your community. Here are some specific things that I love about the market: The variety of products available. There is something for everyone at the market, from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats, cheeses, baked goods, and prepared foods. The quality of the products. The produce is always fresh and delicious, and the other products are made with high-quality ingredients. The friendly and knowledgeable vendors. The vendors are always happy to answer questions and help you find the perfect product. The perfectly ripe cantaloupe I found today. It was so sweet and juicy, and I can't wait to serve it with local feta. I highly recommend the Dane County Farmers Market to anyone looking for a great place to shop for fresh, local food. It's a nice place to be on a Saturday morning. I hope you enjoy your perfectly ripe cantaloupe!

Walking around the market was fun and interesting. Also you can get in to the capitol

The Dane County Farmers' Market in Madison, WI is one of the best markets. It takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. I have only attended the Saturday market which is open 6:15 am - 1:45 pm during the months of April - November. The vendors are set up all around the entire capital building. You may want to walk the entire market to see all the vendors. You must buy a loaf (or 3) of Stella's Hot & Spicy Cheese Bread. I eat it for my breakfast and grab a drink along the way. There are so many vendors selling fresh cut flower bouquets. I like to buy fresh garlic, sweet corn, new potatoes, poblanos and shishito peppers, popcorn kernels and mushrooms.

Loved all the farm goods and baked goods and cheese selections. Really wished I was local or that I didn't have too far to go. The farmers market goes all the way around the Capitol and the artisan section is down State street. A must visit if you are in the area.

You can't beat this farmers market. We live in MKE and make the drive several times during the season. This market gets busy, fast. By 10 am it will be wall to wall people so if a crowd is not your jam--get there early. We like start around 6:30-7am and it's perfect.

Love the marked we got the most beautiful flowers. Oh and the cheese omg we go amazing cheese. I can't wait to have it. We got some raspberry jalapeños jam to eat with my cracker and cheese lol. Green tomatoes. And fresh veggies. The bread. I can go on and on. But it is all good definitely a fun time with great products

A must do in Madison! The earlier you go the better. By 10am it is hard to move through the crowd. There are so many vendors! I really enjoyed the cheese bread everyone insisted that I buy (Stella's). They were very efficient and fast because they are used to the long lines. I'll definitely come back!

It's got a lot more sellers than true small farmers, and it is pricier than a lot of farmers' markets. But it is wonderful, and fun, and there is lots of good stuff to eat. Amazing variety. You do need to come hungry, and I think it's the sort of venture that is more fun with someone else, but not a bunch of people because it's always very crowded. I'd say that's the one drawback is that it is uncomfortably crowded. Don't forget to bring your own shopping bags, it's a Green and judgmental crowd.

Great farmers market with a good selection. I just wasn't a big fan if some of the vendors. I feel like some of them were a little pushy.

If you're in Madison during the summer you must check out Dane County Farmers' market! There's just so much there! They've got everything from beautiful flowers to authentic Wisconsin cheese to cool Wisconsin merchandise. They are open on Saturdays only and close around 12 or 1pm. It's located right outside the capitol building and surrounds it entirely. Everyone walks in one direction. Overall rating: 10/10

