Famers Markets in Kansas City

Many of my readers are based back in my hometown of Kansas City and I wanted to give you all a list of where you can hit up a Farmers Market close to you! The good news is that KC seems to have all its neighborhoods covered! Becareful in the big City River Market as many vendors there get their veggies from the same place the grocery stores do. Just ask if its grown local if your not sure! If you go to any of these markets, I would love to post photos and hear about your experiences there!

According to AboutKC.com - these are you top 10 Farmers Markets in Kansas City:

1. City Market

The regions largest Farmers' Market is located within Kansas City's River Market neighborhood, which brings over one hundred and forty vendors that sell fresh fruits and vegetables, plants and herbs, plus a great array of fresh baked goods, cut flowers and crafts made by local artists.

Time: Saturday 6:30 am - 3:30 pm, and Sunday 9am - 4pm.

2. Downtown Overland Park Farmers Market

This huge farmers market runs from April through October in Downtown Overland Park. Located at the Clock Tower Plaza, just 2 blocks West of Metcalf between 79th and 80th Streets--features fresh produce, herbs, arts and crafts from farmers and growers around the metro and surrounding areas. Saturday starting at 6:30 am and Wednesday starting at 7:30am.

3. Parkville Farmers' Market

The Parkville Farmers' Market is located just South of the railroad tracks at English Landing Park in Historic downtown Parkville. This historic market features local farmers that primarily sell fresh produce, plants, and honey. Open from April to October Wednesday, 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 6:00 a.m.-sellout.

Guide Tip: Get there early--those Parkvillians are known for getting up and buying up all the produce before day break!

4. Bad Seed Farmers' Market

The Bad Seed's urban farmer's market is held on Friday's from 4-9pm (May 9th-November 19th, 2010) at their Crossroad's location, 1909 McGee. The theme of the Bad Seed goes beyond buying fresh and local and promotes local sustainibility.

From the Bad Seed website: 'The BADSEED Market is dedicated to providing the “conscious consumer” with nutritious and delicious foods grown sustainably (and with LOVE) in the immediate community. The Friday Night Farmers’ Market offers a plethora of local-organic delights including colorful fruits and veggies, baked goods, gourmet mushrooms, goat cheese, eggs and free-range meats.'

5. KC Organics and Naturals Organic Market

Kansas City's first exclusively 100% organic market is in its 18th year. Organic farmers offer organically grown produce, edible flowers, herbs, grains, breads and pies. They also have "fair trade" coffee, eco-products, crafts, music, and chef demonstrations which are not to be missed. The KC Organics and Naturals Market is located at Minor Park, just East of Holmes on Red Bridge Road (111th Street) on Saturday's from 8am-12:30pm beginning May 1st, 2010. The market also opened a second location on Wednesday's from 10am to 2pm at Park Place (117th and Nall, Leawood) starting May 12th, 2010. Call (816) 444-FOOD for more information.

6. Brookside Farmers' Market

The Brookside Farmers' Market is a hidden gem--unless you live in BKS, you might not know much about it. Located at the Border Star Montessori School (63rd & Wornall) has locally-grown organic, freshly picked vegetables, fruits, herbs, as well as hormone/antibiotic-free, humanely-raised meats and free-range eggs. Don't miss the artisan breads, baked goods, and freshly prepared foods. Saturdays, 8:00-1:00. Opens April 17, 2010. Check their website for market events.

7. Liberty Farmers' Market

Opening Wednesdays in May at Crowley's Furniture, at the Intersection of Highways 152 and 291. Also on Saturdays at the Liberty Square, downtown Liberty--from 7 am to 12 pm. Includes farmers and growers from Clay, Platte, Jackson, Clinton and Ray counties.

8. Zona Rosa

The Zona Rosa Farmers Market is open every Tuesday, June 2nd through September 29th from 4 to 8 p.m. Located in the shady breezeway between Hot Topic and Victoria's Secret, off of 86th Street. With pleanty of fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, jams, honey and crafts--plus you can go shopping afterwards...

9. Olathe Farmers' Market

The Olathe Farmers' Market (Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop 1200 Kansas City Road Olathe) is open Saturdays, April 25th through October 10th, at 7am and Wednesdays June-September, 3pm-sellout. Features fresh produce, flowers, herbs, baked goods from farmers and growers located within 125 miles of the City.

10. Independence Farmers' Market

The Independence Farmers' Market is held Saturdays (May through October) 7 am until 1 pm, and Wednesdays, (June 8th through October 8th), 7 am until 1 pm. Located at Truman Road between Main & Liberty, the market also features a huge Craft market across the street at the Chamber of Commerce parking lot. Call (816) 254-4338 for further information.