Marketable Skills: On Farmer’s Markets and Exploring New Cities
There are as many different travel styles as there are travelers. Some like to fly by the seat of their pants entirely, some need a to-the-minute itinerary planned and paid for months in advance. Some need every second scheduled, some might want to strangle their over-planning travel partner–I definitely fall into the role of the laid back (or, some may say, disorganized) traveler.
A leisurely Saturday morning in a new or rarely visited city spent exploring streets, neighborhood shops, restaurants and candy stores–and people-watching–is my idea of a dream vacation. This is why I’d argue that for travelers who share my point of view, the absolute best place to get to know a city is by attending their local farmer’s markets. You get to learn about what seasonal and regional produce is available, the culture of the vendors (are they peddling organic wares? trendy small-batch food fads? homemade cookware from local materials?), and get a feel for the city’s residents. Not to mention the samples!
Check out a review of one of Vancouver’s busiest markets here.
What’s your favorite farmer’s market? Let us know in the comments or on facebook!