A good reason to make the trip to Madison from Chicago (2 hours), the Dane County Farmers'' Market is the largest producers only farmers market in the U.S. The main iteration happens on Saturday mornings in the Capital square (the pedestrian walkway surrounding all four sides of the Wisconsin State Capitol building), and takes about an hour to walk the entire circuit in a cursory fashion. Common items being sold are various produce (beans, tomatoes, strawberries, rhubarb were some that I noticed). a lot of cheeses (especially fresh cheese curds of various flavors....all impossibly squeaky when eaten fresh), and fresh wisconsin honey, some still in their honeycombs. There were two things my daughter wanted to get: fresh cheese curds which she got from multiple vendors; hot'n'spicy cheese bread from Stellas ($15) which is located near the Veteran's museum (no vendor is guaranteed to be in the same spot every market). Cash is always accepted, but quite a few vendors were accepting digital payments as well. Off the square at the nearby State Street, there are other vendors set-up selling hot foods and non-food items like clothing and accessories. Plus all the restaurants and bars in the square are open, so this area is pretty busy throughout the day. For smaller crowds and giant stroller and more opportunity to interact with the vendor, it's good to stop early in the morning (before 7 am if possible). Most people were walking counter-clockwise as they browsed. Like most farmer's markets, you can get a good deal for produce the growers don't want to take back, if you stop in towards the end of the day (around 1 pm). And for everyone's safety, pets are not allowed. Because we were staying at Hyatt House so close by, we stopped by the Market two times (and an additional time for lunch at a nearby restaurant). Unknowingly, we got a front row seat for Madison's stop of the World Naked Bike Ride (June 15, 2024). Funny that we never saw it while we lived here, but the first time we are back, we got to see it. Not sure if I can 'un'see it...glad we didn't go with young kids....definitely would have been some uncomfortable questions being asked.

This is the largest producer only farmers market in US, and is a top attraction of Madison. It runs on Saturday's on warmer months. It runs in a square shape surrounding state Capitol. I parked my car in a near by garage. I dont think street parking was possible. Farmers market was a very refreshing place to visit on a Saturday. Stella's hot and spicy bread seem to be the most popular item. I loved it. It was $13. A bread with cheese and spicy chilli flakes in it. There was a lot of flower, especially sunflower and a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. There were a lot of cheese products. Baked cheese from Brunkow was very popular. I got the cranberry flavored one. They even had a Cheese pizza crust. I got some pepper cheddar cheese curds from Murphy's. That goes well with omlette or simply grilled. Samosa empanada. empanada and arepa were other food items I tried. Beef jerky was another item, I found a lot. I got a habenaro and cheese jerky from Murphs. It was good. Lychee drinkable yogurt from schroeder kase was good.

11/12/22 - Alas another year of outdoor farmers' markets (farket, for short) has come to a close. It's truly a wonderful place. The local colorful produce, your neighbor you never said hi to running your favorite cinnamon roll stand, the street cellists old and young- it's the temporary living room of Madison that springs up each Saturday. A few places to shout out: Chris & Lori's Bakehouse (this year in the corner of main and pinckney) with every variation of scone you can imagine. Cress Spring Bakery - cheddar chive scones to die for!

Friends of ours have been making the trek from Chicago to visit the Dane County Farmers' Market for quite some time, and we were finally able to join this year. It is as great as they touted it to be. All of the tasty foods to eat there and take along make for a fun day. The vibrant colors of floral offerings and fresh food are inspiring, and I had nearly as much fun taking photos as I did nibbling on my purchases. I appreciated the WI cheese selections a ton! So great. As with any farmers' market, prices vary, so my recommendation, if you have the time, is to do a lap with just scouting it out, then make lap two be your purchasing round. That is essentially what we did, and we saved a couple bucks by doing so. Overall, the prices are very attractive.

A huge Farmer's market in the center of Madison surrounding the capital ! There were so many vendors selling fresh flowers, meats, vegetable and cheeses. Many food items to eat., empanadas, cookies, breads, etc. On a June Saturday morning it was packed. There were times we were standing still ! We were fortunate to find street parking , but there are garage options. Definitely worth going to.

First timers to Madison Wisconsin's big farmers market. It took about two hours for us to get the stuff she wanted. The market was mostly farm vendors, one short street full of trinkets and a bunch of street musicians. Arrived at 9am, by 11:00 the crowds were very thick. It's a nice scene.

Each season offers a new experience at this market. Be there early! Highly recommended!

One of the best farmer's market I've ever been to. The location around the capital building can't be beat. The selection is wonderful- great produce, baked goods, bread, and meat. There was an unbelievable scone stand where you must get the white chocolate strawberry scone.

