Farmer's Market Season

Hey peeps! Do you love a good farmer’s market? Well, I do, and I want to share one of my favs. I discovered Centro Farmer’s Market four summers ago on one of my Sunday visits to a cute home décor and plant shop Centro Garden in Burlington (40 minutes west of Toronto). The market is located in the back parking lot and the hours run from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm rain or shine. There are approximately 12-15 vendors, so while it’s not a huge market, it’s perfect for our family.

What I love about Centro Farmer’s Market compared to others is the true sense of community. While I don’t live in Burlington, I do love the community feel and with this being my fourth summer heading to the market, we’ve now become regulars to the vendors, other families and the owner of Centro Garden.

In the middle of the market, they have picnic benches for customers to have their breakfast and coffee, a little play kitchen and chalk to keep the littles busy and live music setting the tone.

All the vendors have great produce/products but I want to share my favs with you.

Foundry Ice Cream – Enough said…Ice Cream! Made in Hamilton making small-batch pints with in-season fruits. I try my hardest not to have ice cream for breakfast and will wait until closer to noon to grab my cone. I highly recommend Lavender, it’s my fav!

Dez’s Flower Stand of Justice – I’m a sucker for flowers and they’ve got a great selection. But I would recommend coming early because they do go fast. They also sell Strawberry Lemonade by the glass and in the concentrate so you can take some home to make.

Vandenbroek Family Farm – since the boys could walk, I would have them come with me to any Farmer’s Market and help me pick produce. It takes a little bit longer to get what you need, but having them as my shopping buddies they pick what they want and they’ll eat it. This family farm has plenty of fresh selection right up until the end of the market. Our staples at every visit are tomatoes, kale and peppers.

So, you’re now thinking it’s 12noon and what do I do after the Farmer’s Market. Well, keep your car parked and you can visit the following within a few steps.

Centro Garden – steps away from the market is the home, lifestyle and garden store. I always walk away with some type of plant that I can’t seem to maintain (black thumb). And Centro Garden is amazing all year round with their home décor and plants.

Kelly’s Bake – sells baked goods that are gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegan and peanut-free. They’ve got their soft serve ice cream going on, take-home goods available and a great selection of beverages.

I’m not done yet as there are still more things to do in the downtown Burlington area. A short drive to the following spots is worth visiting. However, I’ve walked with the family from the market to the waterfront. (note: this area is paid parking, however, residential streets offer 3 hours of free parking, click on link for parking locations and rates).

Spencer Smith Park – downtown waterfront park allowing for bike rides, rollerblading, picnics, splash pad and a kids playground.

Sunshine Doughnuts – a short walk from the park. Donuts are fabulous and they’ve got the cutest backdrop in store and out. There are days where donuts are sold out, so I would make that a priority to visit before heading to the park.

Hoping you’ll make your way out on Sunday. Some spend the day, while others may use it as a pit stop from Toronto to hang out before heading to Niagara Falls or Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Any questions, please feel to contact me!

Sunshine