Cedar Park Farmers Market Serves NW Austin with Abundance

In the 2000 Census, the population center of Austin was at the Arboretum, and yet for many years, Austin's farmers markets have primarily been located in the central or southwest part of town.  This spring, Carla Jenkins decided to remedy this situation by creating the Cedar Park Farms to Market.  The market had almost 3,000 shoppers its opening weekend - clearly, shoppers have been waiting for farm fresh food in their neck of the woods.

The market, originally located at 1890 Ranch Shopping Center, moved to Lakeline Mall a few weeks ago because of resistance from other tenants at the original spot.  The change of venue has not hurt the market in the least.  Several of the vendors noted that they were picking up more incidental traffic from people stopping by the mall who didn't know there was a farmers market nearby.

When I toured the market a few weeks ago with my friend Beth Ann who lives in Cedar Park, we were pleased to find a great variety of not only fruits and vegetables, but also meats, cheeses, and bakery items.

I was particularly excited to see Way Back When Dairy selling their low heat pasteurized dairy products, Mediterranean Chef with their delicious hummus and a seafood vendor with Gulf shrimp, crabs and fish (see previous post about the shrimp and corn chowder I made with their fresh seafood.)

You will have no problem stocking your fridge and pantry for a week from the terrific selection, but I recommend getting there early - the market is crowded and highly sought after items sell out early.

Cedar Park Farms to Market 
9 am to 1 pm
Lakeline Mall, in the South parking lot between Sears and Dillard's

See you at the market!

View the full photo set on Flickr.