Reasons why this is the best farmers market in the country in my opinion: - The most produce of any farmer's market in the country! I've never seen so many peppers, corn, tomatoes, and flowers at a farmers market! - While there's plenty of produce, there are also options for foods to snack on including baked goods, cheesy bread, empanadas, popcorn, cheese curds, etc. - Access to coffee. There are several coffee shops surrounding the area around the capital to choose from. Good options include Collectivo and Ancora. - The location is so charming. It's very enjoyable to circle around the capital building as we check out the farmers market stands. - The capitol building offers an opportunity to cut across to the other side of the market if there's a particular stand you're interested in. It also has convenient public restrooms. - There's so many restaurants around the capitol area to grab lunch after and rest your feet after the farmers market!

Dane County Farmers Market is easily my favorite market and I live 8 hours away in Cincinnati, Ohio. We make two trips a year to Madison. One in the summer, specifically so we can go to the market. It's just a fun experience, walking around the capital. My preschooler loves it, there's tons for her to do. Props to the parents who bring their kiddos in strollers, it's a navigational/logistical nightmare with all of the people who attend the market. Other than being extremely packed full of walking patrons, I enjoy seeing the gorgeous flower booths, vegetables, honey and of course, Stellas Hot Cheesy bread. I tried Stellas for the first time this past summer and haven't stopped craving it. One of my fav things to eat in America. We also enjoy looking at more of the retail vendors down State Street. Some of the art is so cool! We've always been able to find something we want to take home. The art, the live music, local farmers and florists... they're the heart and soul of this county market and absolutely blow we away every time we visit.

It really is an amazing farmers market in an amazing setting. Starting sometime before I'd ever awake on a Saturday and ending supposedly at 2pm, but vendors start to pick up post 1pm. I guess it slows down but why not sell a few more things? Idk. I'm sure it is a long day but with that, what's another hour? There's so much food and plants. Lots of shops in states street, as well when you're done with the market. I liked the electric but it player who was there street performing. Sounds nice so I gave him a $5 tip. He earned it. Why not tip the performers people? They are in fact working for it and we do pay big money to see other people perform all the time! Show some love. I look forward to future visits to the downtown Madison farmers market. It's an excellent way to spend a Saturday morning/afternoon.

Going to the Saturday farmers market is my favorite thing to do in the spring/summer. There's a large variety of vendors and if you're looking for breakfast, there are a few vendors that have baked goods/bfast empanadas. Others have cheese, honey, meats, vegetables, soaps, sauces, and even rice. Tip- take cash and go early! I notice it gets very busy by 9:30/10am. There are a couple atm locations around the square if you need.

We came here excited to go to the largest locally farmers market in the country as my wife and I went to a many farmers markets in LA and one in Florida. When we arrived, the first thing we noticed was the beautiful capital building over shadowing the market. There was a lot of people walking around grazing. I was shocked by how little samples there were at the farmers market. I would think mostly all vendors would want to sample their products. No I'd say maybe only 20 of them did out of the 100s. Very shocking. We ended up buying honey from my new friend Dale, as he was wearing a beehive on his head. That's dedication to business for you. Everything else was the same stuff. Meats, veggies, and bread. No fruits at all at this time at the market.

One of my favorite things to do on a summer Saturday. Never ending vendors (at least 50) surrounding the picturesque capital). Super fresh produce and delicious baked goods. My personal favorite baked goods are the paleo mamas treats (they don't even taste like they're paleo!, try the Samoa bars) and of course stellas cheesy bread. A must do if you're visiting Madison. I find it's best to just park in a parking garage so you're not driving around endlessly looking for street parking. The garages I've used are reasonably priced (1.80/hour).

