winnsboro farmers' market

In the summer, this gathering is HOPPIN'! Lots of offerings here: grass-fed pork, homemade items such as soaps and jellies and relishes, and veggies galore.

In a day and age where Farmers' Markets are fading away or being taken over by wholesalers re-selling produce from commercial markets, THIS farmers' Market is doing it the old-fashioned way!This market is different from most others in that all of the growers and producers are *local* - within 50 miles I'm told. For being in a small town, there is an amazing variety of produce, eggs, meat, baked goods and even handmade soaps here. It's fun to talk to the farmers and growers. They're all small operations - couples and families that grow everything themselves and can tell you what varieties of tomato *this* is or what kind of lettuce *that* is. The people are friendly and like to chat (so don't be in a hurry!)The produce varies by season of course, but even in January there were two or three farmers selling fresh lettuce, turnips, and radishes. The market started going year-round last November - previously it was open April through October. It's on the street during the "normal" growing season and on the patio of the local coffee shop (Art & Espresso) during the winter months.Eggs are usually available though sometimes they sell out quickly so it pays to get there early to make sure you get the best selection. There were quail eggs here last spring, but I haven't seen any lately.There are 2 or 3 vendors here who sell grass-fed beef and a couple that sell pork as well - some are even organic but you have to make sure to ask because not all of them are. A Mennonite couple has pastured chicken and had turkeys available for Thanksgiving - they also amazing lettuce!There's a lady here who sells the neatest pastries and scones and cookies - some things that are pretty involved like strudel and a German cake called "Baumkuchen" that has little layers in it and chocolate icing. You can also find soap made from goat milk and bath salts and some lotions here.Because the selection of produce changes with the season (and our drought here, Ugh) you never know what to expect here. They have a face book page that lists what is going to be at the market every week, so it's a good idea to check there if you're looking for something special.