There’s more at the farmers’ market than just your groceries.
In fact, there’s a wonderland of verdurous smells, beautifully vibrant, plump produce, folkloric-looking jarred goods, live music and local craft stands awaiting your weekend days and family outings.
At the Ambleside and Lonsdale Artisan Farmers’ Markets, it is easy to see how one can lose the hours in a day wandering through the stalls, meeting local farmers and seeing where their food comes from. But there is more to these farmers’ markets than just the freshest organic and conventional produce.
“The Ambleside Market is very unique,” said Natalie Forstbauer of Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm, one of the farms you will find at the Ambleside Market. “What makes Ambleside so different is that there’s a children’s park, a skate park, a massive field where you can have family picnics and gatherings, tennis courts, basketball courts, and of course, the extraordinary waterfront ocean views that come with it.”
It’s similar to the Lonsdale Artisan Farmers’ Market that boasts mighty views of Vancouver’s skyline with front row seats to watch the cruise ships arriving and departing from the docks. With trees to offer shade and water nearby as well, it is no wonder the Lonsdale market is so popular.
By and large, there is enough at both markets to keep you busily enthralled for days, let alone one afternoon.
For Forstbauer, as a farmer, she likes to jump in the ocean after a long hard day at work at Ambleside. “Who else gets to do that?” she said.
Though, on top of the produce and myriad outdoor activities, there is an extensive selection of prepared foods, such as syrups, jams, jellies, anti-pastas and baked goods, to name a few. Garden sculptures, soaps, pottery and jewelry vendors are scattered throughout the markets, as well.
Visit the Lonsdale Market on Saturdays and the Ambleside Market on Sundays from May to October for your fresh produce, preserves, treats, and great artisan gifts! Learn more at www.artisanmarkets.caand follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
#BCBuyLocal. Supported by the Government of BC’s Buy Local Program; delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