The Farmer's Market is a staple downtown Madison, WI. The Saturday Farmer's Market is the Big Farmers Market, we have others across town and on different days, but the Main one is on Saturdays and in the center of down town! I have been desiring to get back here to get some of Stella's Cheesy bread, because I am a native of Madison and a cheese lover. It never disappoints. My family walked around the entire loop and we saw cheese, and honey, and jams, and veggies, and flowers and spreads, and baked goods. This space is always full of everything you could want. I always enjoy seeing the Farmers Market, for 1 reason, the vendors are excited to be there and will bargain with you (thats two reasons). A great day for the Farmers Market!

This is a must do when coming to Madison. There is a parking lot right at the NE entrance of the market. They have plenty of food vendors right around the capitol and if you go into the streets they also have jewelry and other goods. You could easily spend 3+ hours here. You can also tour the capitol after to get some AC or use the bathrooms. Some of our favorites were the cheesy bread, cheese and spinach empanadas, and fruit smoothies.

This was my first time at the Dane County Farmer's Market. I enjoyed it because the weather was cool and sunny. It wasn't too crowded, especially in the morning. There was a good variety of vendors. No beverages really. My best tip is that the crowd walks counter clock-wise around the capitol. Make sure you do also!

This is my favorite farmers market. Although now because of this virus going around its not at the capital its at the Alliant Energy center. It is smaller than original. Its spaced out alot so not so crowded but now its not as many vendors that your used to or may not be there. Right now fruits and vegetables, cheese curds, flowers, bakery, famous spicy cheese bread some sauces and honey are mainly what you will find.You are suppose to wear a mask even outside they have a couple tables with hand sanitizer. Its kinda on gravel walking area so comfy shoes

This is a great Madison tradition not to be missed. Stroll, sample, sip and stare at this wonderful sensory spectacle. We try to make this a priority whenever we visit.

So many choices at such good prices! Come early and do one lap first if you can but be mindful of stands you want to go back to and make purchases. Don't eat beforehand as you can pick up a fresh and delicious scone or other baked good. Local/seasonal fruits and veggies galore.

ALL OTHER FARMERS MARKETS PALE IN COMPARISON! You have not lived your best farmers market life until you do the one in Madison. I was so spoiled growing up with this! The market is organized around the Capitol building/square and everyone walks in the same direction. You'll be swimming up stream and make people angry if you go the opposite way! Great people watching, fresh produce, beautiful flowers! My cousin's bridal party for married in Madison on a Saturday and picked out their bouquets that morning at the market! Pro tip: if you go at or before 8am it's not nearly as crowded Something to note: I believe they do not allow dogs/pets to be walking around the square when the market is happening Favorites: scones from the place that does almost exclusively scones (adore the espresso dark chocolate chip one!), garlic from the garlic man, honey from the guy who wears the beehive hat, cherry bomb hot sauce

Visited yesterday with a girlfriend who lives in Madison (I live in TX). I was told I had to try the bread from Stella's, so I did and it was AMAZING! The farmers market had so much fresh produce! The farmers market where I live does not compare in the produce section! This was beyond my expectations. And all the fresh flowers made the air smell so sweet!

The Farmer's Market is one of the best things about Madison. Whether you're just in town visiting or are a homegrown Sconnie, this is the place to be on Saturday mornings in the summer. The vendors wrap all the way around the capitol and food trucks line the streets. It's really incredible supporting local businesses and seeing all of the people that come out! Not to mention, most prices are cheaper than the grocery store, and everything is natural and local so you don't need to pay extra for the organic stuff! Food isn't the only thing you can buy! but the spicy cheese bread is jaw-droppingly tasty (yes, I know droppingly is not a word). You can get everything from the most stunning bouquets to t-shirts and paintings and even a petting zoo on select weekends! I would recommend going before 9am, the earlier the better, because once 8:30 hits, it's Disney World-level packed with people. My favorite times at the farmer's market have been around 7am when all of the early birds are there raving about the mushroom haul.

