I’ve always loved a good Farmers’ Market. So on my recent trip to Vail, Colorado this summer, I couldn’t resist going to the free Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show, hosted on Sundays, right in Vail Village.
On the morning of the Farmers’ Market, I decided to head out for a run, making my way from Lionshead where we were staying, to Vail Village. It was still quite early (around 7am), so there were very few people out and about. However, by the time I arrived in Vail Village, I was happy to see that the market was already being set up – making me anticipate it even more.
By the time my family and I arrived back at the Village after breakfast, around 10am, I was amazed to see the market in full force, with rows and rows of stalls and people. I immediately thought – there are so many vendors and I have so little time and room in my suitcase!
The nearly 150 vendors spanned several blocks, weaving through the main Village street and a few of the little side streets. This was great planning as the location offered wonderful views of the mountains, while also giving visitors easy access to the Village’s permanent stores, merchants and restaurants.
I loved walking down each side of the street, checking out every vendor, even if just for moment. I was so impressed by the variety of items that were on display – from clothing and jewelry, to cookies/pastries and other treats, to artwork and housewares. And what I loved was that the items were locally made or sourced and were all so different.
Even with the immense variety of items on display, the true stars of the market were the over 40 stands selling fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, beef jerky, honey and other food items. While we were not hungry (we had just eaten breakfast), we kept noticing people walking around eating giant peaches – so we knew we needed to try one. Although it was quite pricey for a peach ($3), the taste was so amazing, we wish we had bought more!
Overall, the Farmers’ Market surpassed my expectations and ended up being a major highlight of our trip.
If you’re headed to Vail this Summer or Fall, be sure to add the Farmers’ Market to your itinerary – it runs from June 16-October 6, 2024 every Sunday.
