A
FIELD GUIDE TO AUSTIN, TEXAS
FARMERS’ MARKETS
BRIEF NOTES & HOW TO USE THIS BOOK It seemed only fitting to share a recent obsession with eating locally grown produce and products such as jams, juice and bread in a field guide about farmers’ markets in Austin, Texas. This book contains a comprehensive map of location, times and hours of the currently active markets in the Austin are located on the last page of this book as well as space to take notes about your favorite vendors and ideas of products to by next visit. Never be afraid of asking anyone at the market, like one of the vendors or anyone walking around, about the lay of the land. A farmers’ market is a place where you can by food directly from the people who make it. These people love fresh, good food and should inspire you to enjoy the same.
TABLE of CONTENTS p.18
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“The facts show that organic food has
SIGNIFICANT HE
EALTH BENEFITS
because it has negligible chemical residues, pathogens and higher nutrituonal values when compared to conventional farmed food.� Andrew Leu of Permaculture.com
GET
READY
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1. PARKING & BIKE RACKS Usually free and widely offered.
Free parking is available near most markets. Look for pop up signs near the entrance of the market and be sure to lock up your bike real nice.
2. GO LOCAL CARDS
Always ask and don’t be afraid to suggest vendors adopt the system.
Go Local cards are a way to save money and promote local business. The cards can be purchased and used at local businesses all around Austin. You pay a small fee to purchase the card that will last you a full year of savings as long as you present your card where ever local businesses are supported.
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3. BRING CASH
Usually free and widely offered.
Free parking is available near most markets. Look for pop up signs near the entrance of the market and be sure to lock up your bike real nice.
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4. REUSABLE BAGS Bring ‘em and use ‘em.
At sustainable food markets, such as these, the use of a plastic bag is somewhat frowned upon. You can purchase a canvas tote at most farmers’ markets and it is highly recommended to bring your own. Leave them in your car or in your bike basket so they are always around to help reduce waste in the world. Some vendors will even give you a discount or throw in an extra bunch of brocolli for having your own bag.
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FACE
“It’s all about having a
T
O
FACE
relationship with your food.� Joseph of Homegrown Juice
THINGS TO
SEE
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1. SITTING AREA
Organized near an activity or loosely spread throughout the market.
Sometimes tables might be few and far between. Other times there is a designated area for sitting, eating, and enjoying the ambiance. This area is perfect for eating your recently purchased tamale or breakfast taco.
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2. VENDORS
Positioned under mobile pop-up tents or otherwise positioned in another creative way.
There is a wide range of products sold a farmers’ market. Vendors make a market possible. Flip to the next section to learn about what sort of goods are sold through the market’s vendors.
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3.
LIVE MUSIC featured local artists: The Whiskey Shivers
Live music is a very prevalent part of the market scene featuring musicians from the community playing solely for tips. Be sure to catch some great hits.
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THINGS TO
BUY
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1.
BREAKFAST TACOS & COFFEE eat now
Becuase most famers’ markets open bright and early, accomodations are made to get all customers ready for their farmers’ market experience by providing breakfast food of all kinds and caffeine...
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2. VEGETABLES & FRUITS produce edible take home
With the bold colors of freshly picked ripe to season fruits and vegetables, farmers’ markets seems to light up the stage. From these seasonal produce, vendors facilitate the making of a delicious simple meal from fresh ingredients...
3. ARTISAN PRODUCERS Includes premade and prepackaged foods.
These type of vendors sell goods like pesto, jam, honey and other finished products.
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4. ARTS AND CRAFTS
Ranges from purses to soap and other handmade items.
Arts and crafts include clothes, purses, wallets, handmade journals, jewelry and other items such as soap. Usually the people who made the goods will be the ones selling their work and are more than happy to tell you about their process as creative makers from start to finish.
HEALT
“Grass fed bison is one of the
THIEST
meats you can eat.�
Greg of Thunderheart Bison
THINGS TO
DO
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1. CAMPAIGN / CAUSES support local cause register to vote sign a petition
Oh goodness that’s rad. I really want to buy those legumes but I spent all my money on Lone Star last night and takking too many pictures with my disposable camera. Look for the designated areas toward the center of the market for more information on this opportunity.
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2. COMPOST / RECYCLING Bring your own and learn how to start being active
Oh goodness that’s rad. I really want to buy those legumes but I spent all my money on Lone Star last night and takking too many pictures with my disposable camera. Look for the designated areas toward the center of the market for more information on this opportunity.
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How to read the hours of operation
YEAR ROUND / ALL DAY
DOWNTOWN
422 West Guadalupe (4th and Guadalupe) 512.236.0074
HOPE
BARTON CREEK
414 Waller S 512.699.60
2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy. (Back side of the Barton Creek Square Mall parking lot overlooking the city) 512.443.0143
SOUTH AUSTIN
SUNSET VALLEY
2910 South Congress (across from St. Edward’s Uni 512.352.7715
3200 Jones Rd (Toney Burger Center Parking Lot, Sunset Valley) 512.236.0074 ext. 101
S
HOPE
ST. JOHN'S COMMUNITY CENTER
M
NORTHEAST WIC CLINIC
T
GREEN GATE FARMS
W
BOGGY CRE
RESEARCH B
MONTOPOLI RECREATION
WHITE EGRE
THE TRIANG
RESEARCH BLVD 8701 Research Blvd (Northwest WIC Clinic) 512.236.0074
183
ST. JOHN'S COMMUNITY CENTER
7500 Blessing Avenue, 78752 (Virginia Brown Recreation Center) 512.236.0074
HE TRIANGLE
290
NORTHEAST WIC CLINIC
600 Guadalupe Triangle Park, 46th and Lamar) 12.236.0074
7112 Ed Bluestein (Manor and 183I) In partnership with H-E-B
111 35
GREEN GATE FARMS
BOGGY CREEK
3414 Lyons Road, 78702 512.926.4650
8310 Canoga Avenue, 78724 (near Decker Lane/MLK, 8 miles 183 east of downtown Austin) 512.949.9830
WHITE EGRET
Street 077
2800 Webberville Rd, 78702 (Rosewood-Zaragosa Neighborhood Center)
183
MONTOPOLIS RECREATION CENTER
1200 Montopolis Drive, 78741 (Montopolis WIC Clinic) 512.236.0074
iversity)
71
EEK
T
F
GREEN GATE FARMS
S
BOGGY CREEK
BLVD
GREEN GATE FARMS
IS N CENTER
SUNSET VALLEY
ET
SOUTH AUSTIN
SFC’S DOWNTOWN
GLE BARTON CREEK
illustrated and deisgned for Daniel Lieven’s Junior Studio class in Spring of 2011 by Erica Stivison
printed on paper from a printer at a place for a class.