Came to Mueller farmers market instead of the Bell District location in Cedar Park, as I had a Yelp…read moreevent like a block away from this locations farmers market. Saw my favorite venders. Smith & Smith Farms and Hackamore Ranch. Got my eggs, which were a little smaller this week, but with that is also a price break. $5.00 each dozen. Also got some ground lamb and cubed steak. I think it took me longer to find parking than it actually took to get what I needed. The parking is always hard down here, which is why I'd rather go to the Cedar Park location. I should be good for the week.

I'm disappointed to be writing this, but I had an upsetting experience at the farmers market last…read moreSunday. Farmers markets are supposed to be welcoming, family-friendly spaces where local vendors, farmers, nonprofits, faith groups, and community members can come together safely and respectfully. Unfortunately, I witnessed something that made the environment feel anything but welcoming. There was a small religious group with a table at the market, and as someone passed by, they shouted offensive racial and religious slurs at the men working the table. It was completely uncalled for. Rather than engaging in any kind of respectful conversation, this person chose to be hateful and intimidating in a public community space. I understand that the organizers may not be able to identify or remove every person who behaves this way, but I do think the market should be more proactive about making its expectations clear. A farmers market should feel safe for everyone, including vendors and community organizations that may be more likely to face harassment. Clear signage, public reminders, or stronger policies against hate speech and intolerance would go a long way. I hope the organizers take this seriously and make it clear that racism, religious intolerance, and harassment are not acceptable at this market. The community deserves a space that truly feels supportive, inclusive, and safe for all.

We were having a slow Sunday, so my husband took us on a little outing to Berdoll Pecan Candy &…read moreGift Company. I'd been wanting to go for a long time, so I was glad to go, even if I'm in the middle of an 18 day fast. I knew I could get some fudge, freeze it, and enjoy it later. Of course, our first stop was to get a picture with Pearl the Squirrel! It was a little windy but eventually we got a cute one. Then we quickly admired the pecan pie vending machine, then went inside. I expected it to be charming, but I didn't expect it to be so extensive! We looked at the gifts and snacks they had throughout the shop, then finished at the fudge counter. The employee explained we could get a box with four pieces of our choice, or get a deal on a box of 6 corner pieces, pre-packaged. The deal was tempting, but none had the flavors I wanted, so I picked out four of my own. I forget all I picked, but I'm most looking forward to pumpkin spice and chocolate raspberry. It took a lot of willpower to enjoy a candy shop without eating anything, but it was definitely worth the experience! I'll bug my husband to go back again next time we're restless to get out a bit!

Be warned: you're going to leave with lighter wallets and heavier bags…read more Let me start by saying pulling off Highway 71 for anything is flirting with death. Cars zoom past like they're running away for their lives, but I risked my life for the giant squirrel statue sitting on the side of the road. What is this thing and what is the store attached to it? I had to see. Birthday weekend energy. Inside, the first thing that hits you is that massive pecan scented candle filling the whole store. They did this on purpose. It feels like a cozy Hallmark movie. The place smells delightful and that scent makes you want to buy something. Makes you ready to sample everything in sight. You deserve this. The store has everything: pecan pies, pecan candy, shelled/unshelled pecans, jams, jellies, hot sauces, toys, Texas branded/themed everything...you name it. It's all specialty, all cute, and all priced like it. I grabbed my niece two grenade-shaped hot sauces from "The General" brand because they were trendy and hilarious. But YIKES...Fifteen dollars each. Why, why, WHYYYYYYYY???? I gently reminded myself that Christmas is coming and delusion is part of the season. The staff was unbelievably friendly. They nudged you to sample this, try that, taste this. But beware because that southern hospitality will have you spending money you know you shouldn't or know you don't have. Once the total in my head started climbing, I called it and marched to the register before I got reckless. All in all, it's a fun little stop to stretch your legs, snack on some samples, and pick up something quirky. Pace yourself!

If you haven't made it over to the Royal Tomato yet, wait no longer. Locally grown organic…read moreproduce, an impressive international foods selection, and great prepared meals that rotate daily. Not to mention a fine variety of everything else, from cleaning supplies, to local meats, to spices, to, what's this, apricot paste? Fantastic. I was so delighted to find out about this place, and sorry it took so long to discover it. That said, in the midst of this pandemic, after months of sitting outside the chaos of the Bastrop HEB for its mediocre curbside offerings, this experience was like a vacation! We picked up lots of produce, but also tried the prepared meals. My husband had the Korean pulled pork with kimchi, which was fantastic, and I had the ravioli with pesto, pine nuts, and fresh local tomatoes. I'm not the biggest fan of pasta in general, but this was so very good. I can't wait for another, before tomato season is through. Thank you, Royal Tomato! The weight of this year's day to day got a little lighter.

I love royal tomato. I've always wanted a little farmers market in Smithville. The owner is very…read morenice and helpful. She constantly keeps an assortment of fresh produce, meats, cheeses and different pantry items. I love the oyster mushroom she gets. Those are fantastic.

Small market run out of their home. The produce is grown on property and has seasonal selections…read more Truly a local market. We picked up a couple different hot peppers, marinara sauce and potatoes. There is another famer's market in town that has multiple vendors if you are looking for that. This is a family business that grows and markets the grown vegetables. I did see meats in the cold case from a local meat producer. You need to go and support local !

A working farm on Main Street. Go to the market and get fresh food. Go to the seed exchange. Enjoy…read morethe pleasant atmosphere and seasonal fresh grown food. The farmer is a lovely person. Bastrop, TX is lucky to have this place.

East Poultry Company does not get much recognition for its homegrown feel and all. Located on the…read moreEast Side, right next to Livestrong, this nonchalant white factory fosters a culture of whole sale, at a local level. Who can speak against the wonders that come with duck and chicken and quail and all things poultry, especially when sold in mass quantities at decent prices to Austin residents and restaurants? As a note, they close at 3PM Monday-Thursday and 4PM Friday. Head over here when you get a moment. What are you, chicken?

I buy raw goat milk from Fran at intervals. They are always top quality. I use them to make Kefir…read more https://photos.app.goo.gl/qvpYh7Kfhv67DeSC9

I have been to a couple of goat dairies in my day, and what I love about Francis and her goats is…read morethat she is a stickler for cleanliness and for chilling that milk immediately so the caproic acid does not make the milk taste off. She sells full fat milk which is delicious and creamy. She regularly tests her milk for purity, but the best part of this dairy, is that those animals are LOVED. They are loved and cared for very well. I pay $12 for a half gallon, and I use the milk like medicine. It helps restore my teeth, and also helps me lose weight. I love this place. Love the people. Love the goats.

From what I understand this market has been happening for a couple of years. As far as farmers…read moremarkets go, this is a relatively small assembly of vendors, but they do have a really nice variety of items. There are definitely some things you will find here that you will not find at your local supermarket. We purchased some farm fresh eggs that were laid the day before. We also picked up some fresh produce and there were also some interesting plants for sale. One vendor was there to sell their free range organic meats. If you find yourself coming to Elgin for some great barbecue on a Thursday, just come downtown by the tracks after 4 o'clock and you can catch these folks. The photographs below tell a better story.

Every Thursday! Food, treats, fresh veggies, crafts , soap, meat. There is a very talented…read moreartist there who makes bowls from locally sourced wood. Absolutely beautiful work.

This hidden little gem was a nice find. They have a really cool garden and lots of interesting…read morethings for sale as well as nice packets of seeds. The owners are very nice and helpful. I will be back when I need more plants.