Jennifer B.
Yelp
There is a farmer's market in NE Minneapolis every Saturday from 9 am-1 pm from mid-May to mid- October and it has so much to offer!
Bouquets of flowers that are different each week, in-season fruits and vegetables, including uncommon options like Japanese eggplant and kohlrabi, small batch honey and maple syrup, jams and jerky, mushrooms, and tons of baked goods. There are also artists selling fishing lures, soaps, natural bug spray, woodworking, candles, jewelry and more.
I love going in the morning and picking up breakfast there. For example, the vegan berry smoothie from Great Northern Microgreens I initially tried with some trepidation, but is now something I come back for (and I'm not the only one, because sometimes there is que of people waiting for smoothies). A croissant or quiche or muffin from one of the many bakeries is always a good option (and then I inevitably pick up dessert for later. A favorite treat of mine are the chocolate chip shortbread from Great Harvest Bread Co).
Mogi Bagel has a huge following, and they are often sold out of most flavors by halfway through (see photo with a single bundle left at 11 am), so either pre-order your bagels for pick up, or get there early. The bagels are small, light and soft. They are easily compressible rather than being dense. The Cacio e Pepe flavor is pictured, and it was yummy lightly toasted with butter. Very flavorful.
Speaking of yummy- Yummytizers has many great dips, but my favorite item are their veggie chips (not pictured because they had okra this week instead, but I was reassured the chips would be back next week). Delicious, colorful, and low-guilt!
Most vendors give samples, so you can walk around the market trying bites and sips, then go back to get your favorites. There are also many vendors selling hot food, from spring rolls to pakora, to empanadas and breakfast sandwiches. No matter when you arrive, there will be something delicious to eat.
Pro tip: There is a master gardener station, where you can ask for help identifying that random maybe-bush-maybe-tree growing in your yard, so take a photo beforehand.
There are dining tables and chairs under a tent, so there is cover from rain and sun, as needed. And there is usually an activity that is kid-friendly (like a coloring station). There are no dogs allowed at this market, so leave your pets at home. Parking is possible either on the main street or on side streets and isn't that hard to find, as people are constantly coming and going.
A great local event to check out when you have friends or family visiting!