Your guide to Corpus Christi farmers markets: Downtown, Southside and Padre Island
Want to shop local? Eat locally produced fruits and vegetables? Check out this guide to farmers markets in Corpus Christi and answers to some frequently asked questions.
WHY ARE FARMERS MARKETS IMPORTANT?
They are important in helping grow economy, health and community, said Aislynn Campbell, founder of the Corpus Christi Downtown Farmers Market.
The farmer bringing produce to a market receives the full cost they ask for, minus the cost of production. Farmers make more in this scenario when they sell directly to the consumer, rather than sell to a store, which in turn sells to a consumer.
"The other side of it is the quality of product you're getting is not grown for shelf stability," Campbell said. "It's grown for taste and nutrient density."
The farmers market becomes a sort of community center within the city. It also enables the farmer, or business owner to meet new customers and grow their business, she said.
IS SHOPPING AT A FARMERS MARKET CHEAPER?
"Not necessarily," Campbell said. "As it relates to organic, it is often comparable. They (farmers) spend so much more time and energy on each product that they work to make each product affordable."
She said that customers who shop markets more often will often get the best deals.
"I've asked them about how they price and they will generally go to H-E-B and look at pricing there to come up with their prices," she said.
WHERE ARE FARMERS MARKETS IN CORPUS CHRISTI?
Corpus Christi Downtown Farmers Market
Where: Art Center of Corpus Christi, 100 N. Shoreline Blvd. (On waterfront)
This family and pet-friendly farmers market is open weekly on Wednesdays from 5 to 8 pm. The market offers a variety of seasonal produce, grass fed beef, pastured raised poultry, prepared goods such as roasted coffee, sweets and preserves and baked goods.
Forget to eat before you head out? Not to worry, there are an assortment of food trucks available weekly.
The market also provides family art time at the Art Center of Corpus Christi, live music throughout the night, and rotates between cooking demonstrations and outreach programs with nonprofit organizations throughout the community.
Check out the market's website for tips on the best place to park.
Tip: Missed the market? Visit the Learning Garden Farm Stand, which is donation-based, Thursdays between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. at Tom Graham Park, 3914 Up River Road.
Corpus Christi Southside Farmers' Market
Where: Everhart Market Shopping Center, 5800 Everhart Road
The southside market is the longest-running farmers market in Corpus Christi. Its been open for over 25 years and brings around 25 vendors selling seasonal fruits and vegetables and grass-fed beef each Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Have a sweet tooth? The market features a variety of local-made snack items baked goods and kettle corn.
Also popular at the market are the natural beauty products, local honey, eggs, kombucha and arts and crafts for sale.
The market opened with a mission to provide healthy options to families at an affordable prices with lots of options. It is also pet and family friendly.
Tip: Get there early as the best items sell out quickly. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
Padre Island Farmers Market
Where: Regular location, Island Presbyterian Church, 14030 Fortuna Bay Drive
Indoor location "if it's nasty outside," Padre Balli Park Pavilion by Bob Hall Pier, 15820 Park Road 22
This community supported farmers market began in 2016.
Vegan? This is the place to get gluten-free vegan donuts.
The twice — sometimes thrice — monthly markets are every other Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and is the place for islanders to get their fresh veggies, baked goods, grass fed beef and chicken and local honey. The market is closed for the month of January 2019.
They also offer snack items, such as kettle corn and marshmallows and items such as hand-spun rope jewelry, pottery and essential oils.
Go here to check out the market's Facebook page for an updated schedule.
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