Downtown Farmers’ Market: Winter Market

Downtown Farmers’ Market: Winter Market

November 19^th &20^th Nollen Plaza/Capital Square, Downtown Des Moines

I walked in at lunch time and was pleasantly surprised that I wasn’t pushing through crowds of yuppies on their lunch hour. I eyed a few hot lunch stands and noted the goods for later.

There was some great music coming from the middle of the plaza. My ears convinced me it was a few old guys playing classic fiddle and banjo jigs and I went on my way. Only to later realize it was three guys channeling the Jonas Brothers in dress and rocking out on a fiddle, a banjo and an acoustic guitar.

I walked around looking for some delicious produce for my centerpiece basket but was met with pastries, jams, wines, jewelry and homemade soap. I had already purchased some locally made soap for my grandma for Christmas so I passed that up. But none of these were really what I came to the farmers market to get. I wanted to see some pickups with potatoes piling out the back and hearty men in overalls passing out samples of apple cidar. This event struck me as more of a craft fair than a farmers market.

I had to keep in mind that we are in Iowa… and not a lot can grow in the rock hard frozen soil of the Midwest… so I kept on truckin’.

I finally spotted an old lady tucked back behind a display of ornaments and picture frames. She was meekly speaking with a young lady about her Braeburn apples. I knew I needed a bushel… or maybe just a handful.

I started piling apples on her scale and ended up with 5 giant apples that cost me, “oh we’ll go with $4. Is that okay with you?” Now THAT’S the farmers market I came for. She loaded my apples up in my cloth bags commenting on the bright colors of my target go-to bag as I scrounged up four-one dollar bills. “Thank you, Happy Holidays!”

I was on my way. And content.

My friend grabbed a hot beef sandwich, I ordered up a few cabbage rolls from the polish lady I passed when I came in the door and we sat down to fill our tummies and listen to the JoBros jam out.

All in all it was worth the $1.50 parking and I look forward to the spring produce like a kid counts down the days to their birthday.

I give it 3 out of 5 pork chops. Oink oink!