Good Food for Travelers at Farmer’s Markets

If you’re looking for good, yet budget conscious, eating while on the road, nothing beats a farmer’s market.  Not only is the food fresh and delicious, the prices are generally set with locals in mind.  That means your not paying a premium price just for being a tourist.

With purchases from a market, you can easily create a picnic lunch or dinner, or stock up your hotel room (or apartment, or wherever you’re staying) with tasty and healthy snacks.

I’m traveling in Italy right now, and a stop at a local market yields a variety of salami and hams, cheeses from the local region, fruits and vegetables, bread and pastries, and a few other little odds and ends.  Add in a little olive oil and a bottle of wine, and I can make a fabulous dinner.

Even if you don’t speak the language, it’s easy to point or gesture at what you want.  Food seems to be a universal language.

Besides food, many markets will include flowers, local crafts, and other agri-business items.  It’s also a great way to meet locals and get some tips about things to do and see, and places to go.

If you’re traveling in the United States, you can refer to the Department of Agriculture’s listing of farmers markets around the country.  At the website you can click on the state and get information for the area, including market location, hours, and contact information.

If you’re traveling abroad, many guide books will list local markets.  Or, check with a local tourist office or look for signs around town.  A front desk clerk at a hotel or property manager at an apartment rental is also a good resource.

Photo credit: SXC