Lived in Madison for 10 years and what I miss the most is this Farmers market. Farmer John's cheese curds are the best, the knock off spicy cheese bread, Yum Yum's I believe, is better than Stella's, the pumpkin cream cheese muffins from the black tent that sells scones (those are good too)- those are my favorite. Bakery items and Magic Coffee from the stand outside Graze also shouldn't be missed. Worked up a thirst and need a bloody? Genna's lounge has a build your own bloody Mary bar on Saturdays during the market.

Been fortunate to catch this farmer's market Saturday mornings in Madison which surrounds the capital square the past two times when coming from Chicago. The streets are blocked off surrounding the capital and you're free to circle the square as you like and check out all of the goods being sold. I believe it starts as early at 6am and people are usually all packed up and promptly headed out by 2pm. From the website, this farmer's market runs from April to early November, so take advantage while the weather is nice! They sell just about everything from cheeses, fresh locally grown produce, cheesy breads, and even a bunch of pop up trailer/food trucks line the block for business. Great spot to bring the family and enjoy the local vibes and lounge on the grassy areas surrounding the capital building. If hanging in Madison for a weekend, this farmer's market on Saturday mornings is a must! That's about all I got for ya on this one. 'Til next time, cheers! 185/365

Autumn is such a wonderful time to indulge in the full bounty of the growing season. Yet another fantastic growing season has again blessed us with so many wonderful food gems. Please enjoy pics from my last outdoor visit from this 2018 season. The market is still going on strong and is now nestled indoors for the Winter months. DCFM....see you outdoors on the Mall in Spring 2019. Happy Holidays to Everyone!

I could write about this farmers market all day. It definitely falls in the top 5 category of all farmers markets I've visited in the United States. Not going to lie, I've visited a ton. It's one of the top things I seek out when traveling. I have been meaning to visit Dane County Farmers Market for years. It's the stuff farmers market dreams are made of. Why? Well, for one thing, it's massive. Two, the market organizers keep the emphasis on true producers and try to leave out a bunch of the carny/flea market-y stuff that can often clog up other farmers markets; 3.) the incredible location surrounding all four sides of the state capitol in downtown Madison. In addition to all of the amazing farmers market vendors, you'll find local shops and eateries at every turn; 4.) The prices are on-point - we arrived with a cooler, a stash of cash and a mission - we rolled out with two fresh flower bouquets (which made for a comical ride back to Indianapolis, a pack of grilling cheese from a local creamery, lots of produce and the famous spicy cheese bread; 5.) There is a clear, unspoken flow for the pedestrian traffic that keeps things moving along despite the masses of humans and booths; 6.) it's a longer than average market making it easier to visit - plus, it requires a couple hours to make it all the way around (if you're actually making purchases) - ohmylanta, I would spend every Saturday here if this were my town. We conveniently stayed at the Best Western on the Square, so I woke up that morning to the sights of the market from my window. This must be HEAVEN!

There is nothing more to add onto the great reviews of the largest producer only outdoor market in the country. It is amazing and a Saturday ritual for me since I have been back in Madison for the past 10 years. Here are some tips for newbies: 1) Walk counter-clockwise with the other 99.8% of the people that have a clue. 2) Try to get there before 9 am. After that, it becomes a cattle call. 3) Unless you have a gaggle of kids, leave the wagon at home. Yes, it is kinda cute but super awkward to get around. 4) Gawking is ok but if you are doing so, try to keep it at a minimum. Doing so only backs up your fellow shoppers. And let's face it, we have all seen tomatoes, zucchini. and basil before. 5) Try not to smoke while walking. Remember where you are and the people around you. The person behind you probably has dreadlocks and walking barefoot and will mean mug the shit outta you for doing so.

The market was fine- very highly rated not much more to add except for one idiosyncrasy which I thought was incredibly ironic considering the location - Madison Wisconsin home of wildly independent thought. Apparently there's an unwritten rule that you have to walk counterclockwise around the square as if salmon are running up a river in the spring - God help you if you're going the other direction. You'd think with that many independent thinkers in one spot, a few people may want to go the other direction every now and then... but obviously not, there is no greater fallacy than thinking your unique. If you'd like to see this mystery for yourself - walk clockwise around the square and examine what happens - it could be a new sport.

