It’s that time of year again: The weather chills and crisps, the kiddos are back in school, and the leaves begin to turn. We’re starting to trade in our shorts for sweaters and our Birkenstocks for boots (well, most of us). Most of our summer activities have come to an end, but there are a few favorites that carry over for just a bit longer. North Idaho's local farmers' markets are one of them. What we love about farmers’ markets is that no two are the same; as the summer progresses, the produce and products vary too! So, while you may have stopped by for strawberries in June and tomatoes in August, pumpkins and apples are just beginning! You may have loved the daisies and dahlias during the hot weather, but now it’s time for sunflowers and cornstalks. Not to mention all the vendors and makers who craft their specialties all year long, like woodworkers, metalworkers, bakers, artisans, photographers – all kinds of unique creations! Plus, there’s nothing like kettle corn and apple cider for the beginning of autumn.
We love farmers’ markets because they are all about local community. You know how we love to support local, and what better way than to support the people who feed us? Farmers’ markets are totally family friendly, and you can spend as much or as little time and money as you want (which is also family friendly). There is something special and delicious about making dinner on Saturday evening with your fresh market produce from that morning. With live music, yummy food, and sometimes even face painting, there’s more than just veggies to peruse, so make sure to bring the little red wagon! Farmers’ markets are a wonderful way to get connected with some amazing people who also call this place home.
Another awesome part is that you’ve got options – there are quite a few local markets to check out. Here’s the catch: most of them end within the next few weeks! That’s why you’ve gotta go before they’re gone!
Take our friend Katy Bean, the genius behind Bean & Pie. She sells her baked deliciousness every week at the Downtown Kootenai County Farmers’ Market, and you do NOT want to miss out. Her homemade pies are always fresh, and her seasonal flavors (like Peach Huckleberry!) are to die for. If you’re craving some autumn apple pie, she’s your girl with her Spiced Apple Chai and Salted Caramel Apple. How does that not make you feel warm and cozy while you’re kicking leaves and carving pumpkins? The downtown market ends THIS WEEK, so be there on Wednesday, September 26th from 4:00pm to 6:30pm to send her and all the vendors off the right way!
If you can’t make it downtown in the middle of the week, try uptown at the end of the week for the Hayden Kootenai County Farmers’ Market. This market has all the aesthetics to make it feel like the real deal. The smell of kettle corn, the bark under your feet, and the red vendor stands encircled in pines will help you step out of that weekday funk. If you need to kick up your feet instead, the Idaho Chair Man is the guy for you. This local craftsman has been a faithful Hayden market vendor for 19 years. There’s a reason why: his handcrafted adirondack furniture is the comfiest outdoor furniture you’ll ever wanna park-it in; you may even want a set for your living room. Located front-and-center as you walk in, Dan and his wife Kim are just the faces you want to see at a farmers’ market, and they’re happy to kick back and shoot the breeze in their chairs with you as long as you like - celebrating community is kinda their thing. Their woodworking is the classic Idaho style at its finest, so make sure you check them out before the end of October! (Yes, Dan does look like the Idaho Santa, and he’s totally proud of it.)
Plus, if he's got the hookups with BigFoot too, you know this guy is legit: 
If you happen to be a little farther south, or you’re looking for a quick day trip, the Moscow Farmers’ Market is worth the drive. Moscow takes their farmers’ market seriously: every Saturday from 8:00am to 1:00pm, you can expect Main Street to be closed off for 3 whole blocks for this community-wide event. Local organic farmers, beekeepers, potters, artists, musicians, and mini-donut enthusiasts set up shop, and families, UI, and WSU students alike come pouring in. With coffee, pastries and crepes, a playground for the littles right behind the music stage, and all kinds of culturally diverse foods to try, you can make a whole morning of it from breakfast 'til lunch! From 1976 until the end of October 2018, the Moscow Farmers’ Market is something to see.
Whichever market you end up at within the coming weeks, we wanna see! Tag us @cdaidaho on Instagram to show us your favorite part of the farmers’ market. And don’t forget to check out our fall-worthy gear online and in the shop!
Here’s a lineup of all the markets and their end dates:
Kootenai County Farmers’ Market – Downtown CDA:
ENDS THIS WEEK! Wednesday, September 26th @ 4:00pm-6:00pm
Sherman Ave. and Fifth Street
Facebook
Kootenai County Farmers’ Market – Hayden:
Through October, Saturdays 9:00am-1:30pm
Corner of Highway 95 and Prairie Ave.
Facebook
Moscow Farmers Market:
Through October, Saturdays 8:00am-1:00pm
Main Street, between 6th and 3rd Street
Facebook
Athol Farmer’s Market:
Through October, Saturdays 9:00am-12:00pm
lawn of the Millers River Environmental Center, downtown Athol
Silver Valley Farmers’ Market – Kellogg
Through October, Thursdays 5:00pm-8:00pm
Silver Valley Visitors Center lawn
Through October 13th, Saturdays 9:00am-1:00pm
Town Square Park