This is one of the best farmer's markets in all of the land. It fully encircles the stat's capital building and this layout makes it easy for you to hit all of the vendors and see everyone's wares. But I do recommend to get their early and you have to get the spicy cheese bread and eat it while shopping for other things. If you are not aware then I do recommend you look up what is seasonal at the time you visit and talk to the vendors about their wares for recommendations and enjoying them best, especially if it is a food that is new to you. Taste some samples and once you are done go to Genna's for the bloody Mary bar. Have a lovely day and bring 2 reusable bags!

You won't be able to leave here empty handed! Perfect start to a Saturday morning walking around the square, enjoying the fresh produce and street performers. This farmer's market circles around the entire capital - the scenery is lovely. There's such a great variety here in fruits, veggies, baked goods, meats, flora, spreads, jam, and cheese! If you get tired, take a seat on the capital lawn and enjoy watching everyone walk through (all the walk the same way too lol the sidewalk isn't large enough for a two way street). Besides what other reviewers have mentioned (Stella's spicy cheese bread), you must find Savory Accent's booth and at least sample the chili jam!!!! So delicious and addicting - consumed about the whole jar in a weekend. It's really that good!

I love the farmer's market. One of my favorite things to do during the summer is to take a morning drive out to Madison. There is something for everyone here, fresh fruits and veggies, bakery, honey, maple syrup, flowers... If you haven't been get up early next Saturday and go.

This is one of the best markets in the state. Not only do they have tons of fresh produce at very reasonable prices they also have a ton of vendors on the various side streets.The market in Madison is just a big event all around. It also has the surreal backdrop of the Capitol building which makes for just a good feeling experience. Madison is a small town but there's so much to do and enjoy. The Farmer's Market is one of those things! If you haven't been you really should go. It's worth the drive even from Milwaukee.

I had heard great things about the Madison Farmers Market at the Capitol on Saturdays. When I finally found myself in Madison, on a Saturday with some free time before work, I knew where I was going! I am from Chicago. I've sadly never been to the Green City Market because of traffic and parking. The largest markets I have attended up to now are the Daley Center Market and the Frankfort Farmers market. The Dane County Farmers Market is massive. All the way around the Capitol, with craft vendors spilling onto State Street and food trucks across the street from the Capitol. So much to choose from. I got squeaky cheese (because after discovering fresh, I'll never get store bought again), Stella's hot and spicy cheese bread, some croissaint and a rhubarb pie. If I lived locally or was travelling back home after, I would have purchased more fresh products. There was a lot to choose from. Parking was easy, in my opinion, but I am from Chicago. Parking within a block or two of my destination is close parking, and that is what I found here.

If you want to go to a hipster/ artisanal farmers' market this is the place for you. Despite the homogenous crowd and somewhat high prices this is still one of the better farmers' market I have been to... but if I lived here I could not imagine doing much shopping here on a regular basis. I guess I am used to the superb public market in Rochester NY that real people from all walks of life shop at - really more interesting and affordable. Alas, we don't have the good selection of fresh cheese curds as in Wisconsin!

The produce has me wishing I lived here . Great stands. Tons of flowers. Several bakeries. Wish there had been more beverages. Nice that's it's in the middle of downtown near all the cafés as well.

This is the top five farmer's market in the Country and I can see why! There are fresh vegetables and cheese every where - no so much for the fruit. My family went on the Wed farmer's market and I went to the Saturday one; you do need to walk counter clockwise,which is confusing when you get there early (I got there around 7:20) because the farmer's market is not that crowded. I was able to two two full browsing loops to select all my veggies and cheeses before it got super crowded around 9. Once it became 9 am, everyone and their mother came to the farmers market and it was packed and very overwhelming! Make sure you shop around, the only thing I regret purchasing was the tomatoes for $4 per LB when i should have opted for the $3.50 per LB tomatoes. I purchased and traveled with: Blue Cheese, CatNip, Corn, Carrots, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Bread loaves, and Spicy bread buns.

Excellent Farmer's Market. Despite heavy rains, we were able to seek refuge in the Capitol and enjoy an exhibit on Wisconsin's history of ratifying the 19th Amendment (they were the first state to do so!) Keep in mind that the sidewalk is pretty narrow and moved almost single file, very slowly. There are multiple opportunities for fresh produce, flowers, cheese, beef sticks, and maple syrup. Vendor Recommendations: Fungi Farmers & Steinke's Gourmet Popcorn

Radish, rhubarb, cheese curd. Radish, rhubard, cheese curd. Radish, rhubarb, cheese curd. I think it was a mixture of my having been to very few farmer' markets + reading all the reviews and likening it to adult Disneyland, that made for my being disappointed in the Dane County Farmer's Market. I guess I should just be happy that it was a nice day even though the weather forecast called for rain. But with that sunshine came droves of slow walking, stroller pushing stop in the midst of a moving crown and gawk while shoving food in your mouth crowds. The scene was lovely and the square held such potential for what businesses and goods I'd find inside, but really, I found a lot of the same ish at 85% of the tables. We did get some cheese curds from a place a Wisco lad said was the absolute best (but I'd had better when a friend brought back the dill curds from another vendor at the very same fair), but other than that, it was really just a fair for plants and people selling radishes and rhubarb. How many things can you make out of radish and rhubarb as the main ingredient? Is this a Wisco thing? Because I don't think we Illini have put much stock in the dietary nourishment of radishes and rhubarb as a main ingredient. I guess after having been to farmers market out in the SoCal area, it's probably hard to compare, but is this one really all that much superior to other farmer's markets? Maybe I went on an off day but I just wasn't as excited as I expected to be. I'll go again, but I'll have more level expectations this time, for sure.

It's just as good as all of the reviews you've read. It really is. It lives up to the hype from in towners and out of towers. Seasonal, Wisconsin local products, beautifully arranged and sold directly to you. I like to go early before the masses to actually be able to touch, feel and smell the produce. Talk to the farmers, bakers, and growers of these plants, veggies, breads and oh so much more. Sample goat's cheese, heirloom tomatoes, purchase walnuts, bison meat sticks, beautifully decorated cookies, hand crafted breads, its all there for the taking. Want to see what Wisconsin has to offer? Come here to see the bounty. Winter indoor market is fun too but a whole different bird. My first lover was the summer market, so while winter market will do, I can't forget my first kiss.

I'm a fan of absolutely everything about this market, except the crowds. Love the location. Madison is a beautiful city and the Capitol Square is a great backdrop for the amazing vendors and their wares. The event is extremely organized and I like how the foot traffic flows in the same direction. The market website is an excellent source of information and I love that I could elect to receive a newsletter each week with updates on the seasonal information and steady favorites. The fringe vendors and food carts and flea market type tables across all four streets on the square add to the charm and vibe and value of the day. And the breakfast and brunch dining options all within walking distance, and some with a great view of the market, are plentiful. The vendors are wonderful people that love to tell you as much as you'd like to know about their goods. Today I learned the best conditions for growing and foraging ramps, how allusive they can be, how they seed themselves and how short the season is. Great lesson. Another important thing many vendors will share is best times to shop. When I arrived at 8:15am the market was in full swing and the crowd was shoulder to shoulder. I now know why the market opens at 7am - the first hour is the best hour to shop. Veteran market goers shared that the 12:30-2pm slot usually presents a thinner crowd, but also less selection. So pick your poison, early to rise, or claustrophobia inducing crowds. And bring a big basket or bag because you'll find so many things, even some you didn't know you need.

Summer. Fresh. Local. Stella's Hot and Spicy Cheese Bread. Madison, WI is the best.